Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: HyundaiGuy
Worn timing chain tensioners are common with this engine. Mine were replaced at 29K.
29,000 miles?! That is a serious design flaw. If you had said 120,000, I might be less shocked (those should still last more than 120k, IMO).
Agreed, and Mini is well aware. During routine maintenance, they discovered the bolt that holds the tensioner in place was backing out, causing an oil leak. I noticed the week before the service that the level had dropped a bit. They replaced the bolt and tensioner under warranty.
Also, Mini has the best brakes of any car I have ever driven, but the front pads had to be replaced at 30k miles and the rears were going to need replacement by 40K. Also the DI engine is prone to carbon buildup on the valves which will throw check engine lights. Plan on having the head pulled and walnut blasted every 35-45k miles. Mini will cover the first time, but after that figure $600.
Mine was purchased new by my in laws and I bought it from them for trade value at 22k miles. I traded it 4 months later at 32K miles. It was a blast to drive, but with all the known issues, I didn't trust it anymore.
The Fiats aren't nearly as fun, but have been infinitely more reliable so far.