-

 

I'm recently owner of 2009 base cooper. I've been reading about these cold start rattles and seems to be mostly (if not all) S models. Is that correct?

 

I bought a 2009 S Clubman at 117K about 6 months ago and started hearing the engine rattling during cold start for about a month recently. I took to the dealer yesterday and I was told that the timing chain was stretched to 75mm from the original 68mm. This was caused by low level of oil. The recommended repair cost is $2400. I am thinking calling the dealer to stop working on it and go somewhere else. Is it safe to drive? Any help is appreciated.

 

I just picked up my wife’s MINI form the dealer yesterday because of a second timing chain failure. ACCOUDING TO THE DEALER - this time it was a faulty tensioner plug seal (that THEY installed the first time) that failed and allowed the plug to “back out” which de tensioned the chain and allowed most of the oil to pump out of the vehicle. Fortunately my sweet wife stopped the vehicle at the first flicker of the oil light. Their initial quote was over $2400.00 to repair but they did make some concessions because I ask to have the regional BMW person come to meet me at the dealership and enter an issue with MINI USA.

I have worked on BMW’s all my life and I just find this hard to swallow !

 

I just picked up my wife’s MINI form the dealer yesterday because of a second timing chain failure. ACCOUDING TO THE DEALER - this time it was a faulty tensioner plug seal (that THEY installed the first time) that failed and allowed the plug to “back out” which de tensioned the chain and allowed all the oil to pump out of the vehicle. Fortunately my sweet wife stopped the vehicle at the first flicker of the oil light. Their initial quote was over $2400.00 to repair but they did make some concessions because I ask to have the regional BMW person come to meet me at the dealership and enter an issue with MINI USA. I have worked on BMW’s all my life and I just find this hard to swallow !

 

Yes, I heard that the timing chain issue only applies to S model.

 

This morning I heard what was unmistakably the Death Rattle, it lasted less than a second but got my full attention quickly!! Now I know it takes time to build up oil pressure but if this is the case why hasn't it happened before? I did an oil change (Royal Purple 5W-30 5.0 quarts) 2 weeks ago and haven't heard it before, it was colder than usual here in California.

I have only got 46,000 miles on it, what action if any do I need to take? I'll see if I can record it with my iPhone in the next few days where the weather shouldn't change.

 

^ Although there are likely handy folks here who have fixed the issue themselves, I brought my MINI (a 2009 MCS) to the dealer and they did the whole service for the death rattle. They really should recall the cars in my opinion, but MINI rarely seems to do this. If I didn't read this forum, I'd have no chance of knowing what was happening with my car.

Best of luck to you!

 

Did your dealer just replace the tensioner and/or timing chain and guides? Should I call Mini before taking it in to the dealer?

 

^ Everything! I got an itemized list on my bill. I've heard here on this forum that some folks only had part of the "whole service" but I got the whole thing.

Just my two cents, but I'd just take it in asap and not bother trying to call MINI. They could give you a major run around and meanwhile your car is a ticking time bomb (figuratively speaking).

 

I have two coldstart issues, where all 4 cylinders misfired. Found out that the previous dealer cracks the valve cover during a gasket replacement causing the mini to only run at 1bar of pressure instead of 5. And the high pressure fuel pump caused the multiple misfires.

 

Are you sure the cylinders are misfiring? When I had my cold start issues the first place I took it didn't have the Mini software and the check engine light was due to 3 of the 4 cylinders misfiring but they recommended taking it to someone that has the Mini software, which I did. They ran it on their system and was getting the 2880 and quickly diagnosed that it was the HPFP issue. Was charged $150 to diagnose then sent me to Mini (which is nearly 2 hours away). If the Mini dealer were closer I would have taken it to them in the first place but that's quite at trip. Mini diagnosed and fixed the HPFP issue. They told me that they have to charge me the 2 hours of diagnostic but once its determined to be the HPFP the fee was removed.

