OK, so I'm both new here and new to Minis, and I'm sure this has been asked here many times before, but apparently I can't find the correct keywords in searching for the answer so I am taking the risk of being redundant - apologies.

2007 R56 (N12) w/ 68,000 miles. Bought it a few weeks ago. Brought it in today to get the timing chain slack measurement done. Not good news.

Here's what the invoice from the mechanic reads:

"Customer request check tension/slack on timing chain and advise. (Est 1 hr @ $125)
Removed Tensioner.
Measured twice, 68.9mm first check, 68.3mm second.
New is 63.9, spec is under 68mm; recommend replacing chain and tensioner.
Tensioner is old design."

Now, I was under the impression that replacing the tensioner @ ~$250 would suffice in this scenario to buy some time, but the mechanic says once the chain itself stretches this far, it is too far gone and needs to be replaced (quoted approx $1750 for the chain + tensioner (+guides?) to be replaced).

I am NO expert - in fact, quite the opposite.

Clue me in, please - If I REALLY have to dump another $1750 into this car, it's 50/50 whether I'll just sell it off and move on. I love the car, I hate to do that - but I already paid a little more than it is worth, and sunk more into it on top of that - another $1750 in week 3 could be the deal-killer.

Let's put it this way - I could justify ANOTHER $1750 now, if I could be fairly confident that no more than oil changes & trans fluid/filter changes would be required for at least 2 years or 25,000 miles. Not realistic, correct?

What am I looking at? Just a tensioner, or a full on chain/tensioner/guides? The mech says if the previous owner had done the slack measurement earlier & replaced the tensioner at that time, the chain replacement could have been avoided. I'm pretty sure he's right, I guess I'm just looking for the opinions/confirmation from you more experienced Mini owners.

Thanks

 

All right, I accept it. (Been digging deeper.) Replacement of full timing chain assembly it is. I consider myself lucky to be on the original design at 68,000 and have no signs of rattle whatsoever.

Now I guess I just need info on the most current kit with the longest lifespan so I can confirm the shop is ordering the best parts available today.

Anyone?

 

I think our vendors have the newest kits if you are going to order. For me ECS would be first followed by WMW, only reason why is ECS is located in Ohio, I live in Cincinnati. I have ordered from both and everything, for me, was delivered within 2 days tops.

 

As for driving the car, you should be able to drive her for a long time now as long as you change your oil every 3-5 k. Check oil between changes, I check it once a week, empty OCC, tire pressure, etc. I work from home on Friday’s so I think of it as basic prep for the weekend thrashing she might take 😉

 

And I know where you are coming from on spending money on car. I paid 5700 cash for my 09 clubby S. 1 week after picking her up, boom $260 for new coolant tank installed, flushed with new bmw coolant. There was mixtures of orange and green when I noticed the leak. Then a month of no issues and boom 6th gear slipped at 75 mph. New clutch, resurfaced flywheel, bearings, fluid, etc. $1400 out the door. Any day I get to drive the mini is a good day. Going to spend another $400 for some upgrades and tune up, then off to the dragon on the 29th this month.

 

Newest tensioner comes in our kits that we made. Thats for cars that are beyond the specs. If its beyond the stretch they replace the timing chain, which our kits have a great price but its the labor cost that some places charge that can add up.

Post #61 starts the history of the timing chains: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nsioner-3.html

N12 Engine timing kits: https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-...Engine/Timing/

 

1750 is way too much for the timing chain replacement. I understand CA is expensive with everything, but it is worth getting a second quote. It is not a bad DIY. you could also find a mini enthusiast near you through this site or FB.

 

I kinda want to know why it was $250 to install a new tensioner if they already had removed the other one to measure it?? Just put the new one in would be the cost of the part only WTF.

But I feel that would be a band aid and not the right fix. I would only replace the entire kit in my shop. And this is the kit we use which is all Original MINI parts and the latest and greatest version.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...per-non-s.html

 

Once again, my thanks to all who have taken the time to reply. All very good information.

I live in one of the most remote areas of the country, it is a 4-5 hour drive to the closest city, so services are ridiculously expensive here.

