I had my timing chain components replaced on June 28th 2013 (51,000 miles), after almost 2 years my tensioner didn't act up ever during a cold start, but after a 30 mile drive on the freeway the moment I came to a stop off the freeway I heard a very slight chain sound.
I replaced it immediately with the final redesigned 5th gen tensioner which I compared with a new 4th gen tensioner, what a huge smoother difference in the plunger action! While I was at it I had the timing chain measured and all was good. To each his own, but I would always install a better manufactured part in my Mini if there were known issues with the current gen tensioner that was still in my Mini.
Paid $150 to have the new 5th gen 82mm long tensioner installed, the sound vanished and hasn't returned.
I installed the new 82mm tensioner last fall and it has been quiet since. very happy with the change. My old plunger didn't have much tension left and it was the last updated model!
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