Problems with the timing chain on MINI: affected models and engines

In 6 models from MINI there are 5 documented faults with the timing chain. The most important: rear timing chain stretch and breakage, timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) and wear of the timing chain and tensioner.

Reviewed on 27 September 2026How we work

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the MINI models it appears in.

- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
In Clubman R55, Cooper R56 and Countryman R60
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.6 THPTiming chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)Yes: on the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, built mostly before 2012, the timing chain and its tensioner wear out prematurely; if the chain jumps teeth, the engine can go out of time or seize. BMW, co-designer of the block, issued a technical bulletin on this fault in 2013.
In Clubman R55, Cooper R56 and Countryman R60
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.4/1.6 VTiWear of the timing chain and tensionerYes, although with fewer documented cases than on the turbocharged 1.6 THP: a German garage says the timing chain and its tensioner can wear in any version of the Prince family, including the naturally aspirated one, although the most reported cases in forums are on the turbo engine.
In Cooper R56
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B47Timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)BMW improved the chain's tensioner, guides and oil supply compared with the N47, and failures take much longer to appear. But a specialist workshop insists the chain is still at the rear of the block, not at the front as is often claimed, so repairing it still means removing the engine or the gearbox.
In Cooper F56, Cooper F55 and Countryman F60
- High severityFrequency: RareBMW B48 / B38Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TUWe have found no documented cases of timing chain breakage on the B48. The one concrete fact that does exist is that BMW redesigned the chain as a single piece in the 2018 B48TU update, which points to an area for improvement in engines built before that date.
In Cooper F56, Cooper F55 and Countryman F60

By MINI model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain do MINI cars have?

Which MINI models have the most problems with the timing chain?

MINI Cooper R56 (3 faults), MINI Clubman R55 (2 faults), MINI Countryman R60 (2 faults) and MINI Cooper F56 (2 faults).

Which MINI engines have faults with the timing chain?

1.4/1.6 VTi (1 fault), 1.6 THP (1 fault), BMW B47 (1 fault), BMW B48 / B38 (1 fault) and BMW N47 (1 fault).