Driving at about 35 mph my engine suddenly started making a horrible banging noise in speed with the engine. I pulled over and looked under the hood - I couldn't see anything but it sounded like it was coming from the center engine area. It sounded like metal on metal and at idle it was a few times a second. I shut it down, waited a few minutes, started up, and then the noise stopped after a minute or so. Any ideas? Car at dealer now. Many thanks.
Andy
2007 MCS coupe, about 40 k miles.

 

MINIs don't have cam lifters, so that is out of the question. Initial impression is a crank journal or connecting rod bearing has spun in the engine. If you have the extended 4/50K warranty, or the aftermarket 6/100K warranty (or a variation thereof), you should be covered. The extended service contract (oil changes, wiper blades, etc.) won't cover that.

 

I just got the call from the dealer - "we can't find anything wrong." I am still under warranty until April but I'm thinking now about getting the extended warranty unless I decide to sell the car. A real shame because I love the car and it is running just fine. Thanks again.

 

Can you make a "Youtube" of the noise?

 

did they check for metal in the oil and oil filter?....with any metal on metal contact, there is gonna be some traces of metal in the oil