Also u tube has some videos of tensioner and full chain replacment with the cam tool it's very easy on these cars don't even need to remove the timing cover. 

Jeff

Thanks for the tip, I'll search over there.

Sorry if this has been covered here, this forum has a strange layout that I'm not used to.

Normal Cooper, not S. I've got just over 50k miles right now, and I don't know exactly how low it was because it was time to change anyway so I just drained and refilled with 5w30 Mobil 1 full synthetic, iirc. It was still on the dipstick, I think just passed the low marker.

I've seen a chain tension measuring tool for sale a couple places. Is it possible the tensioner itself is just bad or is it more likely the chain is stretched or damaged somehow?

How many miles on your MINI?  Is this a Cooper or Cooper S?

It is possible the problem may be related to the recall, but maybe not.

How low was the oil?  How much oil did you have to add?  What weight oil are you using?

Assuming you are hearing 'chain rattle' and not something else - Since the chain tensioner operates on hydraulic pressure, low oil could have impacted its performance allowing slack on the chain.  This could have accelerated the wear on the chain and 'could have' stretched the chain.  Unfortunately, MINI uses a special tool to measure chain stretch and we don't have the limits that require replacement...

Servicing the timing chain requires special tools to set the timing.  It is a fairly invasive repair, but many have done this themselves...

Ken

There are some form members that have knowledge of the new MINIs, given some time you will get a response .
However, this is still more of a classic mini forum.
Think you'll get a faster reply over at www.NorthAmericanMotoring.com 

//www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues-188/

You may be able to search first before even asking. Hope this helps.

I'm getting some chain rattle on my 2011 MINI hatchback that started after one of my ignition coils went out. I drove it on 3 cylinders a bit while trying to diagnose the issue, thinking it may have stemmed from the oil running a bit low before changing the spark plugs and then the bad coil. I've checked with my local dealership, the recent recall does not cover my vehicle.

Is it possible that my issue is related to the recall but just isn't covered for 2011+ vehicles? My symptoms match exactly with a timing chain issue; rattle from the front of the engine on the passenger side from a cold start, goes away almost entirely when warm.

I can't afford the dealership maintenance price, so is there something I can do myself? I'm handy, haven't worked a lot on cars but I'm a quick learner and have never botched any previous repairs I've done.