2nd Gen R56 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: 100K service: when to replace water pump? turbo? etc?

  1. 05r50

    05r50 Well-Known Member

    Dec 4, 2010
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    Welcome.

    So, this can be a pretty loaded question on what to do for a service interval or preemptive strike.

    Turbos are expensive and labor is as well. If you go with aftermarket you can save some money, but labor is labor. So on some things waiting is the right thing.

    The motor you have is named a N14. It has a well known issue involving the timing chain and the chain tensioner. The tensioner can fail and that can cause the chain to stretch over time which is bad or even jump a tooth on the sprocket and that could be a very costly repair.

    Now that I have properly scared you, lets take a moment to level set. Not all the N14 motors have had this failure, but the internet is full of these stories. Here is what you can do. If a MINI dealer does your service, they have a tool that they can insert in place of the tensioner and it measures the slack on the chain.That tells them if you need a tensioner, a chain, or both. The tensioner is like maybe a $40 part + labor so that isn't so bad. The chain and guide rails have more labor involved and that will cost you more. However all of this is DIY with the right tools. A good independent MINI tech can do the same.

    One of the best things you can do for your car is to check your oil level often. Like every tank of gas. Keeping the oil topped off between changes, helps to keep the tensioner and chain damage in control. Also, change the oil like every 5,000 miles. Its a cheap item overall.

    I have attached a maintenance schedule document that covers some of items that should be handled routinely.

    Best of luck.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Spark plugs
     
  3. twlai

    twlai New Member

    Nov 12, 2009
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    i changed spark plugs at 70k miles already...

    anything else?
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Jul 31, 2009
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    The belt may need changing.
     
  5. twlai

    twlai New Member

    Nov 12, 2009
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    05r50,

    thanks!
     
  6. jcauseyfd

    jcauseyfd New Member

    May 25, 2009
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    On the water pump and turbo, I agree with your mechanic - wait until a failure occurs. On the serpentine belt, if visual inspection shows cracks, then that should be replaced.