I was almost home on Saturday, when I noticed a sudden increase in engine noise (driven diesel for over 9 years so my ears are finely tuned) and a judder when idling. It happened only metres from home, so I put the car in the garage and thought little more of it.
Drove to work today (Monday) and almost immeadiately heard the increased engine noise again. I was so concerned that I phoned my dealer as I drove (handsfree of course
). As I approached higher revs - 2500, the noise appeared to lessen. 20 miles of Motorway later, and it was time to slow down. Back to the lower revs, around 1900, and the rattles began again.
Once in work, took a couple of mechanically minded pals for a brief spin. They both agreed that something was wrong.
Phoned the Mini Emergency help number, and they had a technician to me in 25 minutes - this included getting through security!
The technician listened to the engine and agreed something was up. Plugged in the magic diagnostics computer, and 20 minutes later - nothing!
More revving of the engine, a couple of brief runs (couple of hundred metres) and more heads under the bonnet was required. Something is wrong, but it is deep in the engine. The best guess is a valve or cylinder problem - yikes
The low loader was called, and my pride and joy was taken away to the Mini dealership of my choice (Woodmans of course
). Seeing my car on the back of that wagon was not good, but a colleague at work took great pleasure in photographing the event - see the picture posted.
The Mini service was great, but the free hire car wasn't so easily sorted. It was supposed to be with me within 2 hours, but I got it after 3 and a half, and having to go to their hire place. Then to add insult to injury, I got a Ford Ka
No news from the dealers yet, but fingers crossed
