Hi everyone,

I have just purchased a 2011 Cooper Convertible. It's lovely to drive but I have a favour to ask. Is it possible to load up a recording of a identical engined car starting and ticking over for a few minutes.

The reason I ask is that when I picked the car up and the dealer was showing us all the functions the engine was started. It initially ticked over at around 1100 to 1200 rpm. But when it dropped to 800ish, after it warmed up for a few seconds, I heard a real pronounced ticking noise from the engine. But as the engine warmed this disappeared to leave the usual ticking you hear from the injectors and valves. The dealer says this is normal. The car dives fine and the engine pulls without a problem.

I have seen a lot about the death rattle on the Cooper S, but having listened to one on you tube it's nothing like that.

So I figured that the best way would be if anyone could record a Cooper (not an S) and post the sound of it starting from cold until it warms up a little.........save me looking like a t**t with my dealer.

I will of course try and help anyone with any questions they have....great site though!

Cheers

Hiya. I know just what you mean and I did ask my dealer. I was advised it is the injectors, where they have to run so lean for emmisions. I did ask twice and so feel sure I was not fobbed off. Same as you my car runs sweet and I am sure it is nothing to do with the copper s death rattle.

Thanks for that. It makes me feel a lot better knowing its not just my car....
..just need to get them to centre the steering wheel, a tad left hand down on a straight road (UK)....suspect this will be a battle!

Hi. If it is under warranty I would go back when ever you need to. That's the bonus of buying a newish car

I just picked mine up last week and it has a ticking noise too when turned on and left in neutral. post a recording of yours and I'll say whether it sounds the same!

I've got to take the car back to get my plate put on it and a brake light replaced, I'm going to ask about the ticking too.. Although I'm pretty sure it's ok.

My old mini had the clutch/ bearing clunking issuenwhich sounds completely different which is why I think this other ticking is normal, sounds very different

Ah thanks. I was just concerned as the ticking / rattle started after the car dropped from the initial 1200 ish rpm to 800 from a cold / half warm start. But then this disappeared almost completely when the engine starts to warm..

Not sure how to post a sound file. But mine is also going back in in a week's time for a couple of minor things.

Does it sound like this ticking noise, towards the end of the video

YouTube - ? NEW Mini Cooper S 2011 - Interior

Only the very last couple of seconds. As per my first post. Quiet until the revs drop to around 800. Then a louder ticking or rattle noise which dies away to leave the usual injector tick. Am I hearing valve tappet noise?

Thanks for the post anyways.

It's normal. It's hydraulic tappet noise.

You can relax and enjoy the car.

Thanks....loving the car already..........it's got a name........what for it......Cooper!

Thanks for everyone's help.