So... 2007 MCS. Have had the death rattle appear a few times, most recently a couple weeks ago. Car is at the dealer now. They have had it for 3 days. THis is the 3rd time and 2nd dealer car has been in for the issue.

They started the car this morning and cannot "duplicate the issue". Started car with some Mini reps there supposedly.

Here's my concern: They haven't pulled the cover off and measured the tolerance and my warranty is up in 3 weeks.

They said they can't measure w/o hearing the noise. They do claim they have documented the issue in the car service history.

Anyone have some guidance here? Should I call Mini and raise the issue?

 

There is a service bulletin out on the tensioner and they should do the current fix. Go to the Mini dealer and flat tell them you want it fixed now before the warranty is up. If you open a claim before the your out of warranty you stand a better chance of getting it fix at no cost.

 

^ Exactly. My '07 had the same issue pop up at ~80K and was $1600 to fix; press the issue before the warranty is up, it's possible they know what the issue is and are hoping to ride it out for another 3 weeks.

 

Appreciate it... plan on doing this tomorrow morning. Would you have a link handy to the latest bulletin in PDF or some printable form? I'm having a heck of a time trying to search and find it here....

Thanks

 

Try this for now, if this doesn't help I will find it when I get home tonight
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ment-cost.html

 

I think you should press the dealer to fix it now. If they balk, I would call Mini USA and get someone from the factory on the line if the normal consumer relations types who answer are not of much help.

At the least, you should establish and document with MiniUSA that you have problem.

My 07 MCS had the cold start rattle which was fixed under warranty. I believe there is a service bulletin on it.

 

Found the service bulletin number at this thread. Mini/BMW. BMW's Service Information Bulletin # M11-02-07 dated October 2010 says all R55 and R56's with the N14 (turbo) motor are affected from the very start of production through May 4, 2009.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...in-issues.html

 

Here's a path to a thread with a link to a bona-fide PDF copy of the desired SIM:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1-02-07-a.html

 

To the OP

Many people have found that if they record a video on their phone (hopefully you have one that can record video) that they can show this to the dealer and that is proof enough that that the problem exists.

 

That is an old version of the SIM. I have one dated October 2010. I suspect there have been newer versions released since then.

 

It is not the dealer's decision to make whether they do the repairs or not or even whether they take measurements. All of that is decided by MINI policy dictated to the dealers.

The dealer does not in any way pay for the warranty work and in fact make money on it by being paid by MINI. I can imagine they would be happy to do all the work you could dream up if they were assured to be paid.

Once they have written a repair order recording your complaint before the expiration of the warranty, your chances are very good MINI would pay for any repair necessary after the warranty expires within a reasonable time.

Looking from their perspective, there are potentially tens of thousands of owners who could report hearing what is a much publicized noise that could or could not be accurate. If I were nearing the end of my warranty, I would be tempted.

Here is a suggestion you might try. If you are 100% sure the noise is there, offer to pay for measuring the timing chain if they take it down and find it is not stretched. The only reason for the noise is the timing chain if that is what you are hearing and therefore you can't lose.

 

Probably so...did you notice if there were significant changes in the updated procedures documented in your 10/10 version?

 

My question is this: can and does this Death Rattle issue recur even if the timing chain and tensioners are all replaces as per the service bulletin? I had mine done completely and now I hear that same dreaded noise. It's a 2009 MCS purchased Nov of 2009 and has about 25,000 miles on it.

 

I have heard cases of the problem recurring. When in doubt, and under warranty, have it checked by a dealer.

 

Check your oil level if it is really low (more than two quarts) it can make the same sound.

 

^ Thanks, folks. I checked my oil and it's fine. Ugh. Off to the dealer I go!