Most liked posts in thread: Mini Cooper Clubman Timing chain

MINI has two different extended warranty products. One is an extension of the "free" service that includes oil changes, brake pads and the like that really an extended maintenance plan. The other is an extension of the vehicles warranty that should cover things like this. Might want to see which one you purchased. It's quite possible to get the two mixed up especially in the excitement of the Fiance Office when you are about to take delivery of your new car. You would certainly not be the first.

Dublin, OH ehh...Thats MAG. Are you working with Sam there? If not, ask to speak with him please. He will be your best advocate at MAG with MINI to get this covered.

Now I'm curious too, how did you hear of Motoring Alliance?

Also be sure to check out the Mid-Ohio Motoring area here on M/A. Come join us for donuts and tire kicking some time.

 

How many miles on the car when the timing chain broke?
What was the oil level in the engine? These cars are very sensitive about having enough oil, the oil level should be checked with every tankful of gas. If it was low on oil when it let go, it's your fault.

Do you have a copy of your extended warranty? Have you read it? Don't trust the dealer to tell you what's in the extended warranty.

Dave

 

Nathan,

You forgot to tell him that we are the "un-club" club. We just enjoy each other and DONUTS.

 

that's a bummer. We've seen several of these.

Let me know if you want to sell the car with the broken engine.

 

I've done a bunch of these repairs at work. It most likely didn't break the chain but instead jumped time. Its possible that if the vacuum pump locked up it would shear the exhaust sprocket off and bad things ensue. However : it is the owners responsibility to check and top off fluids and tire pressure more often than you get your oil changed. BMW says that 1qt of oil consumption every 1000 miles is acceptable. And the oil pan only holds 4.5 qts. So with that math if you only get your oil changed when the dashboard tells you it makes sense that this happens, after all the timing chain tensioner runs off of oil pressure. If you run low on oil you can't build enough pressure.


This post is not against you in any way. Just letting you all know to check your oil more frequently.

 

^^^ good analogy on the relationship of oil level / oil pressure / timing chain tensioner. Check that oil level.

 

Everyone I talk to agrees that 3,-5,000 miles max between Oil changes is best. There's just too much heat and pressure in these engines to keep even the best synthetic oil from breaking down before 15k miles. My Clubman now has 86k miles on it and I've started using Royal Purple 5w30 in it. The cars been running great and I think the average fuel economy has improved slightly. Any other oil recommendations?

 

Oil remmendations...

I can't agree more with most users stating frequent oil changes, are best for our cars. I must also mention Amsoil as a proven synthetic oil. I use nothing but Amsoil in all four of my cars, and have never had a problem. If you are interested, I am a supporting sponsor of MA and an Amsoil dealer. Everyone from MA pays wholesale pricing, so disregard what displays on my site.

 

Ill second royal purple that's what I use on my r53 with 97k on it. Amsoil is also great stuff

 

I've used Mobil 1 for years. It is all our MINI's see. I use 0W40 for our MINI's & 5W30 in our Not N MG. I don't sell Mobile 1 if that makes a difference. :wink:

Agreed that timely oil changes are important as is checking ones oil.

 

Royal Purple and Amsoil are too hard to find.
I'll stick with MINI brand oil, The dealer is close and convenient.

Dave

 

Do you have a Autozone nearby? If so they sell the Castrol..... But look closely on the label for the word "European", that will be the good stuff (LL-01 Long Life). They also have it on sale from time to time.

 

Do you really need to bother with LL (long Life) oil if you are changing it every 7,500 miles or less?

While my car's in warranty I'm also using the MINI oil from the dealer, like Dave, my dealer's close enough that it's an easy and cost effective choice for my car.