Mini Cooper S R56 (and similar) owners- our worries are over!

[Fritzo]

Mini finally figured out why the damned chain tensioners in our cars keep breaking and destroying our engines! Only took 7 years

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/01/15/mini-solves-the-cold-start-problem-again/

Last year MINI finally solved the dreaded cold start issue that afflicted the R56 Cooper S. Or so they thought. As it turned out, while the issue was eliminated in some cars but only alleviated in others. So MINI went back to the drawing board and looked the issue with fresh eyes. After further research they believe they have finally (and definitively) solved the issue for all cars with a modified timing chain. Specifically they’ve made the chain very slightly longer which has eliminated the chatter that was known as the “death rattle”.

The new components should come online at the Oxford Plant in time for March builds. For those with older R56s still afflicted with the issue, MINI will be offering an official fix for your car. Of course keep in mind that this will be a case by case process and you should work through your dealer.

 

[KentState]

Sounds similar to the Audi TT issue.

 

[ultimatebob]

Yikes. I guess that I should be glad that I didn't buy the S model!

 

[Fritzo]

Yikes. I guess that I should be glad that I didn't buy the S model!

Actually, the S model is the model you WANT to get. This issue was like the IMS issue with Porsche- it's not as common as people say but it's just terrifying enough to make you worry everytime you start the car.

I tell everyone that wants a Mini to get a manual transmission S to see what the cars are about. The 07-10 models got a bad rap from this timing chain flaw, but if they fixed it these cars will be a steal