 

I had cold start issues with mine, along with rough idle and occasionally dying on decel. Pulled a P0015 (cam B position error) and P2187 (idle too lean) I did:

Fresh air filter (K&N)
Oil change (not the issue, but one of the simultaneous changes)
Cleaned MAF
Replaced tensioner with updated 82mm piece
Replaced spark plugs

Car runs like a top, cold and hot idle are fine (smooth and quiet) and both SES codes have not returned. Fuel trims prior to change were +15 range at idle and +12 cruise. After changes there bounce between -4 and +4 (which is normal). The plug gaps were WIDE on the removed plugs but beyond that nothing looked out of place in the replaced components.

 

I bet replacing the tensioner is what was responsible for the cam B position error since the chain is tensioned properly. I replaced my plugs just a few hundred miles ago, didn't notice it though. I'm glad you're MCS is running better now!

 

I have a 2007 MCS with about 88K miles. For the past month now I've been having issues starting and Cold Start. Basically, I would try to start up and it would shut off immediately. It would only stay running once I gave it some gas.

I took to my local shop that only works on MINI's, they said probably Carbon build-up or HPFP. Initially, the HPFP diagnostic seemed within spec. However, that was tested after I drove it in. I left over night there and they tested again and it was out of spec. They even checked for Carbon build up and deemed that was not the issue, it was pretty clean.

I just hope the MINI dealer diagnoses it while it's cold.

 

If it is your HPFP, 2 years ago MINI extended the warranty to 10 years. Check out the forum for details

 

*********CHECK THE OIL!*************

Had my oil change a year ago never check oil. Didnt know it was the problem and the rattling noise progressively gotten worst and I thought my car is merely getting old. Cold system hit canada the car was crying with diesel noise, worst cry I ever heard, then I check the oil try my luck......BONE DRY!

I discovered the oil cap on top of the engine has oil residual but no leak, could be burnt oil over the year.

CHECK OIL EVERY WEEK! Especially when winter approaching, cold start plus no oil = death to all engine.

 

Hate to be the one to tell you, but as long as your car has a dipstick (some new cars don't have them now) you should be checking your oil weekly regardless. And I'm not talking just MINI's. Especially in cold weather. Seals shrink, and leaks can start. Before you know it, BAM! Blown engine due to low or now oil.

PSA: Check your oil weekly kids!

 

I replaced the tensioner bolt this weekend on my 2009 S with 99,500 miles. Had some start up rattle. The old tensioner was not tight and was seeping oil. New part is 11314609482. Engine is quiet and smooth now, hope it lasts.

 

While rare, there have been cases of timing chain issues on Justas also.
Both the justa and the s models have the same timing chain assembly. The difference seems to be that the s models run hotter, use more oil and of course are usually driven harder.
My 2013 justa has developed a loud tapping/rattle at cold start with only 7000 miles on it.
The general consensus on this forum is that this noise is normal for Justas on cold start up, so I guess it is what it is.
The probability of having a timing chain failure on a justa is much less likely than that of an s model, but my personal view is that I would not own any Mini Cooper out of warranty unless I was prepared to pay for it.
Here ( for your benefit ) is a link to conversation I had here on this forum about my justa. It includes two videos, one outside the car and one under the hood, so you can hear the noise that others on this forum are considering as normal for a justa on cold start up.


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...upe-noise.html

 

Having this issue now.... 2012 Countryman All wheel. will not act up at Dealer. Had 2 fault issues charge temp faults and exhaust, Both are cold start faults.... all are working properly. Did oil change even though it was not due, and cleared codes. That was one Friday now Tuesday cold front moved thru and check engine is on again. Mini has 59,000 miles.Did not do computer update.Limited on time.. Wife now hates it,yea she uses for work. She will be using my 2003 Tundra.

 

Quick question. I heard the rattle and replaced the tensioner and next day car sounds like a diesel engine. Question is, do people with this issue also have RPMS flutter a bit, and is the engine shaking?