So I have watched all the "death rattle" videos on youtube, my car is not doing that yet.. but I have noticed the volume of the engine is crazy at idle. Sounds like a diesel. I have a 2010 Cooper S and it sounds like a 20 year old VW rabbit. I have experienced the "rattle" two times but it isn't quite the same as the death rattle I dont think (goes away within a few seconds of startup, or randomly starts at idle after warming up, then goes away..)

This Youtube video is not my car but is what my car sounds like... IS THAT NORMAL?? I am just a little concerned. Mini bought back our first S due to catastrophic engine failure.. I want to nip stuff in the bud if something isnt right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_F2fwQfuqA&NR=1

Any ideas, or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

First thing, is your oil level OK? If so I'd say it is the sound of the direct injection system that is used on the R56 MCS. Have the cold start noise documented by your dealer. There have been several fixes for it.

 

Thanks, the oil is fine, I dont think I have the cold start issue I am thinking that it is the A/C compressor or related parts. The rattle occurs when the a/c kicks on.

 

If not mistaken, the VW you make reference to is a direct injection design as well.....

And speaking as a former owner of an 82' diesel Rabbit, the R56 has a long ways to go before it comes close to sounding like that.

 

A 20 year old Rabbit would have had mechanical fuel injection. Direct injection is a lot newer tech than that.

RotoryGuy I think it's time to use the warranty.

Good luck & let us know how it turns out.

 

Thanks for the advice, I have a service appointment on Monday February 7th, so I will keep you all informed.

 

I will let you guys know what they say.. 8:30am appointment.

 

Actually, old VW diesel was direct injection; standard diesel stuff. I remember from pulling the pump and injectors a few times on a gen 1. rabbit diesel (piece of junk...). Direct injection/FSI really isn't that "new" tech relative to "old" high pressure diesel injection. Just new for gas motors. And yes, older gasoline VW's would have been port injected CIS or CIS-E. BTDT too.

 

So far all I found out was that they dont cover a tire rotation under the OEm maintenance warranty.

 

lol, sounds par for the course...

 

Sounds normal. A combination of the valves and direct injection.

 

They found that the car needed an A/C part that a service bulletin came out about. Something to keep the lines from chattering.