2009 MINI Cooper: engine failure

Filed Mar 30, 2018 · Engine · 32,000 miles · NM

2009 mini cooper. Consumer writes in regards to defective timing chain tensioner and vehicle engine failure. *smd

Filed Jun 20, 2015 · Engine · 37,914 miles · CA

When I was driving highway, a red warning light of "low engine pressure" came on, and the engine started to make noises. Luckily, I was able to come down from the highway, and soon after that, the engine stalled completely. It was a very scary moment. The car was towed to a repair shop, and they reported, "significant oil splash on right side of engine. Added 3 quarts of oil to try and start engine to determine if engine damage had occurred from loss of oil. Vehicle would not start. Vehicle sounded as if chain had jumped timing or engine damage had occurred. Researched vehicle and found technical service bulletin (tsb) relating to seal on timing chain tensioner failing and causing tensioner to leak and loosen. May have loosened, causing jumped timing and possible engine damage. Job requires extensive labor and special tools we do not have. Recommend seeking dealer for futther assistance. The car was towed again to a mini dealership. Their diagnosis was: found oil leaking out at the timing chain tensioner, oil level low. Crank but not start remove valve cover and found timing was off, re-adjust timing, retorqued timing chain tensioner, performed compression test, 8 cranks for each cylinders cyl 1: 60 psi cyl 2: 55 psi cyl 3: 35 psi cyl 4: 30 psi performed cylinder leak down tests, all were below 50%. Used scope and inspect inside combustion chambers and cylinder walls. Found damaged and cracked wall caused loosing compression. Need new engine required also: water pump leaking and contaminaited the pully, friction wheel and drive belt thermostat is leaking

Filed Apr 11, 2015 · Engine · 66,586 miles · PA

I was driving on the road, and suddenly I saw the car start to stop in the middle of the road,and I saw the smoke coming out of engine .the diagnostic was the engine totally is collapsing,and need new engine.

Filed Nov 4, 2013 · Engine · 112,000 miles · NY

The vacuum pump (attached to exhaust cam shaft) on my 2009 mini cooper jcw seized on the highway in moving traffic (luckily in the right hand lane) - vacuum pump seizer LED to exhaust cam shaft failure, which LED to multiple engine part failure / engine puncture (destroyed engine and timing chain): destroyed engine = no power in moving traffic = serious hazard.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Engine · 68,000 miles · TX

Timing chain tensioner failure. No warning whatsoever. Timing chain broke, causing complete engine failure. Out of warranty so mini won't touch it. Will cost $7500+.

Filed Oct 17, 2012 · Engine · 72,120 miles · NJ

I was traveling on nj turnpike and my vehicle blew up. Catastrophic engine failure. Water pump also broke.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Engine · 54,385 miles · RI

During my commute to work on 9/27/12, my car completely died while I was driving in the middle lane of the freeway. The car was towed to a garage, where it was found to be leaking an excessive amount of oil. During inspection, it was assessed that the timing chain "jumped" and caused a catastrophic engine failure. At the time of this incident the car had 54k miles on it and there were absolutely no warning signs prior to the failure (I.e. Leaking oil, engine rattle, etc...). Furthermore, since I purchased the car in february 2012, I have performed regular maintenance on this car (new brakes, tires, alignment, regular synthetic oil changes) to ensure it stays in good driving condition. Apparently, this has been a frequently reported issue with mini cooper and the problem could have easily resulted in a fatal car accident while I was driving on the freeway! The estimated repair cost (with labor) for this failure is approx 10k!!! Mini should be held responsible for this faulty craftsmanship. A 3 yr car with 54k miles should absolutely not need to have a new engine replaced!!!