TECH TIP: MINI Cooper S R56 Engine
Rattle Noise
Page 1
MINI Cooper S R56 Timing Chain Diagram is provided to the left for quick reference of the
Rattle Noise from Engine timing chain components and their orientation or location
on the engine.
Early symptoms of chain tensioner failure on the R55, R56, R57
models consists a slight rattling sound from the passenger side
of the engine valve cover, even with engine running but not
driven. The rattle sound will increase with speed, but go away
when the engine reaches approximately 1800 R.P.M. The
sound will return when the engine returns to lower R.P.M.s
during deceleration or idle. In early stages this sound may be
more pronounced at colder temperatures, but in more severe
cases the sound and vibration will be heard at all temperatures.
Common MINI Cooper S R56 Engine Failure:
This failure is the result of a weak or collapsed timing chain
tensioner. If driven for an extended period of time the results
will be a broken plastic tensioner rail or upper guide rail.
The noise you are hearing is the loose timing chain resulting
from a collapsed timing chain tensioner. The slapping action of
Vehicles Effected: the timing chain will eventually break the tension rails. This
• Mini Cooper S R56 (-2012) N14 Engine condition will also effect cam timing and risk an eventual chain
failure.
• Mini Cooper S Clubman R55 (2008-2012) N14 Engine
The chain will also need to be replaced at the time of repair in
• Mini Cooper S Convertible R57 (2009-2012) N14 case of stretching or elongation. We do not recommend driving
Engine a vehicle in this condition other than at low R.P.M. to a nearby
repair shop.
PROMINI / BMP DESIGN 3208 Park Center Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 (800-648-7278)
To order parts online go to: www.promini.com - Page 1 of 5
This method was devised to avoid any misalignment,
How to determine if the engine noise is a resulting in piston to valve damage. Unfortunately without
bad timing chain? these tools re-timing the camshafts after a valve job is
almost impossible. The factory specification manual does
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE not supply installation specifications. (includes all the
Work through the following to eliminate other causes. necessary components to lock the crankshaft and flywheel
position as well as the cams).
1. If a Fault is stored in the DME memory (e.g.,
misfiring,VANOS, etc.), then work through all the
relevant test plans first.
2. A one-time short shrill will be heard within the first two
seconds of engine operation. This is an inherent noise
caused by the first regulation cycle ofthe engine oil
pump. Tis is normal operation and no parts should be
replaced.
3. If the noise appears to be coming from the valve cover
or the vacuum pump area, refer to SIM11 02 08. To
verify the source of the noise, disconnect the vacuum
hose from the mechanical vacuum pump to eliminate
the knocking noise. This is not a failure of the
mechanical vacuum pump; do not replace any parts.
4. Ensure the noise is not created or eliminated by To replace the timing chain you will need the following
depressing the clutch pedal, if equipped. neccessary parts to complete the job: Complete MINI
Cooper S R56 Timing Chain Replacement Kit Promini
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the tank Part# 180846.
ventilation valve. If the noise disappears when the (note: we recommend replacing all of the timing chain
connector is removed, reconnect to verify whether the parts while you have the engine apart to save time and
noise returns. If the noise returns, replace the tank money, and avoiding mixing new and old parts to ensure
ventilation valve. that you won't have to do it over in the future, and to keep
your car in optimal running condition.)
Compatible with models from 01/ to 04/2010.
Click here to view a complete list of parts in this kit.
To replace the timing chain tensioner only you will
need the following part: Complete MINI Cooper S R56
Timing Chain Replacement Kit Promini Part# 180841.
(note: only removal the complete timing chain rail cassette
is the only way to determine if there are broken pieces that
will damage the chain operation.)
If ALL of the steps above are unsuccessful in eliminating the
noise, start the Timing Chain Removal and Inspection process:
To remove the timing chain you will need the MINI Cooper S
R56 Cam Timing Tool Kit for N12/N14 engines Promini Part#
138007.(products shown fit model, please select your year for
availablility).
This tool is used to avoid improper cam timing on MINI
Cooper engines, the factory has devised a cam timing
system that locks the crankshaft and cams into a specific
position prior to cylinder head removal.
PROMINI / BMP DESIGN 3208 Park Center Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 (800-648-7278)
To order parts online go to: www.promini.com - Page 2 of 5
Step 5: Assemble and install the cam locking tool
brackets.
Step 1: Remove the right-hand wheel arch trim to access
the crankshaft central bolt.
Turn the engine by hand to move the flywheel to approximately
90 degrees before TDC. (Top Dead Center) Install the locating Step 6: Remove crankshaft bolt inside the crankshaft
pin (see photo) ( MINI Cooper S R56 Special Tool 11 9 590) to pulley whick allows for timing chain cassette removal.
lock the position of the engine.
Step 7: Remove the old timing chain rail cassette by
sliding the whole assembly up and out.
Step 2: Remove the chain tensioner and collect the residual oil
with a shop towel.
