Timing chain mini cooper s

you*ess*bee

So I left my little Mini in for a service on monday. There was a slight whirring noise coming from the engine. Picked it up the next morning, and it now sounds like someone let off a shotgun in the engine!

The mechanic said the timing chain (fyi minis have a chain, instead of a timing belt) needs to be changed very soon, which is where the noise is coming from. I am just a bit weary, how could the engine after a service sound 100x worse than a few hours previous when I left it in?

Also, everything was changed around in the car. Seat, steering wheel, mirrors, floor mats filthy with tar stones?! Wondering if the mechanic took it out for a bit of rallying, hence the engine sounding like its knackered. Got a quote from the mechanic of 780 for the part and 200 for the labour. Tried ringing him 2 days in a row and no answer.

Worried about the engine going, worried about taking it back to the same garage, wont name them, worried about getting ripped off, worried they did something to it I dont know about yet. It only has 54k miles on it, strange that it should need a replacement so soon.

Any help/suggestions, please?

Nissan doctor

Get a second opinion without a doubt.

One, mini's aren't known for timing chain issues

Two, there is no reason the engine should sound worse after a service unless they didn't use the right oil.

And Three, no mechanic who takes any pride is his work would leave a car grubby or change seats/mirrors etc without putting them back where they found them.

langdang

The R56 Cooper S (ie 2nd gen, turbo'd rather than supercharged) was known to sometimes have an awful clatter from cold. Google "mini cooper R56 clatter".
http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/20/r56-mcs-engines-cold-start-issue-exposed/

BUT, I would definitely get another garage to have a look at this! If you're in Munster I know just the man, or you could head over to miniclub.ie and ask the same question you asked here..

you*ess*bee

Thanks for the feedback folks! I am taking it to a different mechanic tomorrow morning. One that 2 different friends highly recommended. I am also going to ask him about the work that was done earlier in the week.

Will update tomorrow with more news. Also, thanks for the tip on the miniforum!

25BVD

Hi I had a similar problem with my Mini and I'm just wondering what happened when you brought yours to the other mechanic?

thenumbers

No shilling thanks