2007 R52 Mini S/Timing Chain

2007 R52 MiniS Timing Chain Replacement with Water Pump Replacement and Supercharger Service

The first generation of Mini can be denoted as an R50 for the standard hatchback, R53 for the supercharged hatchback. Then there was also the convertible Mini and Mini S. Both of these are referred to as the R52.

This R52 Mini S came in with rough running issues, and a concerning rattle coming from the engine bay. A rattle in this generation Mini is typically from one of a few common culprits. We usually check for a worn/failed crank pulley. Next, we look to the supercharger/water pump to see if the failure occurred there. The third suspect is the timing chain tensioner/timing chain assembly. The last possibility is the one we found on this vehicle, and will repair in this article.

While a weak timing chain issue with a Mini Cooper may be more associated with the second generation of Mini, like what we discussed here, a stuck timing chain tensioner is not unheard of on the first generation Mini as well. While it is sometimes possible to fix the issue simply by replacing the tensioner, other times the entire chain assembly needs to be replaced as well. Before coming to HPMotors, the owners of this vehicle had the tensioner replaced more than once in the past to try and stop the rattle. While it worked for a little while, the rattle would come back. Our inspection found that the timing chain itself had stretched and no amount of new tensioners would permanently fix the issue. The engine is starting to get out of time, which isn't good. It needs to be fixed now. It's a big job, so let's get to work.

Mini Maintenance Position/Front End Service Mode

Since it's such a big job, we like to pull the front of the car off for added space to work and access things. We also suggest the owner consider a water pump replacement and supercharger oil change. These are both maintenance items that are very important, and discussed else where on this site.

Supercharger Oil and Water Pump

The owner elected to go ahead and service both of these items while we're already getting the timing chain. Follow along with the pictures for more details.

The Timing Chain Assembly

Now we can get down to business. We'll be pulling the cam cover and timing chain cover, then servicing the whole chain assembly. Follow along with the pictures for details.