MCS Engine noise when cold

[DaveyC]

I have recorded the first start up of mine, wasn't a really cold morning.

Video of enginenoise - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Goes in on Tuesday the 13th for 2 to 3 days.

Also problems with the Drivers Seat Leather wearing, gearbox noise (pull away), gearbox noise (3rd down to 2nd - very intermittant), bonnet gaps (2nd attempt), Exhaust Tail pipes wonky, rattle from the rear (not sure if it's under the seat or from the sun roof) and it has just developed a whistle from the heater/air con.

[chipcooper]

Mine goes in tomoz so will let you know what they say!

[CBCooper]

Well, DaveyC, yours sounds like a similar problem to mine. As much as i hate to say it, im glad that someone else has a similar problem as its been driving me bonkers! I couldnt believe that my car could be the only one (although typical of my run of luck lately). If im honest, i kind of get the impression they dont know whats wrong and replacing the cam chain tensioner is the first logical step in the process of elimination.

[chipcooper]

Engineer been and looked at mine today and said it is perfectly normal noise.Its just the engine charicteristic.He said it was the engine waiting for the oil to reach the top of the engine. What a load of rubbish!!! How come it sounds like a tractor some mornings and is not as bad other mornings!!! Surely if it was normal it would do it all the time.The thing is I don't know where to turn! The dealer isn't interested and said wait till the problem gets worse!!! but I want it fixed now , along with the gearbox

[jermoh]

Could the engine noise "or characteristic" when cold be down to the viscosity of oil when cold? It's a long shot, but need to look at the MIL info for the oil that's been used??

Chip, did you hear this noise from when you first received it? I get my MCS on Monday, will look out for this, and a host of other issues!

[chipcooper]

Hi.Never noticed a thing when I bought it.I had done about 1000 miles when I first heard it! Don't know if to change oil and filter now I have done the running in to see if it makes any difference.All I wanted to here was that it had a fault and that a fix was being looked at rather than being told nothing is wrong with it when I know ther is Anyway enjoy your new Mini. It's a great car even with it's faults!

[CC07ERS]

i had the same niose yesterday but it was fine today

[CooperS4us]

So what's the final verdict? Fault or not??

[stephen orford]

After listening to your engine the sound reminds me of big end bearings that are not getting sufficient oil at the correct pressure. If you continue to drive this car you will, if it is lack of oil at the big ends, damage the engine resulting in a big bill for someone. I would leave the car at the dealers until the problem is rectified. I would also make sure that all of this is recorded and BMW notified in writing. I don't think this engine will have and extended life ! Good luck with the problem please post BMW's diagnosis and cure.

[ZZTOP]

Dont forget this engine has direct fuel injection, like the FSi on the VW range and even the GTI 5 sounds a bit like a diesel when it idles with the bonnet open? Could be part of the noise being heard.?? After all, diesels are "direct injection"... my 5c

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by ZZTOP (original)

Dont forget this engine has direct fuel injection, like the FSi on the VW range and even the GTI 5 sounds a bit like a diesel when it idles with the bonnet open? Could be part of the noise being heard.?? After all, diesels are "direct injection"... my 5c

Exactly, I said this too

When I got my VW 1.6FSI, I thought it was a diesel at first, especially when gently pulling away. This sound went pretty much completely after a few k miles.

I guess this is the price you pay for better economy and reduced emissions

[CBCooper]

This is my engine on a *quiet* day. We have two R56 MCS' in the family and the red one certainly does not sound like this. Again just reving to under 2k
Video of R56 MCS Engine noise - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

CB

Unfortunately uploading the video to photobucket actually loses some of the sound definition. The photobucket vid doesnt sound as bad as my original source.

[msh441]

Both videos are rough and the sound isn't great, but...

Some of it sounds like it's from the direct injection. Thats more the consistant rattly noise you hear. Kind of like a diesel. Perfectly normal to hear it at idel with the hood open like that. Again it's got a consistant tone and tempo though, and I would say it's normal for this car.

In the mix there however (second video especially), is somthing different. An intermittant knock. Noticably louder on the left side (near the timing chain) somewhat reinforcing the tentioner question.

Seems like most are experiencing this knock when it's cold out? The new engine has an "on demand" water and (I believe) oil pump that doesn't kick on until the block is up to operating temps. Any possibility the cam chain and main bearing aren't getting enough oil upon start up. Colder conditions = less viscosity & lubrication through the system. Oils starvation in the timing chain and main bearing causing problems? It's a thought.

Again though, somewhat confusing video unless you listen close. Those only hearing the surface DI rattle are gonna get paranoid over nothing. Know what I mean?

[pimbeche]

it is normal guys, you just need to drive it until it have reached its normal running-operating tempreturem this is why you dont hear the sound after a longer journey than just 5 min.

[dneal]

Any time the motor is running, it needs oil pressure. The "on-demand" oil pump is actually "flow controlled". Personally I think it's a stupid idea for a reported 1% fuel savings.

As for the knocking... If the knock goes away when the engine warms, your problem is piston slap. True knocks (wristpins, spun bearings, etc...) don't go away. Many manufactuers will claim piston slap is normal, but some people have been able to get the dealer to replace the offending piston(s). My wife's Toyota exhibits piston slap, and Toyota refused to do anything about it.

GM went so far as to extend the warranty of its engines that were prone to slap (in order to give some peace of mind to consumers).

I do not believe it is "normal", particularly because it doesn't happen identically across all engines of the same model. The argument you should present to your dealer is "that other car doesn't slap (knock), so is it abnormal?"