MINI Cooper R56 (2006–2013)Faults with the timing chain
Timing chain of the MINI Cooper R56: problems and faults
In the MINI Cooper R56 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) (1.6 THP engine) and wear of the timing chain and tensioner (1.4/1.6 VTi engine).
- Critical severity: Rear timing chain stretch and breakage · BMW N47 engine
- Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) · 1.6 THP engine
- Critical severity: Wear of the timing chain and tensioner · 1.4/1.6 VTi engine
Most serious fault: Critical severity
Faults by engine
From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Symptoms these faults cause
How much the repair costs
Parts for the MINI Cooper R56 for faults with the timing chain
The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Reinforced timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets)
Rear crankshaft seal
Complete N47D20 engine (rebuilt or from a breaker)
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
Frequently asked questions
What faults with the timing chain does the MINI Cooper R56 have?
In the MINI Cooper R56 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) (1.6 THP engine) and wear of the timing chain and tensioner (1.4/1.6 VTi engine). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.
Timing chain of the MINI Cooper R56: how much does the repair cost?
Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €1,590 (rear timing chain stretch and breakage) to €3,000 (rear timing chain stretch and breakage), including VAT.
Which engines of the MINI Cooper R56 have faults with the timing chain?
The documented faults affect the BMW N47, 1.6 THP and 1.4/1.6 VTi engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.
Have you had a fault with the timing chain on your MINI Cooper R56? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor N47 - precio cambio cadena BMWTaller Barcelona (Dasercars) · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW N47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Rotura cadena distribución y rotura motor N47OCU · Consumer association · published 2 September 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German