Hello,

So, for my son's first car I rolled the dice a bit but got a great deal so we got a 2012 Cooper S Countryman with 96K miles. My brother in law test drove it for me and felt it was in great shape for it's age. Of course, within 2 miles of getting it to his house CEL fired off and break peddle became hard as a rock, barely responsive. So, long story short it's now in VA with me in the garage.

I've scanned it, 5 codes showed up so I'm replacing...
Valve Cover
Air intake tube
Spark plugs
Coil packs
Vacuum pump (already done)
Both VANOS solenoids

Timing chain looks mostly good, no broken parts and now signs of wear on the chain. The tensioner is extended but not all the way...so I'd so it's moderately extended, I have a photo for later.

I'm doing this job myself, been out of the car repair world for decades but I'm taking it slow and reading and watching like crazy.

There might be a turbo issue or a boost pressure switch issue, to be determined.

HERE is the dilemma, should I change the timing belt given it's age/miles and the current state of repairs with the valve cover already off of it and spark plugs removed?

If so, even with all the reading and tools I don't know if I am comfortable with that job...yes, I doubt in humility, I doubt that type of repair and my skills.

Do any of you know a mobile mechanic in N Virginia who can "finish off" the timing belt part of this refurbishment? I honestly would rather pay someone to do the timing chain than to do it myself...I know I should be confident and say yes I can, but there is also the humility part of it and say...YES I CAN PAY lol. With the valve cover off...at least 1/3 of the work is done already.

Thanks in advance for helping out this Newb to the Mini.

 

Try your luck and see what you could win!