Hello to the forum, and I'm hoping someone here can guide me in a problem that I've encountered with my 2018 Countryman ALL4. About a month ago the engine light came one and through the OBD2 scanner and it found P13C9, I cleared it out and it was good for about a week. Came back on again, I reset it again and it remained off for a couple days and then back on... So I decided to take it into the local European Auto service where they replaced the the variable valve timing sensor, which lasted about a week before the light was on again...

So I took it back again, and now they're telling me it's more than likely timing issues which means tearing it down and replacing the belt/chain at a worse case cost of $6-7k!! My girlfriend has owned this car since new, currently has 65k miles, and truly has been babied.

I told them to reset the codes and I would pickup and decide what to do. I debating about taking it directly to Mini to see if they arrive at the same potential problem without tearing into it, or at least getting a second opinion.

To the forum, is $6-7k a real possibility, or are these guys trying to take advantage? Any other thoughts/possibilities? Anything else I can provide?

Thank you so much in advance!!