P0016 on MINI
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on MINI vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 8 MINI models — most commonly on Cooper, Cooper S, Coupe. P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. Typical repair costs on MINI range from $800 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0016
- •Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner)
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor
- •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator
- •Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages
- •Timing chain/belt installed one tooth off after service
- •Damaged reluctor/tone ring on the crankshaft or camshaft
- •Wiring or connector faults at the position sensors
P0016 on MINI by Model
MINI Cooper(1 issue)
- N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2007-2013
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.
MINI Cooper S(1 issue)
- N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure2007-2013
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.
MINI Coupe(2 issues)
- N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2012-2015
Same timing chain issue as the Cooper S. The N14 and N18 turbo engines develop timing chain stretch and tensioner failure.
- N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch2012-2015
The MINI Coupe uses the N14 (early JCW) or N18 (Cooper S) turbocharged engines which are prone to timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. The plastic chain guide rails wear prematurely, and the hydraulic tensioner loses its ability to keep the chain taut. A stretched chain causes rough idle, misfires, and eventually can jump teeth, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. The N14 is more prone than the N18 but both are affected.
MINI GP(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (N18/B48 Engines)2013-2023
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.
MINI Hardtop 4 Door(1 issue)
- B38/B48 Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle2015-2019
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.
MINI John Cooper Works(1 issue)
- N14 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Death Rattle)2008-2012
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.
MINI Paceman(1 issue)
- ALL4 AWD Coupling Wear and Timing Chain2013-2016
The Paceman ALL4 models share the same Haldex-based AWD coupling as the Countryman. The coupling wears and the timing chain tensioner fails - same issues as other N14/N18 MINI models.
MINI Roadster(1 issue)
- N18 Timing Chain and Turbo Oil Line Leak2012-2015
Same N18 engine issues as other turbo MINIs. The timing chain stretches and the turbo oil return line leaks.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on MINI?▼
P0016 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A." P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. On MINI specifically, this code is documented across 8 models.
What causes P0016 on MINI vehicles?▼
Common causes on MINI: Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner), Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator, Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a MINI?▼
Repair costs on MINI range from $800 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which MINI models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 8 MINI models: Cooper, Cooper S, Coupe, GP, Hardtop 4 Door, John Cooper Works, Paceman, Roadster.