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I've read all the information on the Timing chain tensioner rattle that is a common plague to the Cooper S. My 2007 Cooper S is making symptoms that first made me believe that was the problem, but now im not so sure. Basically, on a cold morning the car will start without any problems, and won't make any noise that it isn't suppose to do.. however, when pulling off in first gear, or reversing (we have to park on a hill) when the car is under load, there is a quite a concerning and loud rattle that briefly comes from the engine - but only at low revs when im moving off - as soon as i get into second or apply a bit more power, the rattle is gone and never to be seen again until the next morning. This doesn't happen every time either, i can get into my car after work to drive home, and there is only a very slight rattle for a second or two as i first pull off - nothing like in the morning though. Even in the morning, it isn't every time, and can vary in the amount and degree that it rattles... i think it comes down to the load the car is under (like reversing/driving up our hill driveway in the morning) - could it perhaps be the start of the timing tensioner problem?! I've also checked the oil level, which is fine (if anything, its slightly above the max level and too full)
Does anyone know what might cause something like this? I've rang the dealership and plan on taking it in for a cold start test, but i'm worried they might never hear it as it never does it on idle? the warrenty for the car is covered by Ford (it was brought second hand from a Ford garage about a month ago), so i'm not sure they'd be able to diagnose it like Mini could either - yet Mini say it has to be taken back to the Ford garage
It might be a component attached to the engine rather than the actual engine, heat shield that expands once it warms up, exhaust system, plastic induction hoses, theres all manner of things that could come slightly loose or moved and touching when the engine is moving.??
People seem to think oh my engines making a noise, its got to be the tensioner.
haha, after reading the threads on here i would definitely say your right about that - its certainly the first thing you think after all the horror stories, although im definitely not convinced this is it. Purely because it never does it when the car is idle! I couldn't imagine a heat shield would have time to warm up in the first few seconds though? it's very difficult to describe, but it is like a clatter.. and even a bit like a shudder (if that makes sense)
i know what sound your hearing and my money is that it is the tensioner, but have no fear, ive got the same car and same year, the tensioner is oil lubricated and its all about the oil temperature and your engine oil levels, I found by adding 1 ltr of 0-40w castrol engine oil to your engine the rattle will fade away much quicker, the thinner oil gets to the tensioner much faster than say a thicker oil of say 5-30w in the cold weather, lets face it, its not going to get any warmer here for a while now is it,
so to recap, cheek your oil levels weekly, i was told we use 1 ltr of oil for every 1k miles that we do, use 0-40w oil for top ups not 5-30w oil, use Castrol and expect to pay £16-£17 a litre for it,
I managed to catch a video of it this morning - the car sounds like a tractor when it does make the noise.
I've been aware of the tensioner issue and its relation to oil levels, so i've been keeping a regular check on oil and its been up at the max since i brought it, and has barely budged since!
I was going to post a link to the video to help give you a better idea of the noise, but unfortunately i'm not allowed to post links being a newb n all
that sounds like something is catching somewhere, its a lot worse than mine was, that could be the early signs that the tensioner is in need of a change soon, i was quoted £350 to have one changed, so what do you want? a changed tentioner or a new set of valves if it fails on you whilst out driving ?
Annoyingly, the car has only done 18k miles (but is a 56 plate) - anyhow, its still under warranty from the Ford garage where we brought it from (thankfully!) and we took it back yesterday - they rang back today acknowledging an issue with the tensioner and are getting in touch with BMW to order the appropriate part!
hm, thats a very good point actually. I knew about the 50,000 mile warranty, but thought that in years the warranty would have already ran out. There's been no mention of it from either Ford or BMW - ill read over the manual tonight and see if i can find any mention of it in there
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