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Pure silver 2009 S under warranty until November. I have it at Mini now getting oil changed and a CEL checked out.

It seems really loud on start up......I asked them to check that too.

Anything else I need to have them look at while it is there?

Already ordered wheels and tires, gonna throw some new rotors and ceramic pads on her soon.

Are OEM springs red in color?

 

What kind of noise during start-up?

Beyond the timing chain, possible intake valve carbon build-up, and the thermostat housing, check fluids and make things are up to snuff.

No; typically they are black.

- Erik

 

Thanks for the reply Erik.

Maybe all the ones I looked at were warm when I drove or started them. First cold start she sounded like a tractor or a diesel.

Gonna see who sells red springs.......I thought it sets a bit lower than normal.

Wonder how I get the dealer to address the carbon build up and timing chain? I'm sure they won't address the housing if it isn't leaking.

 

Like a bad rattle on the passenger side of the engine?
That's the timing chains, tensioner and failing guides; have that replaced.

Could be just about anyone; if you grab a part number or name off the springs, it'll help ya'.

The timing chain is addressed by measuring the amount of slack in the chain.
Too much slack and they'll advise to replace such.

As for carbon build-up, some dealers have started using remote video snake to inspect the cylinder head.
Others have simply removed the intake manifold to inspect; however, that labor does cost money.

- Erik

 

That seemed to be the sound.

These issues show themselves at 20K miles? I will definitely call in the AM and see where I can get with the chain and carbon build up.

Thanks again.

 

Is it a rattling noise coming from the passenger side on cold start-up? Might be a stretched timing chain (fairly common: from lack of oil). If you're under warranty, the dealer should replace that at no charge to you.

The CEL could be anything from cylinder misfires, bad thermostat/coolant temp. sensor, could be throwing faults for "super knock" (you'll get a new high pressure fuel pump if that's the case).

In my experience with these cars, keep up with all of your fluid maintenance (most importantly your oil changes and coolant). The suggested interval for oil changes on these cars was 1yr/15k mi. I think that was just recently changed to 1yr/10k mi. If you do it every 4-5k, your motor will thank you and will last a lot longer. You'll also keep that dreaded "death rattle" away.

Oh, and check for any open recalls that may be on your car. A lot of the turbocharged vehicles from 07-11 had a recall for the Auxiliary Water Pump.

Hope this helps!

 

For sure it helps.......more to add to my list for the dealer. Still under warranty until November. Thanks.

 

I'll add to this; the OEM dealer-installed 'JCW kit' springs can come in red.

- Erik