Timer belt problem Mini on PCP deal

MEM62

BMW engines have form for cam chain failures.

Unfortunately OP, this is the risk you run when you finance a car that has no warranty coverage. If the car was yours you could, worst case scenario, scrap it and buy another but as this belongs to the finance company you will have to stump up for repairs as you have to return it to them in good working order. (Well, at least working order anyway :rotfl:)

cajef

tedted wrote: »

what year is your mini

Think there is a clue here:-

LaurajcMini wrote: »

The car has low mileage for its age (39,000 14 plate)

jaybeetoo

If the car is 5 years old, and assuming it’s not a chain, isn’t the cam belt due to be changed?

daveyjp

It is a chain and in these engines its a known issue.

VW also tried chains for a while in the 1.4TSi, that was also a disaster.

Arklight

My Almera at 16 years and 133,000 miles had a chain and was going strong when I traded it. Its still going strong now to a new lucky owner who doubtless got the bargain of his life.

The secret is oil changes. Infrequent and rarely. Using the bare minimum.

I basically forgot it even took oil by the final 3 years and it was all the better for it. In practise it had started using so much if I were going to keep it topped up I'd have always been pouring semi synthetic in there. No time for that.

a.turner

Arklight wrote: »

My Almera at 16 years and 133,000 miles had a chain and was going strong when I traded it. Its still going strong now to a new lucky owner who doubtless got the bargain of his life.

The secret is oil changes. Infrequent and rarely. Using the bare minimum.

I basically forgot it even took oil by the final 3 years and it was all the better for it. In practise it had started using so much if I were going to keep it topped up I'd have always been pouring semi synthetic in there. No time for that.

I guess some are easily pleased.

motorguy

Arklight wrote: »

My Almera at 16 years and 133,000 miles had a chain and was going strong when I traded it. Its still going strong now to a new lucky owner who doubtless got the bargain of his life.

The secret is oil changes. Infrequent and rarely. Using the bare minimum.

I basically forgot it even took oil by the final 3 years and it was all the better for it. In practise it had started using so much if I were going to keep it topped up I'd have always been pouring semi synthetic in there. No time for that.

:eek:

That is NOT the way to ensure enhanced life on a modern engine. Quite the opposite is true.

Mercdriver

motorguy wrote: »

:eek:

That is NOT the way to ensure enhanced life on a modern engine. Quite the opposite is true.

He is an Almera lover, mind. That's a contrary view to begin with

Geodark

Arklight wrote: »

My Almera at 16 years and 133,000 miles had a chain and was going strong when I traded it. Its still going strong now to a new lucky owner who doubtless got the bargain of his life.

The secret is oil changes. Infrequent and rarely. Using the bare minimum.

I basically forgot it even took oil by the final 3 years and it was all the better for it. In practise it had started using so much if I were going to keep it topped up I'd have always been pouring semi synthetic in there. No time for that.

Wow, just wow!

cajef

Mercdriver wrote: »

He is an Almera lover, mind. That's a contrary view to begin with

I used to work for a Nissan dealership, how anyone can love an Almera and think one was wonderful is beyond belief. :eek: