P0017 on MINI: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
7 MINI models · 7 documented issues · 7 critical · $1,000-$4,500 repair
P0017 on MINI by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The R56 Cooper S N14 engine (2007-2010) is particularly notorious for timing chain tensioner failure, even more so than the naturally aspirated N12. The higher cylinder pressures from turbocharging accelerate chain stretch and guide rail wear. The revised N18 (2011-2013) improved but didn't fully resolve the issue.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling on cold start
- Check engine light
- Reduced power
- Engine misfire codes
- Metal debris in oil
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets. N14 engines should have this done proactively at 50-60k miles. N18 engines are better but should be inspected at 80k. Replace oil pump chain at the same time.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- MINI N14 timing-chain kit 11318618317KTOEMFCP Euro 11318618317KT / MINI 11318618317
VIN-confirmed N14 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and kit contents before purchase; it is not the N18 branch a
- MINI N18 timing-chain kit 11318618318KT1OEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT1 / MINI 11318618318
VIN-confirmed N18 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and kit contents before purchase; do not use it for N14 or
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The R56 Cooper's N12 and N16 engines suffer from premature timing chain tensioner and guide rail failure. The plastic chain guides deteriorate, causing chain slack that leads to rough running, rattling on startup, and potential catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps timing.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Engine misfire
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guide rails. Use updated BMW/MINI parts with revised guide rail material. The entire front of the engine must come apart. Recommend replacing water pump and thermostat at the same time.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- MINI N12/N16 timing-chain kit 11318618318KTOEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT / MINI 11318618318
VIN-confirmed naturally aspirated N12/N16 timing-chain, guide and tensioner repair branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and engine before purchase; it does not esta
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The N14 turbocharged engine in early MINI JCW models suffers from a defective timing chain tensioner that allows the chain to develop excessive slack. This produces a loud rattling noise on cold start (known as 'death rattle') that can progress to timing chain skip or breakage, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. BMW settled a $30 million class-action lawsuit and extended timing system coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles for affected 2007-2010 models. The N14 was replaced by the improved N18 engine starting in 2011.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling or chattering noise on cold start (death rattle)
- Rattle duration increasing over time from seconds to minutes
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Engine running rough or misfiring at idle
- Sudden catastrophic engine failure if chain skips timing
How to Fix
If you hear a rattle on cold start that lasts more than a few seconds, have the timing chain tensioner inspected immediately. Replace the tensioner, chain, and guides as a complete kit — do not replace the tensioner alone. The repair costs $1500-2500 at an independent MINI specialist (less than dealer pricing). Check if your vehicle is still covered under the extended warranty from the class-action settlement (7 years/100,000 miles from in-service date).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine MINI N14 timing-chain kit 11318618317KTOEMFCP Euro kit 11318618317KT
VIN-confirmed N14 chain, guide and tensioner replacement after mechanical diagnosis Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN/production and engine condition; VANOS part
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningDo NOT ignore the cold-start rattle even if it goes away after warm-up. The tensioner is progressively failing, and once the chain jumps timing, the engine is destroyed. Budget for this repair as preventative maintenance.
- TipUse a MINI specialist or independent BMW shop rather than the dealer — the timing chain job on the N14 is well-documented and specialists charge $1000-1500 less than dealer pricing.
