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Same trouble here in Italy..for fixed the problem BMW/mini, presented the new engine (184cv) sic!!!!!

I took it to a Mini Garage and they said it was the Timing Chain Pre-Tensioner fault. They replaced the Pre-Tensioner and re-programmed the engine all free of charge under the Approved Used Mini Warranty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by4nl_rzH_w

I’ll keep an eye on it to see if it does the noise again. I don’t think it is weather related (it is quite warm here in Lisbon but it has never done it even in cold days in the past) or has anything to do with parking position.

I also read this on a mini forum:

“After two years of research into the issue MINI now has official repair information at dealers that will eliminate the issue. The PuMA measure number that will need to be referenced is 10686850-13 (we’ve seen 10686850-12 mentioned but we believe 13 is the latest) and the part number is 11.31.7.598.956. According to the information we’ve seen, all cars affected in with the issue will get a new timing chain, chain guides and cam sprockets.”

What do you expect from a French engine. Oh, and if you think thats a general statement, try working on ANY Renault or Pug product. Junk. What its doing in a Mini engine bay is of course another exec board cost cutting decision. Too bad as this used to be a fun and reliable-ish car.

Too bad I didn’t do the research. Buyer beware.

I took it into Mini and today they tell me that the car needs a new VANOS system. I was and still am in total shock that a brand new car that i still have not finished breaking in needs a new timing chain and valves.

NEVER will i get another mini. I would rather buy a KIA then a Mini.

P.S. And I want a Clubman Diesel by the way.

I think I’ll hold on to my ’04 R53 a bit longer and maybe wait for the next iteration of MINIs before I replace it. As highly annoying as the freezing door handles and intermittently lopey idle can be on my R53, I’m more willing to deal with that than a clattery engine.

I can live with a few slightly misaligned body panels, an interior rattle or two, or an occasional sticky sun roof, but I just can’t swallow the potential risk of the cold start engine issue manifesting itself as a post-warranty failure for that much $$.