Hello I'm new here.
I am looking to buy my first MINI
I found a 2007 Cooper S that I really like.
My only concern is the sounds coming from the engine.
Since I am new to MINI or European cars for that matter, I am not entirely sure what's normal and what's not.
Well the engine sounds fine when behind the wheel but once the bonnet is open there is a bit of a ticking sound. It's really only audible when you stand right in front of the car. The guy at the dealership assures me that it's normal but I am not convinced.
Is this something I should be worrying about?

 

If it sounds like a diesel engine you may have the timing chain tensioner issue. You can search and find allot about it on multiple threads. Mini now fixes if that is it.

 

If you mean that little ticking noise at idle, that's the valves and or lifter mechanism working. Common noise on these overhead cam small engines. A knocking, rattle, clatter or grinding noise is something. Ticking you can barely hear is not really a problem.