Chain Tensioner Fault

[AlfiesAngel]

Hi,

I joined the forum last year feeling overjoyed about my second mini purchase (with a break in between), but it wasn't my dream for my first thread to be regarding a problem with my latest.

I own a JCW 57 plate turbo 40k miles called Alfie, and i noticed within the last month a rattling noise after changing gear and at various speeds. I took it in to my local BMW yesterday and they gave it a quick once over and came to the conslusion that it's probably a Chain Tensioner fault so i have booked it in for a few weeks. My oil was pretty low (my bad) and i believe it is oil fed so they said there's a chance it could recover itself but unlikely. If they need to replace the Tensioner i think they said it's around £100 but if there's more to it i've heard it can be £1300!!
I spoke with my friend who's gf's 07 mini was recalled for the exact same problem and i've seen a number of ppl experiencing the same thing. I phoned them this morning and they said they no of the recall which mine has never had, but mine isn't the right chassis number so it wasn't included.
Surely it's a bit of a coincidence that it's the same problem.
Has anyone else had the same experience? I'm definitely going to argue it out with BMW but it's always good to know what angle to attack from.

[Gemsmini]

Hello,

I have a Mini Cooper S 57 plate with 38k miles and it has been making the death rattle, as I believe it's called for months now. Whenever its cold on start-up the engine makes a loud rattle noise, however, once it has warmed up it goes away, which is usually after about 20 seconds or so!

I called mini today and they said the only way they could tell me what it is, is by doing a diagonistics check which will be £79.20 including VAT. I've researched online, and also asked a mechanic, who was aware of the problem and immediately identified it as the chain tensioner! If you have any luck with mini please let me know! They should recall it really!