Traveling with no warning, thermometer light came on, turned yellow to red almost immediately, pulled over and called dealership, advised there was recall on water pump for overheating, had car towed immediately; dealership replaced recalled water pump (exterior), but paid $600 for thermostat; left dealership and engine light came on within 30 minutes, had to have it towed again; now car ran hot again, no antifreeze in car, refilled and light went off, 1.5 days later same occurrence but engine smoking, very badly, towed again to dealership, now states it is water pump #2 (interior), and timing change which was already supposedly performed on car, now stating I must pay for water pump, tensioner on timing change, valve sensor, and valve cover gaskets another $1000, all of which pertain to the same occurrences over and over and over and over again. I called MINICooper call center and they only refer you back to dealership, stating they have no technical knowledge and are unable to assist me, they have no knowledge of the recall items. Wow I thought this problem only belonged to a Saab I previously owned and eliminated for same reasons.. !

- Orlando, FL, USA

I bought my 2007 MINIused 1 month ago. When I went to test drive the car the engine would not start and there was a check engine light on. The dealer told me that they would have it fixed and call me back in for a test drive. I went back and when the car started it had a very slight rattle that eventually went away. Now in the month time that I have had the car it takes me 6 or 7 tries to get the engine to start, and when it runs it has the rattle that has plagued so many other MINIowners. Enough is enough. Action must be taken to correct the inadequacy of the inferior timing chain set up. The dealer has told me that it is a "normal" MINInoise and that I would have to get used to it. That is in a sense a "cop out" for a problem that is heavily known in the MINIcommunity and that BMW MINIis well aware of. This is a major mechanical defect in the car and BMW MINIneed to own up to repair with an updated and current corrective action or replace the engines for all the loyal MINIowners experiencing this very costly problem that could lead to total driveline failure. We paid for a good running reliable vehicle and are not getting what we paid for.

- Southbury, CT, USA

My car has a transmission problem. Have to replace it for $9000! it S MINICooper S 2007 only 29800 miles!! the dealer will not repines anything and the warranty is out!

- Sf, CA, USA

Engine timing chain tensioner malfunctioning causing decreased accelerating power and a loud rubbing/knocking noise when driving, that will cause engine damage if not promptly fixed. It is a well know MINIcooper problem (2007 models to current year) and the MINIdealership I took mine to has had many complaints about the issue. MINIhas came out with replacement parts and a service guide on how to repair the issue at a hefty cost (if the engine hasn't already been damaged); however, MINIBMW has not issued a recall or replacement at no cost to consumers to back up their product. Estimates for repair in my area were $1300-$1600 if repairable because again, it will cause engine failure if not fixed quickly. My car has 41,000 and have had my MINIserviced at the designated time intervals at only MINIservices areas. Such a major repair that could have eventually caused my engine to stop working should not happen at 41,000 miles. MINIBMW should back up there product with repairs and needs to find an ultimate fix because it is an issue even in the current models.

- Charlestown, IN, USA

Timing chain tensioner replaced July of 2011 now aug31,2012 loud noise timing chain stretched so replaced & tensioner replaced again.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

In January 2012 with 37,000 miles on it my MINIstarted having very noisy starts. The noise would go away after it warmed up. Took the vehicle to MINIdealer and they said that it was the timing chain and tensioner. They agreed to replace the timing chain, tensioner guides etc for half price as a good will gesture. Now I find out that this is a common problem.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

The contact owns a 2007 MINICooper S. while driving approximately 35 mph the contact noticed a burning odor. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed small flames and smoke coming from under the hood. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a blanket. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that the oil return line that was connected to the turbo charger had began leaking oil and caused the fire. The vehicle was repaired however, after the repair the contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time for diagnostic testing. The technician then stated that the turbo charger and the engine would have to be replaced. The technician stated that the turbo charger could have been damaged during the fire. In addition, the contact had previously experienced intermittent stalling and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the timing belt tensioner was replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 60,800.

- Park Ridge, IL, USA

The engine quit while preparing to enter a highway. The car was accelerating to turn onto the highway and it just quit and partially blocked the highway. Luckily the highway was on a slope and to prevent from blocking the highway and risk injury, I was able to coast into a fire station along the highway and from there push the car out of the way of traffic. The cause of the failure is a broken timing chain which broke with no warning. The repair will cost about $4000. The fact that it broke as I was entering a highway and with no on-coming traffic was very lucky. There is no warning for the engine to stop. This seems like a common problem for 2007 minis and as these cars age the likely hood of the problem occurring increases. This can happen at any time the engine is running and without warning. This is a safety issue as an abrupt engine failure can happen anywhere and without notice. It was over 100F the day my engine quit, I was over 90miles away from home in a sparsely populated rural area with no cell phone coverage. If it had happened 15 miles in either direction it could have been hours before anyone found me and my car.

- Spokane, WA, USA

Without warning the car started jerking and running very roughly and the engine warning light came on. We brought the car into the MINIdealer to be diagnosed. While the dealer was very helpful, the diagnoses was disturbing at best. After tearing apart the motor, cleaning it and reassembling, the problem remained. It was "MINIservices" recommendation to the dealer that the timing belt be changed. This is a 13 hour procedure that cost just over $2000 and provides no guarantee that it will solve the problem. In addition, they may run into more problems once they are inside of the engine. To add insult to injury, the timing belt tensioner had already been replaced do to a similar problem while under warranty. We have elected to pay $5000 for a new motor and 2 year warranty so at least we would have a slight piece of mind that the problem would not reoccur at our expense. I completely understand the risks of owning a vehicle beyond the warranty period. I just wish BMW MINIwould recognize this problem and stand behind what appears to be a rampant problem with the "timing-belt-tensioner" on the 2007 S models. I was shocked to see the pages of owners that are reporting the same problem. My wife loves this car. There is no way I would purchase another MINIproduct after paying over $30,000 for the 2007 63,000 mile disposable model.

