Is the R56 the model name of all 2008 Mini's, or is it a particular model of 2008 MINI. I'm confused.

 

R56 = 2007+ Hatchbacks

 

So 2007+ MINIs all have the problem with the death rattle start -- potentially engine killing problem?

 

I don't have much experience with the cold start rattle (I think thats what your referring to?), I've been lucky enough to not have that issue. But yes it is a problem that some R56's suffer

you could find information on the topic:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=130512

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=130308

I've never heard it before, but that link to MINI2 has a bunch of sound clips and it made me cringe a little bit

 

Mine doesn't.....so far.

 

Does it seem to be a small minority of owners?

 

No death rattle here at 32k.

 

My 07 doesn't have the cold start rattle either.

 

My 07 rattles at start.

It's not an engine-killing phenomenon (knock on wood). It's a natural result of a direct injected engine.

FWIW, the engine in the R56 has won the Engine of the Year award for 2008 in the 1.4-1.8 liter category, which is the highest engineering honor an engine maker can receive:

http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyea..._08/14_18.html