Sources for this issue (2)
The MINI Hardtop 4 Door uses BMW-developed B38 (3-cylinder) and B48 (4-cylinder) engines that can develop timing chain stretch, particularly on early production units. The chain stretches beyond the tensioner's compensation range, causing a rattle on cold start and eventually triggering cam position correlation faults. The B38 3-cylinder is more susceptible due to the higher vibration levels of a 3-cylinder engine. BMW/MINI has issued technical updates for the chain and tensioner.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise from engine on cold start
- Check engine light with P0016 or P0017 codes
- Rough idle after cold start
- Reduced power and sluggish throttle response
- Engine stalling on cold start (chain has jumped — severe)
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides with the updated MINI/BMW parts. The updated chain uses a different link design with improved wear resistance. This is a timing-cover-off repair that takes 6-8 hours. Change oil every 5,000 miles (not the 15,000-mile extended interval) with BMW LL-01 approved 0W-20 synthetic to protect chain and tensioner.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipChange oil every 5,000-7,500 miles, NOT the 15,000-mile BMW extended interval — fresh oil with proper viscosity is critical for timing chain longevity
- TipAsk the dealer about the updated timing chain TSB — BMW/MINI has released revised chain and tensioner parts for early B38/B48 engines
- WarningDo not ignore cold start rattle — the B38 and B48 are interference engines and a jumped chain bends valves, requiring an engine rebuild
The timing chain on the N18 (GP2) and B48 (GP3) engines stretches over time, causing a characteristic rattle on cold start and eventually triggering timing-related fault codes. The N18 engine is more prone to this issue than the B48. The chain tensioner cannot compensate for excessive chain stretch, leading to retarded cam timing, rough running, and in severe cases, the chain can jump teeth causing valve-to-piston contact. The high-RPM nature of GP driving accelerates chain wear.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or clattering noise from engine on cold start
- Rattle that disappears after engine warms up
- Check engine light with cam timing codes
- Rough idle
- Reduced engine power
- Engine will not start (if chain has jumped)
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides as a preventive measure at 60,000-80,000 miles on the N18, or when rattling first appears. The B48 is more durable but should still be inspected at 80,000+ miles. Parts cost $300-$600 for a complete kit; labor is 6-10 hours ($900-$1,500) as the job requires removing the front of the engine. Use OEM timing components only — aftermarket chains stretch faster. Always replace the chain guide rails and tensioner at the same time.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- MINI N18 timing-chain kit 11318618318KT1OEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT1 / MINI 11318618318
2013 R56 GP2/N18 mechanically confirmed timing-chain, guide or tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm GP2 VIN, engine and kit contents;
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCold start rattle is the canary in the coal mine. Once you hear it, you have a limited window to replace the chain before it jumps and bends valves. Do not delay this repair.
- TipIf buying a used GP2 with the N18 engine, ask for timing chain replacement records. If no documentation exists, budget $2,000 for preventive replacement.
The R60 Countryman's Prince-family engines (N16 naturally aspirated, N18 turbo, co-developed by BMW and PSA) use a timing chain with plastic guides and a hydraulic tensioner that are chronically under-specified. The tensioner bleeds down at rest and the chain guides wear and crack, letting the chain slap on cold start. Over time the chain stretches, retards cam timing relative to the crank, and in the worst cases jumps teeth or snaps outright, bending valves and destroying the interference engine. Owners report the classic 'death rattle' at cold start for months before catastrophic failure, and NHTSA complaints document chains stretched far enough to damage the eccentric (Valvetronic) shaft. BMW quietly revised the tensioner and chain design mid-cycle and lost class-action litigation over the same defect in sibling MINI models, but the Countryman was never recalled for it.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattle or 'diesel-like' clatter from the front of the engine for 2-5 seconds on cold start
- Rattle at idle that quiets when revved
- Check engine light with camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes
- Loss of power, rough running, or limp mode
- Engine suddenly shuts off while driving and will not restart
- Metallic debris or plastic chain-guide fragments in the oil filter or pan
How to Fix
Do not ignore a cold-start rattle. Have the chain, tensioner, both guides, and the crank/cam sprockets replaced as a complete kit with the revised BMW/MINI parts — replacing only the tensioner is a temporary fix. Verify the Valvetronic eccentric shaft and its sensor for wear while the front cover is off. Preventively, shorten oil-change intervals to roughly 5,000 miles with a correct-spec low-ash oil (the factory 10,000+ mile interval is a major contributor to guide and tensioner wear), and address any oil-level or oil-pressure warning immediately. If the chain has already jumped, a compression/leak-down test is required before rebuilding — bent valves are common.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- MINI N16 timing-chain kit 11318618318KTOEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT / MINI 11318618318
VIN-confirmed R60 N16 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN, engine and kit contents; do not use it for N18 or assume it includ
- MINI N18 timing-chain kit 11318618318KT1OEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT1 / MINI 11318618318
VIN-confirmed R60 N18 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and kit contents; do not use it for N16 or assume it co
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0017 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0017 mean on a MINI?
P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On MINI it is documented across 7 models: Cooper S, Cooper, John Cooper Works, Hardtop 4 Door, GP, Countryman, Clubman.
What are the most common causes of P0017?
The most common causes of P0017 are: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service, Damaged reluctor (tone) ring. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a MINI?
Published repair estimates on MINI range from $1,000 to $4,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0017 on a different make?
View P0017 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.