The mechanic didn't have the replacement tensioner in stock so he couldn't just install it at the time of inspection - but even if he had it in stock, his specialist recommended against it as the chain has stretched beyond spec at this point. From my research, I'm pretty sure the tensioner would be a very temporary band-aid, and I'd rather just fix it right, with the best quality parts I can get, and be done with it for a while (hopefully).

I do have 3 different local shops who specialize in Minis, all 3 have a great reputation. The one I have been using so far is the only one who could squeeze me in on short notice, but I think I'll still get quotes from the other 2 shops for this job as well.

My concern is that the mechanics around here won't work with customer-provided parts, so I'm stuck with whatever they order.

The mech that gave me the $1750 quote specs "Timing Chain Kit 33162" @ $275 for the kit, plus $35.97 for the valve cover gasket set, $200 for "Misc seals/hardware/hoses" ?!?, with a balance of $1187.50 for 9.5 hrs labor @ $125/hr.

Can anyone offer an opinion on the quality of that particular kit and/or if it has the latest-and-greatest parts included? (33162, appears to be made by Febi Bilstein) While you're at it, please feel free to pick apart the quote, I'm curious to know exactly where I'm being overcharged.

 

Thats the Febi Kit we carry and in our kits, its a good kit. Search on our site with that part #. Then you can see the prices of our full kit. Factor in a ~$75 hr price on labor on some places. MINI dealers charge up to 150hr. On the price quotes is also based on hours. Other people can chime in what they paid per hour.

 

I thought this was an excellent thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eplaement.html

The YouTube videos by MiniAdventure were spot on. See my comments toward the end of the thread. I did this myself. I ordered the cryogenically treated kit from Way Motorworks and I was very happy with it.
This job took me about 20 hours to do over two full days. I wouldn't say it was especially hard, but definitely involved. I think with the parts kit, 4 new spark plugs, a new crankshaft and a new camshaft position sensor, and an oil pan gasket and an oil change, I still think I did everything for less than $450.

 

ECS Tuning is a very reliable vendor and prides themselves on ensuring quality parts. I’m not sure who would be the manufacturer of the parts sourced by the mechanic. If it were me, I would find someone who would do the work using the best quality parts if they supply them or not. What is their concern? It would seem to me there would be more risk to you As the shop would not warranty the results if they did not source the parts. If a part failed, or would be incorrect, you would pay for the service and ECS would step up to correct a mistake (which would not happen, BTW).

As far as the repair cost is concerned, can you find out how many hours they are billing and at what rate? That would enable others to provide comparable experience.

I affirm your decision to repair a clean and original car. It will need more work as it is simply an older vehicle. You can get ahead of a few things “while you’re in there.” Consider doing the water pump, thermostat housing, oil filter housing gasket, radiator hoses, valve cover gasket, crank gasket, PCV breather hose, serpentine belt etc... All you would really be paying is a few hundred extra for parts and very little, if anything for labor. All these items are common to go and in my opinion are based more on time than miles.

As an example, my son and I are preparing to replace his water pump. This is the third time now that we have had to remove the same items to get to this area of the car: First - PCV breather, Second time for the Crank seal. The parts are cheap compared to the labor as so mouth is stuffed into a small area and much time is spent just getting to the bolts of the part needed to be replaced. Our water pump is only $70. My local guy wanted 2 hours to do the work at $100/hour. We’ll spend a Saturday morning and some father and son time gett’n er don.

 

Sorry - I just saw the 9.5 hours at $125. I guess you can look for someone less expensive.

 

Update (3/10/20):

I did, in fact, find a better & slightly more affordable alternative shop. They were extremely busy (a good sign) and my appointment is set for this coming Monday morning. Should have the car back by mid day Tuesday. This shop has the best reputation of any German car specialist within hundreds of miles, so I'm pretty confident I'm in the best hands I could get, locally. They always have at least a few Minis in the shop, as most of the local owners know who to bring their car to.

Their quote was $1400 out the door, as long as no other complications arise. They have a reputation of being very thorough but honest & fair.

I'll definitely ask them about other work that should be done at the same time. Thanks to all who have offered info, I really appreciate it.

 

Thanks for the update and welcome.