Engine noise on MCS cold start - sounds like a diesel truck!

[starshley]

I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S with 39K miles on it.

Last week it started making a strange rattling noise when I started the car after it had been sitting for several hours. It does it every day and only lasts about 3-4 minutes and then sounds perfectly normal.

It sounds like a diesel truck when you try accellerating and even when it's in idle. It only makes the noise when the car has been sitting for more than 5 hours. I live in So Cal, so at the coldest it's been 50*F which isn't drastic compared to other places the Mini can live

I've read some other posts about the timing chain needing to be replaced. Some said it fixed the issue, others seem to have the problem return. The posts are all older. Does anyone know if Mini has come up with another solution?

I'm taking mine to the dealer this afternoon to see what they can do.

[ALD0]

There's about 12 fixes (last time dealer mentioned it) get it booked in ASAP to be looked at and then you can decide if it's cured or not and go back if it's not!

[starshley]

Took it into Crevier Mini yesterday and they just called to say the timing chain is the issue.

It also needed a new water pump (not sure if it was a related or separate issue) and was low on oil (even though the car kept saying it had 4500 miles until oil change).

Parts should be in tomorrow. Thank goodness for the warranty. The timing chain would have cost about $300, and the water pump about $900!!

[ALD0]

Good result

Always check your oil. The miles to go just indicates when the oil needs changing not when to refill!

[Poprin]

Yes mine was the same at almost the same mileage, timing chain and tensioner upgrade and the water pump. Appear to be a very common problem. Also as an FYI the cooper S is an oil fed engine, check your oil every week mine has used 5 litres in between oil services. They drink oil and if you don't keep it topped up the rattle will return!!