2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Broken Timing Chain

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.

 

Someone posted that Detroit Tuned was doing a post treatment to the chain to harden the links..... Not sure how valid that is so you might give Chad a call....

Edit:

Found it... "cryogenically treating all chains and tensioners"

http://www.detroittuned.com/mini-timing-chain-kit-gen-2-n14/

 

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?

 

Real OEM,

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?kind=P&series=R55&body=HB&model=Cooper+S&zone=USA&prod=20100100&arch=0

 

was it the stupid cam driven pump that caused the chain failure?

 

I was told there was a timing chain recall of sorts last year. Didn't get a recall..