So I've had my car for 10 days now and I've put 800 miles on it...still another 400 to go on the run in period. I started it up today and thought it sounded a bit weird, like a timing chain rattle I've heard in other cars. Can anyone sound in on this short video (it's the sound really, no visuals) and provide any experienced input on how it sounds? Am I just being paranoid?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo1qt...ature=youtu.be

As the throttle is let off from around 2500 rpm, the rattle momentarily disappears.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Mike

 

It sounds just like my 2008 N14 when I start it up, a noisy direct injected inline 4. It sounds normal, my co worker has an 2012 N18 and it sounds the same.

The death rattle is much worse sounding, you should be able to fine a few good examples on youtube.

 

You're fine, just drive your JCW and enjoy it. So far there hasn't been any cases from what I've searched on the N18 having timing chain issues, but I've had my N18 MCS timing tensioner replaced under recall.

You you take it in for service, have the dealer check it out for you if they're pretty friendly to you(some dealers are terrible to customers).

 

Paranoia, that's what forums do to you....lol. I thought I had a rattle 20k miles ago

 

Thanks guys, it's reassuring to hear your thoughts. I did do a search on youtube and the death rattle sure is not the same thing. I feel as though this sound on my car has come about suddenly as I've not noticed it earlier. Mind you, I couldn't roll the windows down for the first 5 days owing to the new tint, and then the Houston heat was keeping the windows up with the AC on. Today a cold front came to Houston so I could actually roll the windows down and listen to the motor. So I guess that explains why I haven't heard this sound before! PHEW! Thanks guys.

Mike

 

You also might want to check the turbo heat shield. My 2012 R58 JCW

had what I thought might be the dreaded you know what but it turned

out to be nothing more than the heat shield needing tightened up. Whew!