Timing chain
Mini · Peugeot · Citroën · BMW · 2006-2016. Chain drive, but the tensioner rattle on cold start is the single most-quoted fault on these. Also check for carbon build-up on the turbocharged N14 and a weeping thermostat housing.
Commonly Mini Cooper / Cooper S, 207, 208 GTi, DS3 (2006-2016). Engine codes changed through production, so confirm the code on the car in front of you before ordering parts or quoting the job.
The 1.4 / 1.6 Prince (N12, N14, N18) used by Mini, Peugeot, Citroën, BMW (2006-2016) runs a timing chain. Chain drive, but the tensioner rattle on cold start is the single most-quoted fault on these. Also check for carbon build-up on the turbocharged N14 and a weeping thermostat housing.
There is no scheduled replacement interval for a chain. Judge it on cold-start noise, fault codes and oil-service history instead.
Expect roughly £800-£1,800 at a UK independent garage, depending on whether the water pump and tensioner go in at the same time and how much has to come off to reach the belt. Main-dealer quotes usually sit above that range.
On an interference engine the valves and pistons meet, which usually means a cylinder head at best and a replacement engine at worst. That is why an unproven timing history is a price conversation, not a detail.
Commonly Mini Cooper / Cooper S, 207, 208 GTi, DS3 (2006-2016). The list is not exhaustive and engine codes changed through production, so confirm the exact code on the car in front of you before ordering parts or quoting work.
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