It's on the firewall side of the engine near the front just below the intake manifold. I havn't personaly messed with one yet since most cars that have had suspected TC issues get taken to the dealer for warranty. If it's like the R53 you can get to it from the wheel well with an extension and a swivle socket.

 

After having the timing chain tensioner bolt retorqued after losing oil back in March, the car hasn't run as it did prior to anything being done to it. It's in the shop now for the second time since March. First time was because of revving engine on start, then loss of power when driving. Today it went in because of engine revving on start and check engine light coming on.

It will be fixed, then sold. Can't trust it anymore.

 

'Sounds like your MINI jumped timing while the tensioner was malfunctioning. That would explain the "sudden change in character" (unless, of course, you suspect your Cooper is on drugs).

Last weekend, the piston popped out of the cylinder on my timing chain tensioner. By the time the valves and pistons stopped crashing into each other, +5 quarts of oil had been pumped out of the sump through the tensioner housing. It was found to be almost bone dry when towed into the MINI garage.

A new engine is on order, but BMW has yet to make a call: Warranty item? Or Tough Luck?

Which will it be?

 

keep us up to date all of you with this problem