Mini Cooper timing chain tensioner failed on my 2012 Cooper S

[Agatha Flack]

Well, it finally happened – that dreaded rattle on startup that I’ve been reading about on Mini forums for years started about two weeks ago, and I stupidly ignored it thinking it was just the cold start and it would go away once the oil pressure built up. Then yesterday morning the engine made this horrible metallic clattering sound and stalled out in my parking lot, and now it won’t start at all. I’m pretty sure the timing chain tensioner gave up and the chain probably jumped a few teeth, which from everything I’ve read means I’m looking at a very expensive repair involving a new timing chain kit, tensioner, guides, and potentially even valve damage if the pistons hit the valves. I know these N18 engines are notorious for this issue and I should have gotten it addressed earlier when I first heard the rattle, but hindsight is 20/20. The car has about 120,000 km on it and I really don’t want to scrap it because it’s otherwise in great condition and I’ve put so much money into maintaining it over the years. I called the dealer and they quoted me something ridiculous, and the independent garage near me said they’ve done a few of these but weren’t very confident about it. A fellow Mini owner from a meetup group mentioned going to someone who does Advanced Mini Cooper Repair in 800Sayara Sharjah and said they’ve handled several timing chain jobs on these engines and know exactly what to look for, including checking the VANOS units and oil pump drive tensioner which apparently also fail on these cars. I’m honestly gutted about this because I love my Mini to death but I’m worried the repair cost might not be worth it. Has anyone here had their timing chain done on a Cooper S and what did it end up costing you? Also, how do I know if the valves are damaged without the engine running?

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