Mini Cooper timing issue
Discussion
Our 2015 F56 Mini Cooper has been sounding rough lately and has thrown up a drivetrain warning light. Local garage thinks it’s a timing issue and the estimate for replacing the chain and tensioner is around £2000. The “book” says it’s a 16 hour job! The garage admitted that did sound excessive but they say it’s an engine and gearbox out job.
Does this sound reasonable at all? I haven’t got any other estimates back yet as everywhere want to charge £50-£100 to plug the thing in first!
Does this sound reasonable at all? I haven’t got any other estimates back yet as everywhere want to charge £50-£100 to plug the thing in first!
Is it the 1.6 prince engine?
If the timing covers aren't removable in-situ that doesn't sound too ridiculous - it's quite a job stripping the whole front out to get the engine and box out, even before you've started on parts.
If you're handy with a spanner you could probably save a few quid doing that part DIY - get it to the point you're ready to take the engine off its mounts then have it recovered to the garage.
If the timing covers aren't removable in-situ that doesn't sound too ridiculous - it's quite a job stripping the whole front out to get the engine and box out, even before you've started on parts.
If you're handy with a spanner you could probably save a few quid doing that part DIY - get it to the point you're ready to take the engine off its mounts then have it recovered to the garage.
E-bmw said:
Where in the UK are you?
Also you say he "thinks" it is that, based on what evidence?
We are in Worcestershire. Diagnostic scan showed cam position error. Swapped the sensors around to rule out faulty sensor, fault again showed on inlet side sensor. Also you say he "thinks" it is that, based on what evidence?
My normal garage said he thought it was timing related but referred me to an independent garage specialising in bmw/mini as he didn’t have the kit to do the job. The specialist confirmed my garages suspicion that the sensors weren’t faulty and the fault lay in the timing.
The timing chain problem is well known with R56 Minis but this is the first I've heard of an F56 being affected. Third gen Minis have BMW engines - B37 (Mini One) or B48 (S and JCW) - not the Prince engines used in second gen models. Concerning, as I have an F56.
I did a quick search online and found a Mini specialist - Norfolk Cars - who quote £655 to replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides. This is for the R56 but it might be worth contacting them to get a quote for an F56.
Btw, I have no association with Norfolk Cars - nor do I know anything about them. I'm just suggesting you get some more quotes to check if the £2000 you were quoted is reasonable.
I did a quick search online and found a Mini specialist - Norfolk Cars - who quote £655 to replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides. This is for the R56 but it might be worth contacting them to get a quote for an F56.
Btw, I have no association with Norfolk Cars - nor do I know anything about them. I'm just suggesting you get some more quotes to check if the £2000 you were quoted is reasonable.
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