Bottom end of the engine, behind the exhausted manifold.

There aren't any recommendations from MINI UK in the service or owners manual. Mine was already replaced at 21K without them letting me know whilst it was in for break replacement. I have since found lots of other owners with the same issue. MINI UK know what is happening, yet refuse to do anything. It will take a serious injury or death before they do anything! Get in contact if you have a similar issue. paperhatftp @ me.com Steve

57 plate, purchased new in Sept 2007.

Travelling on the M25 at 9am lots of traffic, sudden and increasing knocking noise. Indicated, changed lane and decreased speed but within seconds there was a bang and the engine light came on. Engine stopped, but luckly managed to pull onto the hard shoulder. Car was covered in oil around the sides and bumper. AA towed car to garage. Timing Chain Tensioner had failed so they carried out a compression test to check damage, which showed a failure on 1 of the cylinders. Thinking this could be fixed they removed the exhaust manifold and found that the bottom end was completely ruined! I purchased the car from new, now has 46,000 miles on the clock and mainly used for local journeys, first three years BMW maintained and then well maintained by local BOSCH service centre. It was only in the BMW service garage a few weeks ago for a recall on the turbo collant pump. I have found lots of mini owners in the US with similar issues. Any more in the UK? If so please post. We need to get BMW to accept there is an issue and recall. The mini cost me £22k and is now worth £0. CONSUMER ADVICE? LEGAL ADVICE? HELP!!!