R56 Cooper S Timing Chain and tensioner

[Vroom2]

Hi folks,

ref. R56 Cooper S (2008 1.6 Turbo) with 80,000 miles - Timing Chain and tensioner - yes or no?

I've had conflicting reports about whether timing chain and tensioner really need done at 80,000 miles.

Spoke to a guy with over 20 years' experience servicing old and new minis, and he said leave it be unless engine makes a rattle especially when cold.

All feedback gratefully received!

Many thanks

[stevemcs]

Sometimes its worth replacing the tensioner as a service part but leaving the rest alone.

[rigga]

Unless its rattling why change it? Agreed if you're worried, then replacing the tensioner, is a worthwhile job, at little cost.

[Challo]

I would change the tensioner as these do fail and rather now then when its rattling.

[SlimJim16v]

How long have you had it? Maybe it's already been done. The tensioner has been updated at least twice, so if it's still the original, it's worth changing.

[PT1984]

SlimJim16v said:

How long have you had it? Maybe it's already been done. The tensioner has been updated at least twice, so if it's still the original, it's worth changing.

This is how I saw it too. Several revisions for the tensioner. I think I paid £30 from the dealer. Always worth changing the oil too. I think you have to run the car without the coil attached to ensure pressure in the tensioner has built up. Then you can fire it. I’d be looking at oil changes every year or 8k. Don’t stick to what the computer says.

FYI a good specialist can plug in his computer to check the cam sensors. This will show if there is any chain stretch or similar.

[Vroom2]

Don't think chain or tensioner have been done. I think I'll play it safe and get both done.