So I have 400 miles and for the first time yesterday and today I heard this rattling noise. Almost like a leaf was stuck somewhere when pulling out of my drive way. RPM didnt seem to effect it. Almost like some aluminum heatshield is rubbing or something? Popped the engine and didnt see anything either. Only rattles when I press the gas. Seems to happen when the engine is cold (starting up for first time in morning) It's not outside temp related as its been extremely warm here.

Did a quick search, but didnt find anything related, did find a cold start rattle thread, but no one ever seemed to know what it was and that threads from 2009.


Any ideas? Is this normal?

 

I recall a thread here that there's a sheetmetal wastegate(?) something that rattles when cold on the N14 turbo engines. Others may remember better.

 

Thanks yea it sounds like its some sort of metal shield rattling. Kind of embarrassing noise it makes when driving down the street. Makes it sound like something's wrong with the car. Once the engine temp is up it's gone though.

 

If the noise is around the turbocharger, its the wastegate rattle - see the dealer for the TSB on it.
If the noise is around the passenger side of the engine where the timing chain is at, have the dealer inspect and measure the timing chain slack.
They may replace the tensioner or do a full replacement to the updated parts.

- Erik

 

Thanks i read about the timing chain issue, but thought that got resolved in '11 and '12's but i'll take it to the dealer

 

dropped car off at dealer. service advisor said that usually if its the tensioner that oil starts dripping so he thinks it could be something else. we'll see.

 

What year car? 2012 since you state its new?

 

yea 2012. had 600 miles on it. dealer called saying it is wastegate rattle and states its "normal"

 

I'm almost positive this is exactly what I have going on with mine. It's a loud clicking/clackity sound at first start up for about 5 to 30 secs. Then it does it under moderate acceleration or slight revving of the engine until it's warm. Then goes away for the most part. So they told you it's normal too? They said the same to me but never said what it was. If it's so normal though then why doesn't my friend's or any of the loaners i've ever had make the sound? Btw mine is a 09 MCS. I posted this vid tonight of mine. not great since it wasn't a cold start but can hear it when revving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxlLP...ature=youtu.be

 

Have you checked the oil level?

Yes, I know you said it only has 400 mi on it. But the symptom sounds like it could be low oil, and it's very simple to verify and top off if needed to rule one possible thing out.

 

i'll check, but im just living with it. i did more searching online with wastegate rattle and everyone else described the noise as being the same and those that have taken it in come back with same result from dealer. stating its "normal" there's even a youtube video if you search for mini cooper wastegate rattle, sounds pretty darn close to what i get. so i'm just living with it for now.

i'll check my oil level too just to be safe

 

Cooper, if you are hearing a clakity noise, that would be more typical of the chain tensioner.

Mine is going in for chain/tensioner replacement and various updates, which I hope, will alleviate the noise.