They already did your aux water pump recall? Didn't think they had the new parts on hand yet...

 

OK, I got my tensioner replaced today for 135 Euro about $175. It was not bad but still would like to know they care.

@Benibiker-Same day I found out about the recall I was going in for a water pump problem. They got the parts and had it done the next day. I think they stocked the pump boards prior to the recall announcement.

 

I brought my 2010 Cooper S in for leaking oil. Looks like the timing chain tensioner was the problem. They covered it under warranty.

What is written on my service invoice:

OWNER STATES OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE R FRONT AREA
TIMING CHAIN PISTON BACKED OUT CAUSING OIL LEAK AND
RATTLE NOISE FROM TIMING CHAIN
CHECKED TIMING TO CONFIRM IT DID NOT JUMP AND REPLACED
TIMING CHAIN PISTON SEAL.

The part number for the seal was 11-31-7-507-432.
They also did the recall on the car. Looks like they replaced the auxiliary water pump and 2 hose clamps.

 

Boosted_MINI,
Did you replace it with the stock MINI tensioner or the longer unit from oembmw?

 

Not sure what the dealer is doing, but when I brought in my 2010 S Hardtop today for the water pump recall, they said they would be performing the timing chain tensioner recall as well.
TREX

 

Timing chain recall or bulletin? They need to do a recall, but I think they just meant bulletin unless there is some new news about this.

 

During an inspection the dealer found that my timing chain tensioner seal was leaking a bit. I never noticed any drips.

I have no evidence of timing chain tensioner issues or chain noise. The dealer replaced the o-ring under warranty to shore up the leak. No issues so far. Looks like the same parts used as danielbeast.

 

I will look at my receipt after I pick it up tonight and post what it says tomorrow. The tech advisor said they would be performing two recalls, but maybe that wasn't accurate terminology.

 

Got my work order back. Auxillary Water Pump replaced under recall per sim 17 02 12
Chain Tensioner replaced under campaign per sim 11 02 12

Doesn't tell me much. Just glad they did it.
TREX

 

That's the service bulletin. Had mine done per the bulletin and no issues since.

 

Yep...me too...both done about 3 weeks ago.

 

I don't think they just replaced the seal? Maybe they did, but service ticket says Installed Chain tensioner 11 31 4 609 483. Looking up the part it looks like it is just the bolt?
Trex

 

Per the bulletin, if the chain is only stretched to a certain point when measured (don't remember the exact details), they will just swap the old tensioner with the revised tensioner to provide the extra tension needed. If stretched passed that predetermined measurement, they replace everything, including the tensioner. Sounds like they caught yours early enough.

 

Only have 6500 miles on it, so would surpirse me if it had stretched very much in that short of time frame. Strange things happen though.

Thanks for the input,
TREX

 

Does anyone know if the chain tensioner issue is still a problem with new models being built today?

I have a JCW Roadster which uses the N14 engine on order. Did Mini do anything to help alleviate the problem on future vehicles?

 

The tensioner is longer, so I would assume, these are what they are using for production, no?

 

My first MCS was a 2008 and started having the engine rattle problem with about 500 miles on it and rattled badly every morning. After about three months of going back and forth with the dealer and Mini USA they bought back my MCS.

I just last week bought a 2012 MCS last week hoping I will have much better luck. Time will tell. So far I really love the car.

 

I bought the new tensioner about a week ago to install myself. A couple of days ago I notice that there is a small puddle of oil on the ground everywhere I park. It appeared to be coming from the area around the tensioner. I replaced the tensioner this evening. Took me about 1.5 hrs. Something that I noticed and have not heard mentioned is that not only is the new tensioner about 1/4" longer but the spring tension seems to be substantially stronger. I take my car in for the recall tomorrow morning. We'll see if they say anything about doing the tensioner.