R56 hatch back non s DOHC



Hi new here hopefully you guys can help



Sorry for the length of the story but I know when someone has problems like this the answer is usually sell the car and run away. I don’t want to just yet. I am willing to pay more for the repairs than the car is worth because of an emotional attachment I have to the car.



So the history.

It is a bit blurry because I don’t have the best memory. My R56 started having overheating problems. The engine cooling fan would not turn on. I replaced the relay, the water pump and the thermostat.

I was saving up money to do more work on it when it would not pass smog. I need new o2s and I had engine knock. I was told to replace the sensors and change the fuel filter.

For various reasons the I registered the car non op and it sat for years.

I decided to try starting it up. It started right up. I decided to start working on it because I have an OK (not great but OK) place to work on the car and a little more money now. Got a blue driver only codes were 2 O2 codes and engine knock

I replaced the O2s I am still waiting for them to map

I replaced the fuel filter but I still have engine knock

I don’t really know what knock is supposed to sound like but what actually happens is everything is fine. It is running as smooth as a car that has sit for years should run but feeling better as time goes on then the care either while driving or in idle will run rough. I will get a minute or 2 of just rough sounding and extra vibration. Not violent vibration not loud just sounds rough. Then the check engine light comes up and I get the engine knock code from my blue driver.

Anyway while working on the car got the hood stuck watched the videos could not get it open so took it to a Mini specialist here in my City. This is the guy who did the water pump and thermostat

He remembers me I tell him the whole story he says he will peak at it while they have the car.

Anyway needs new plugs

Oil on the plugs

80k miles recommends new chain

Valve cover gasket

Says I have a Vanos code but didn’t see that on my Blue Driver.

Says Vanos could be

old oil (didn’t do oil change because I kept forgetting to buy the 8mm hex I have oil and filter will do that next)

Bad Vanos solenoid

Bad camshaft gears

All of the above

Code for camshaft or crankshaft correlation (new timing chain)

Code for thermostat says needs new thermostat but that was new before it sat for years (he installed it). This worries me it makes me think it must be the wiring to thermostat that must be the problem which means a new harness (I think). That may be why the engine cooling fan never turns on

As for the fan they were able to make turn on using their scanner.



So lets start with what you guys think it is.



Second my current plan is to do most of this work myself. I have an uncle who was a mechanic up until a year ago (he decided to get out of that business but has about 30 years of experience but doesn’t really know about minis he worked at a general-purpose shop then Kia the last few years so an expert in American Japanese and Kia. But he has tool and general know how. I replaced my own timing belt when I was a young man on my Accord. I have seen a few videos on replacing the timing chain.



I was thinking I will do the Chain plugs and coils and valve cover gasket.

While I was in there I was think the head gasket also. Probably the thermostat since I am there even though it was new before the car was put in non op

Vanos seems fairly accessible so no need right now hoping all of this work will clear that up.

Any other while you are in there things I should do?



My uncle has the tools and a pro level scanner but not sure he is up to date on the licenses. Also don’ t know if much has changed but back before the Mini was put in non op he said he didn’t have the license for my Mini



He lives an hour away and while I will do this job at his place I think if I am going to keep this car I should probably have a decent scanner. I know I will at a minim have to reset the adaptations.

I am not tall but working on the mini sucks with me having to bend over. I was thinking about buys a set of Quick Jacks does anyone have any experience setting one up on an r56. I am worried about lining up with the jack points. Also do I have to buy the smallest one.

Any other special tools I need to buy (other than the cam locks for the timing chain replacement). Any kits including the cam locks that you recommend. Any particular parts (manufacturer) that you recommend.



Any videos in particular you recommend watching.



I have time since this is my Extra Extra car. I have a company van for work related stuff. I have a Miata for personal use. This will be my 3rd car. I am hoping that I can make this my primary personal car and just pull out the Miata for fun time.

 

It sounds like if you decide to have a shop do all of this work it will likely be about as much as the entire car is worth, but you'll certainly have a well sorted Mini when it's all done.

 

I would spend the money on an OEM Mini timing chain kit. It should come with new bolts, new tensioner, new crankshaft sprocket, and of course new plastic guides. The Detroit Tuned oil leak kit is also fairly comprehensive with the improved oil feed line for the turbo. You'll want a decent torque wrench. If you just put the car up on four sturdy jackstands, that should be adequate to get it up at a comfortable height. The overheating problem is probably the most concerning.