2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Broken Timing Chain

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by sguerrero1971, Apr 3, 2017.

  1. sguerrero1971

    sguerrero1971 New Member

    Apr 6, 2016
    7
    0
    0
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I lost my timing chain last week. So, now it's time to see what is out there that is better than stock for replacement parts.

    So, are there kits that have improved chains in them? Also, since I am going to be in the engine anyway, I thought I might ask what else I could do to get me down the road for a while. I bought this Mini used with just under 100k on it. So, I was thinking maybe new rings and bearings, since I have to drop the pan to make sure no bits of the guides are in the oil pan.

    Things I have done:

    New valve cover
    New turbo oil lines - Detroit Tuned
    Serpentine Belt
    Water Pump
    Oil Filter assembly gasket replaced.
    Solid flywheel and clutch
    Craven Short Shifter

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.
     
  2. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2010
    2,952
    1,500
    113
    Engineer
    Pacific NW
    Ratings:
    +1,721 / 0 / -0
    You didn't say what year and model MINI you have, but from my reading, there were some out of spec timing chains in 2009 and earlier cars, other than that I don't think the chain has changed since the 2010 model year on the Prince engine. The problem was with the timing chain tensioner. There have been a few different part numbers on tensioners, the latest tensioner, p/n 11317607551, seems to have finally fixed the problem.

    MINIs area niche car, I would be surprised if anyone other than the manufacturer has a timing chain for it.

    The Prince engine is a zero clearance engine, so if the timing chain failed you will have valve and piston damage too.
     
  3. sguerrero1971

    sguerrero1971 New Member

    Apr 6, 2016
    7
    0
    0
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Sorry it is an '07 S.

    Yeah I am aware of the zero clearance issue, and know I'll have some damage. We'll see what I run into when I get the motor opened up.
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 29, 2009
    12,713
    7,659
    113
    Ex-Owner (Retired) of a custom metal fab company.
    Columbus, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +7,913 / 1 / -0
    #4 Metalman, Apr 3, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2017
  5. oldbrokenwind

    oldbrokenwind Active Member

    Oct 18, 2012
    196
    107
    43
    Male
    Retired
    Northern NV
    Ratings:
    +138 / 0 / -0
    If you pull the head to do an inspection, you'll need the gasket kit for misc. head-attached parts. Then you decide which thickness head gasket to buy --- not included in this kit. Mini dealers also sell a timing chain replacement kit --- much less costly than individual parts. Then there's all the one-use bolts that need to be replaced.

    If you do the work yourself, you're gonna need a Bentley manual (tightening sequence and torque values) and ready access to the RealOEM illustrated parts list. Don't forget the "special tools" required, plus an extensive set of normal tools. For an '07S, repair costs might be more than the book value --- get it apart and diagnosed before buying more stuff.

    Let us know what you find?
     
  6. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2010
    2,952
    1,500
    113
    Engineer
    Pacific NW
    Ratings:
    +1,721 / 0 / -0
  7. sguerrero1971

    sguerrero1971 New Member

    Apr 6, 2016
    7
    0
    0
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for all the info, I will get it broken open and we'll see what I am working with.
     
  8. MrBlah

    MrBlah Member

    Jun 19, 2015
    114
    3
    18
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    was it the stupid cam driven pump that caused the chain failure?
     
  9. gonepostal

    gonepostal New Member

    Jun 14, 2010
    1
    0
    1
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I was told there was a timing chain recall of sorts last year. Didn't get a recall..
     

Share This Page