Cooper S R53 from Chile Hi guys I live in santiago in Chile and have a 2006 S with about 35K miles and i love mi car is the best car I have ever had. The only big problem is that the gearbox had to be replaced in warranty at 23K miles after a big fight with the dealer, no other problems. However the problem in Chile is that we only have one dealer and one service garage only for Mini and they are really rubbish and terrible expensive. I would not mind the expense if they knew what they are doing. Now I have a problem they do not know how to tackle, when I speed up and get to 7000 RPM instead of getting the RPM limiter effect the engine shuts off and the yellow light comes on in the tachometer. I cannot start the car engaging the clutch I have to start the engine via the ignition key. Any Ideas? I also have 2 other questions, when should I change the supercharger belt and also the timing chain? thanks I am happy to be here
Welcome to M/A! Some of our more knowledgeable members will be along soon to offer sage advice to your problems.
Welcome To MA! I can't help on the first question, but someone will be along soon that can help. I change my belt about once every 2 years. Some do it every year. If it has been a long time I would change the belt tensioner and idler pulley at the same time. Also check your crank pulley, if the rubber is cracked I would change it also. You don't want it to fail. I have never done my timing change on my 02 R53, it has 139,000 on it.
Under normal use the timing chain itself shouldn't need replacement, however the hydraulic chain tensioner can fail and the nylon on the chain guides can become brittle and pieces break off. Keep an ear open for a strange rattling/chain noise from that part of the motor. Replace the tensioner when this occurs and if the noise comes back the guides might be bad.