I think the crank pulley is gone on my '05 MCS (96K miles on it). A couple of months ago, I was at a light and I heard this loud bang from the engine, like it was metal on metal though. Soon after I heard this "chirping" noise from the passenger side of the engine, so I parked it until I could get time to look and see if I could tell what was wrong with it. Well, I was forced to drive it when the transmission went out on my other vehicle. While it was sitting in the driveway, the inspection sticker went out on it, so I took it in. When the mechanic started to drive it, he said it didn't have any power and the battery and check engine light came on, but when we turned off the A/C, the battery light and check engine light went off, so he went ahead and passed it so I could take care of the ticket the VERY understanding police officer gave me for having an expired inspection sticker (dripping with sarcasm.) Anyway, to make a long story longer, I finally got a chance to look around under the hood, and I think the "chirping" sound was coming from the crank pulley rubbing on the engine. I could also smell burned rubber, which looks to be the belt rubbing on a bolt. There are also metal shavings around the crank pulley and other pulleys. I've attached a picture to show what I'm talking about. Like I said, I'm pretty sure the pulley is bad, but I wanted to get a second opinion from the experts. Also, could there be something else besides the pulley that would cause this to happen...like maybe the bearings? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

That looks bad alright and needs to be replaced.

Jeremy

 

metal shavings = bad. time for a new crank pulley, I wouldnt use the car until its fixed. everything runs off the belt that the crank pulley turns (I think)

ps- went thru one myself, tried an alta which wouldnt fit, went for OEM

 

If you are getting a pully, Way has one here that you might consider. It looks one that would never have to receive attention again. And it is lighter for good measure.

I also found these installation instructions on the ATI site

Rich

 

Yeah, I was pretty confident that the pulley was gone. I just wanted someone that has more experience with mini's than I do, or someone who's had the same symptoms when there pulley went bad, to confirm it...and to see if maybe something else could cause the pulley to move towards the engine and cause this. I'm thinking of getting the ATI pulley, which is dampened, along with a few other mods (15% SC pulley, motor mount, screamin' demon coil package) from Way Motor Works. I don't think the engineers at BMW decided that the pulley should have an elastomeric damper for no good reason. And, since I'm in there and I've got 96K miles on it, I'm going to give it a good tune up also.