What is your question?
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What is your question?
The dealership says it will cost $1950, which is "parts only" - they have previously (within last 11 months) repaired the timing chain by replacing/installing a timing chain tensioner. Now they say the whole thing needs replacing. My car only has 52,000 miles. They also say the water pump is leaking, that the seal is loose. I don't trust them.
7 Replies
FYI: I recently got a notice of a possible class action settlement for this. It applies to 2008-2009 S clubman, 2007-2009 s hardtop, and 2009-2010 s convertible. It may be able to reimburse repairs to timing chain tensioner/timing chain, as well as engine repairs necessitated by their failure. https://secure.ntcsol.com/softniche/easyclaim/Forms2011/
then get another opinion. you dont have to believe them. the pricing sounds very high and you need to get other bids if the repair is needed. Roy
I would get a second opinion as Roy said. On 2007 model year t/chain replacement is 11 hours labor, water pump replacement not being done as part of a t/chain replacement is approximately 3 hours labor.
It shouldn't cost you anything! There are design issues with this engine. Make sure the chain is the issue and not carbon buildup.
I agree, Jason, and I'm in a continuing fight with Mini over this. That, combined with their entirely absurd oil change schedule (every 15,000 - 20,000 miles - hah!) has caused me unending grief. But what I did was go to an independent repair shop and get them to fix it (and replace the water pump) for a reasonable cost. I also got them to clean the engine entirely - because there was carbon buildup due to the oil change schedule - and now I change the oil every 5000 miles - and get Mini to pay for it. The last time I was at Mini (for a recall on - guess what - the water pump) I made them give me a sample of the oil - that they said wouldn't need changing for another 14,000 miles - and it was absolutely sludgy & thick, after 4000 miles. Mini should be ashamed.
Hello, Zenith. I have a 2009 Clumban; the tensioner shattered on the interstate; luckily I wasn't killed! Needless to say it jumped time, resulting in a need for a new timing chain, tensioner, etc. to the tune of $1,800. I suppose I should be grateful that damage to valves, pistons, etc. did not occur, probably due to my refusal to follow Mini's oil change schedule. I'm curious as to how you went about logging your complaints and how you are able to have Mini pay for your oil changes? thanks, Daniel Foster Johnston
My 2009 Mini Clubman is with the Grand River BMW dealer for replacement of the timing chain. It's been 4 days and the dealer loaned a car today and looking at charging over $4000 for the repair costs. Mini Canada is taking advantage of Canadians and the weak lemon law. Total rip off by Mini Canada for the manufacturer defect repair as they refuse to pick up the tab.
Hello, My wife has a 2009 Mini Clubman S with 36,000 miles on it. I took it to a nearby shop and was told I need the timing chain fixed est. $2,000. I started to read on line about this issue and yes it is an issue! I e-mailed Mini of San Diego, Ca. They responded and told us to take in the car for a free inspection. Paid the shop $119 for doing the diagnostic check and had the car towed to Mini of San Diego. Come to find out there is an TIMING CHAIN OPEN RECALL and Mini of SD is replacing upper and lower guides, new tensioner, new chain guide an all the parts included. After the repair Mini will do final diagnostic and call me. At this point there are NO charges for repair. Waiting to hear back from MINI today
Hi, quick question. Were you covered for all the repairs by MINI? Since you have a 2009 model, did you just make it under the 7 year extended warranty period or did they cover it beyond the 7-year/100,000 mile cutoff for the claim? Any additional details would be appreciated. Thanks!
Today it cost me $1700 at a very professional/great customer service....I'll be back type of place.
Thanks, Vsavi - I got the notice, too. And I feel SO vindicated!! I am sending in my claim for all the repairs - and adding my rental car for that time, too, in the hopes that I can be reimbursed for that. I kept telling them that there was a service advisory out for it, but they kept blaming it on me. Imagine my joy when I got the Class Action Settlement notice! I hope you didn't have that problem but if you did I hope you are compensated too!