Most liked posts in thread: Timing chain tensioner

Do it yourself! There's plenty of write ups on the interwebs, it's an easy job. You can do it If you're uncomfortable with it, try a euro shop, not a BM'r or MINI dealership. They'll overcharge anyways. 2hr job max.

 

WOW this is the first time I have ever heard of a Dealership not wanting to take someone's money. :ihih::lol:

 

Might be a case where the BMW dealership isn't setup to handle MINI's....

 

A timing chain tensioner is still just a bolt right? So they don't have sockets in a car garage? :lol::lol::lol:

 

Well.... If you do it correctly so as not to risk having the chain jump a tooth, you would need to keep tension on the chain when you remove the tensioner. That would require removing the valve cover... They more than likely didn't want to deal with it and used it as an excuse.... But yeah, if done properly, it's not a big deal... Now if they got into it and found out that the plastic chain guides were buggered up.... Well then it starts getting a whole lot more complicated than just needing a socket...:cryin:

 

Its not too difficult but could be intimidating to someone not used to doing more than changing the oil.

heres a video covering the process: [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JZNG1uVVo4"]Replace MINI Cooper Timing Chain Tensioner - Gen 1 R50-R52-R53 2002 2006 - YouTube[/ame]

Bentleys a good resource too.

 

There's no way the chain should be able to jump a tooth from just changing the tensioner, even if the tensioner seizes completely, you can still drive the car home as long as you take it easy, there's just not that much slack in the chain. If almost be willing to bet that with the tensioner completely out, you'd be hard pressed to force a good chain to move a tooth on the cam sprocket.
Seriously, it is just one bolt, a 19mm swivel socket and a torque wrench, 20 to 30 min from above or about an hour through the wheel well (Just because of removing the wheel and fender liner)

 

The perfect storm... during changing of the old tensioner
If the chain was stretched...
If the plastic chain guides were worn down...

You pull the tensioner out and the chain goes slack, and gravity causes the chain to disengage from the lower sprocket (not the cam sprockets).......

 

But but but it's and award winning motor why should it needs parts so soon. :ihih::lol:

 

The OP didn't say what year his MINI is. I got the timing chain and tensioner on my 2007 MCS replaced for free under the recall on gen2 MINIs. I even got a free loaner car while the MINI dealer did the work.

CD