What is a death rattle going for test drive tomorrow in 58 plate cooper s is it a rattle sound coming from steering column I have no idea what to look for cheers

Timing chain which is almost an inevitable occurance for most R56 MCS - just youtube 'death rattle' there's hundreds on there! That should tell you what sound to look for. When testing it tomorrow listen closely to the plastic box to the left of the rocker cover where the ignition leads are. This is (i beleive) the cover protecting the timing chain, this is the where the knocking noise is loudest at. Not to put you off though, it's an amazing car to drive! If it's at a dealer, make sure they give you warranty - and try your best for some sort of warranty on a private sale!

Thanks for the help I have no idea where any of those parts are lol never lifted a bonnet typical girl. I'm getting it from main dealer so cherished mini

Open up the bonnet release (which is where front passenger's left ankle would be!)

Once bonnet is open where the big black plastic piece is where the MINI badge is, there is a little rectangular black plastic box to the left, thats where the housing is for the timing chain, so that's the area where it's loudest..hope this helps!

Is this just the MCS or does it effect the JCW too?

Definitely affects the JCW too!

Thanks for the simple explanation it does help

Definitely affects the JCW too!


Something to look forward to!

Is it an ongoing problem? Mine was built in Oct 2011 - have BMW pulled their finger out and sorted it on new builds?

I made a video when I had death rattle so I could e-mail it to the dealer (not mini dealership):

youtu.be/Jwk2Ks6dZO4

Regardless I didn't get it covered under warranty. They blamed mini for the fault.

Sound will be on cold starts and sound like a tractor. It's an awful noise, you'll know if it has it. Problem is, if you're viewing a car from a car dealership, they might warm the car up before you get there (that's what happened to me) :(

Seriously that death rattle thing is just something you have to learn to accept. I have had 4 replacement Timing Tensioners due to engine rattles and still I get a slight rattle in the engine area...

It's not as apparent as it used to be but I think to be honest all cooper s engines rattle a bit, I've heard a few of them.