(The tensioner is located on the side of the engine block timing Step 8: Assemble the new timing chain rail cassette with
cover facing the firewall.) the new crank sprocket held in place with the specially
designed tabs.
Fit the timing chain tensioner tool ( MINI Cooper S R56 Special
Tool 11 9 340) without the seal ring and with the lock nut loose.
Pretension the chain tensioner tool to 0.6 Nm, and finger-tighten
the lock nut.
Remove the chain tensioner
tool( MINI Cooper S R56
Special Tool 11 9 340) from the
engine, with the lock nut still
tight. Measure the distance (A)
as shown. If the distance (A) is
less than 68mm, then only
replace the chain tensioner
piston with BMW P/N 11 31 7 598 956. Step 9: Install the crankshaft pulley and bolt.
If the distance (A) is 68mm or greater, then replace the Step 10: Install the new timing tensioner.
following timing chain components:
! Important: Do not replace the intake camshaft VANOS Step 11: Remove the Cam locking tool.
adjustment unit or the exhaust camshaft sprocket. Remove the Crankshaft locking tool.
Step 12: Install the new valve cover gasket, and replace
Step 3: Remove serpentine belt.
the valve cover to factory torque specifications.
Step 4: Remove the valve cover. Step 13: Install the new serpentine belt.
PROMINI / BMP DESIGN 3208 Park Center Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 (800-648-7278)
To order parts online go to: www.promini.com - Page 3 of 5
MINI Cooper S Engine Parts available at:
www.Promini.com
2007 MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Kit
Part Number: 180846
Fix the famous R56 "death rattle" with this
timing chain kit.
Compatible with models from 01/2007 to
04/2010
NEW PARTS INFORMATION: 2007 MINI Cooper S Rear Crankshaft Seal
Save $25 when you purchase parts as a kit! Part Number: 191229
Click here to order this 2007 MINI Cooper S
R56 Timing Chain Kit online.
Crankshaft Seal (105 X 85 X 8 mm)
Chain Tensioner
1 R55, R56, R57, 11 31 4 609 483
R58, R59, R60 2007 MINI Cooper S Serpentine Belt
Part Number: 180847
Timing Chain
1 11 31 7 516 088
only Replacement Serpentine Belt
Compatible with models from 01/2007 to
Timing Guide 04/2010
1 11 31 7 568 241
Rail (side)
2007 MINI Cooper S NGK Spark Plug
Timing Chain
1 11 31 7 534 833 Part Number: 180848
Tensioning Rail
Timing Guide NGK Spark Plug
1 11 31 7 546 697
Rail (top)
Bearing Bolt with
1 11 31 7 534 771
Seal Ring 2007 MINI Cooper S Ignition Coil
Part Number: 301227
Bearing Bolt with
2 11 31 7 534 768
O-Ring Ignition Coil. Replace your bad, or failing
coils with these OEM quality coils.
Bearing Bolt
1 11 31 7 550 461
Gasket Ring
2007 MINI Cooper S Valve Cover Gasket
Crankshaft Part Number: 180845
1 11 21 7 588 996
Sprocket
Crankshaft Valve Cover Gasket
1 Pulley Bolt 11 21 7 616 164
(14X70mm)
2007 MINI Cooper S Valve Cover
Valve Cover
1 11 12 7 572 851 Part Number: 180839
Gasket
Permatex Replacement Valve Cover
1 Hylomar Gasket 074 105 001
Sealant
1 Serpentine Belt 11 28 7 566 789 2007 MINI Cooper S Oil Pan Gasket
Part Number: 52273
PROMINI / BMP DESIGN 3208 Park Center Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 (800-648-7278)
To order parts online go to: www.promini.com - Page 4 of 5
2007 MINI Cooper S Oil Pan Gasket 2007 MINI Cooper S Hylomar Gasket Sealant (Blue
Part Number: 52273 Formula)
Part Number: 63405
This no-run formula seals surface
Engine Oil Pan Gasket
imperfections on machined flanges and is
vibration resistant and resists engine fluids.
2007 MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Tensioner 2007 MINI Cooper S Oil Drain Plug Seal
Part Number: 180841 Part Number: 35032
Timing Chain Tensioner Oil Drain Plug Seal
2007 MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Guide Rail 2007 MINI Cooper S Oil Drain Plug 16x1.5mm
Part Number: 180843 Part Number: 35031
Timing Chain Guide Rail. Oil Drain Plug 16x1.5mm
2007 MINI Cooper S Timing Chain 2007 MINI Cooper S Valve Cover Gasket
Part Number: 180842 Part Number: 300537
Mini Cooper Valve Cover Gasket
Timing Chain
2007 MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Tensioning Rail
Part Number: 180844
For technical advice concerning this
Timing Chain Tensioning Rail Product or its’ installation call our
Tech Support
PHONE: 800-648-7278
Or visit our tech tip section at:
www.Promini.com
PROMINI / BMP DESIGN 3208 Park Center Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 (800-648-7278)
To order parts online go to: www.promini.com - Page 5 of 5
