2009 Mini Cooper with a blown engine, timing chain issue
 

So, I apologize for a decided downer for my first post.

I have a 2009 Mini Cooper (not the S) which was my girlfriend's daily driver. We both drove it occasionally and loved it for fun ride and great gas mileage on trips around the midwest.

She bought it new and it was serviced up til about 80k by a Mini dealer in Southfield MI up until we moved to Dexter MI and I started taking it to a local mechanic. We always took care of it - oil changes, tire rotations, brakes, etc. - anything it needed we did.

Out of nowhere the car simply stops running on the way to the airport - I was driving. No lights, no noises, absolutely nothing. Just as though it stalled.

I had it towed back to Dexter and my mechanic tells me the timing chain appeared to have jumped off track and it totally ruined the engine.

The I start Googling this issue and see it's not at all uncommon - seems as though there are class action lawsuits, warranty recalls, and all sorts of issues around this.

Unfortunately, I called the local Mini dealer in A2, as well as Mini/BMW USA and they tell me our vehicle's VIN is not part of the recall.

So, I'm now faced with putting $5-6k in a car worth $5-6k.

I'm sorry if this has been brought up but I did search and could not find much relevant.

Any help, comments and suggestions are sincerely appreciated.

The N14 (Cooper S) engine is the one that has the issues with the timing chain guides wearing or breaking. The common thing you will hear when the Cooper S has this issue is the "death rattle." You have the N12 (Cooper), which supposedly does not have the timing chain/tensioner issue. This is why the MINI dealer you called says your vin does not qualify for the recall. That being said, you have some options. You can buy a used motor off Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. It will be much cheaper than doing a brand new motor or rebuild. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mini Cooper S 2010 Hardtop. 33k miles. Well maintained. I have the identical model number car and engine but because it was a 2010 it was excluded from the class action settlement and I was not notified of any dealer arrangements. The car made a funny noise for about 5 minutes and then died. Turns out it was the timing chain issue and my car is now worth $0. I would like to reopen the class action lawsuit or file a new one. Mini has refused to offer anything other than 30% towards a new engine (approximately $2400 of $8000 repair) and no cash settlement. Prior to the engine being destroyed the car was worth approximately $10k. I need approximately 40 co-claimants to get it certified. Please contact me directly davidvener (at) yahoo.com