Listening to those two clips several times back to back (with headphones on this time) I can definately hear the difference in the volume, for sure.
Based on the timing of the noise (consistancy - increasing with RPM), and the volume (increasing when cold) I still can't help but think it's a relationship between the DFI and the "on demand" design of the engine cooling system.
Whether or not it's detrimental or not is to be deturmined. I'm VERY interested in hearing how this all plays out as I have some vested interest in this myself (I pick up my car next week! So...).
Founding member of R56 Anonymous: "Hello. My name is Mike. I'm a driving enthusiast... and I still like the R56"
I have heard the noise once with my MCS. I had taken it out of the garage, washed it, and then put it back in the garage. The following morning which was frosty it made the diesel type noise on start up. It went away after a short distance and has not recurred.
I wonder if it is something to do with starting and stopping the engine without letting it warm up. I know that this can be bad for the catalytic converter and maybe the management system gets confused.
Has anyone any evidence that this diesel noise is something to worry about?
My MCS sounds pretty awful when cold or at low speeds in a high gear but I tested a MCS demonstrator at the dealers and it did the same. I think the sound is the"Peugeot" contribution to the engine and the performance comes from BMW!! .
Mine has also made this diesel noise 3 times now. Luckily the mechanic at my dealer heard it too when I took it in to complain about the strange noise on pulling away at between 1000 and 1500 rpm and at low rev gear changes. They have asked me to take it in on the 2nd of April with the intention of changing the timing belt tensioner. Maybe this will cure both problems. Thankfully though they have heard this noise and know that it is not right!
I've just heard some of the clips some sound awful, others not so bad. I'm supprised that BMW haven't mentioned that a performance engine is supposed to run loose when cold, and when it's at normal temperature should run a lot more smoothly. Are the exhaust manifolds the same temperature at each pipe? as the engine warms up if one is colder than the other it just may have a Intermittent faulty plug, and cuts in a few hundred yards up the road. But to many people seam to have the same problem.
if the gearbox noise is a grinding/grating noise on changing down to 2nd from 3rd or 4th, it is a new dual-mass flywheel and clutch that is required as that is what has fixed mine (for the moment.. ) Just for your info.
Thanks for the info CraigD but the problem seems to be on starting from cold for the 1st minute or 2 and then settles down to 'normal' engine running noise.
So what is the deal with this noise then? Are we all just supposed to put up with it? I don't care what anyone says... no brand new car should make noises like this!
It seems that the only person who might have had it diagnosed and fixed is DaveyC, but perhaps that was a different problem producing similar symptoms?
My car is going in on thursday - with 9 other issues - and it'd be good to get this one sorted and give the service dept as much info as possible. Throughout this thread I've seen mention to the following items being replaced:
Been to the dealers today to listen to the engine after the replacement of the timing chain tensioner - sound has gone.
What is left is the tapping noise that is part of the direct injection system used, and a slight rumble on the cam gear that goes if you remove the brake serer vacuum pipe.
They are checking the gearbox noise in 1st/2nd - they have been told to check the exhaust front pipe heat shields
Got exactly the same noise, it a late dec build, done 2.5k miles and makes the same noise. Been to my dealer and i am now waiting for a new ALTERNATOR and drive belt!!!! they told me it would be ok to drive, but am not so sure........ Does the noise also occur when slowing to almost stop in 2nd, then putting your foot down as if pulling away, always at around 1200rpm ...it's very odd..... and everyone thinks is drive a diesel too!!!
We collected our MCS yesterday and all seemed Ok at the dealer, but when we arrived home(30 miles) I heard a noisy tapping sound from engine.sounded like a diesel!
Called out Mini Care and was advised that this is due to the injector solenoids actuating (some can be worse than others)
He said as the noise goes on overrun ( injectors shut down) this was definatley the fault, I,m not so sure and will go back to dealer on saturday to listen to other engines.
Has anyone else been old this is cause of noisy engines?
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) Just for your info.
Hi CBCOOPER 
Engine noises 