- Oneida, WI, USA

Timing chain and tensioner failure mentioned by others also occurred in my car. Failure in my case was progressive: Started with rough starts, noisy idle (from chain impacting cover!) progressed to non-existent acceleration above 4000 rpms (a safety issue on the highway). Brought the car to mechanic and while he was investigating the obvious air leak, car failed to start. Dealer eventually discovered bent valves from impact with piston preventing proper seal, but only after replacing snapped tensioner guides and timing chain dropped into oil pan for $2,525. Had this occurred while driving it poses a significant safety issue. Then they tell me they can replace all valves for $4,500. Total cost, over $7,000. Effectively, this is a total engine failure and it would be cheaper to drop in a complete new engine. MINIand their dealers are well aware of this problem and as it can - and has - resulted in failures for other motorists at highway speeds it poses significant safety risk and should be addressed with a recall.

- Gilbertsville, PA, USA

Engine is rattling horribly. In doing some research it sounds like what most are calling the "rattle of death". the timing chain is making entirely too much noise. And car is running poorly. I can not and will not drive this car till it is repaired! this is a potential catastrophic engine failure. MINIcooper knows about this major engineering problem and will not issue a recall. Repair estimates are as much as $2500 for timing chain and timing chain tensioner.

- Orchard Park, NY, USA

My car has been making a rattling sound for about 6 months. Although the car has been serviced twice during that time, no technician or MINIservice department representative said anything about the rattle. While driving on the highway I noticed my car beginning to run... funny. Not long after, the engine power light came on. Approximately 10-15 miles later, my car stopped in the middle of the road. Because the car would not restart, it was towed to a MINIservice department. I was told the problem was the timing chain, and it needed to be replaced. There are countless numbers of these reports on the internet. Inspite of the numbers of complaints and repairs, MINIBMW has refused to take responsibility for the part. It was very fortunate there was no crash or fatality, again my car stopped in the middle of the road with very little warning.

- Brooks, GA, USA

The time chain jumped which needs to be replaced. This shouldn't happen with such low miles on the car. MINIrefused to accept responsibility. It is a very expensive repair to replace the timing chain.. the car began to make knocking noise and run rough. Couldn't drive the car and had to have it towed to MINIcooper service dept.

- Boerne, TX, USA

The cold start rattle was/is being caused by the timing chain tensioner (which is in turn powered by an oil-pressurized piston). More specifically the sound is caused when the tensioner piston doesn't extend all the way (or at all) which then allows the timing chain to come in contact with the guides on the engine cover.

- Winsted, CT, USA

I have had an issue with my 07' MINICooper S engine's timing chain since 2010. The tensioner brackets for the timing chain that came with my 07 MINIare made out of plastic and break easily, causing the timing belt to slip and damage my engine. It has currently cost me 1500 dollars in repairs to fix the issue. The repair can only be a temporary fix because the brackets were simply replaced with the same plastic brackets that broke previously. I am simply awaiting the day they break again. This is not a new issue, as I have seen multiple complaints of this very same issue all over the internet and BMW needs to be held responsible for their defected engines. I suggest a recall be placed on the 07 - 10 MINIcoopers, Cooper S, and convertibles, for their defective tensioner brackets for the timing chain because it can cause severe damage to the engine if not destroy the engine completely.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

The timing chain tensioner brackets all broke on my 07 MINIMy mechanic stated that this in not a new issue and the it is a frequent problem that he deals with on several minis. They are made of plastic and when cracked or broken they allow my timing chain to slip causing damage to my engine. I have already spent over 2000 dollars in repairs for this problem, and it has happened twice in the last 5 year that I have owned the vehicle. BMW/MINImust take responsibility for their defective engine parts. There should be a recall on these vehicles for it can cause enough damage to were you would need a new engine.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

MINIcooper 2007 - rattles when cold. Took the car to the dealer. Felt to be a problem with the timing chain. I did some research. It's a known problem and can lead to the engine seizing during driving. It's a safety issue that MINIis well aware of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it. The repair would cost ~$2500. If I don't repair it, I worry about the engine failing while I'm on the highway - or worse, with my kids in the car during a drive. MINIknows about this and has directed dealers specifically on this problem. Countless online complaints about the same thing. MINIshould offer a recall and fix this known defect before anyone loses control of a car while driving and someone gets hurt. Updated IVOQ 07/09/12.

- River Forest, IL, USA

Took my car into the MINIdealer today due to the fact that it was idling low, sounded like a diesel when it turned on and made a knocking noise. MINIlet me know that it was in fact my timing chain and tensioner system that was making this sound and needed to be replaced. If it had not been replaced, I could have experienced complete engine failure. My MINIis not the only one that has had this problem, therefore I feel like MINIshould cover the cost of fixing my timing chain and tensioner since it is going to cost me approximately $2,500 to fix it. I guess I should be thankfully that I was able to get my MINIto the dealer before it suffered a complete engine failure.

- Brandon, FL, USA

In August of 2008, 12 months after purchasing my car, it for a 2nd time in 1 year, started to smell strongly like gasoline inside the cabin. I brought it in to MINIof concord, and they found a leak in the high pressure fuel pump and line, and replaced the parts - for a 2nd time. This was the second of four replacements of the high pressure fuel pump in my car.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

In early January 2008, 5 months after purchasing my car, it started to smell strongly like gasoline inside the cabin, and I was concerned that there was a risk of fire. I pulled over and let the car sit, and restarted it, but the smell resumed. I brought it in to MINIof sf, and they found a leak in the high pressure fuel pump and line, and replaced the parts. This was the first of four replacements of the high pressure fuel pump on my car.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA