I'm getting a real terrible engine noise around 1900 to 2300 rpm in my 2008 cooper S. I have heard of the death rattle and I'm really hoping that's not the problem. It sounds almost like a baseball card in bike spokes but like 100 times louder. I know that the oil is full on it because I just changed it. could it be anything else other that the timing chain?

 

Could be the chain hitting the guides.

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I'll bet it's your timing chain, I can't think of any other engine component that could make that shuffling noise. Do not continue to drive your Mini or you could be looking at buying a new engine, if that chain skips teeth on your camshaft sprockets the valves will smash into your pistons game over. Have you had your timing chain, tensioner and guides replaced before under warranty? Mini has a campaign to deal with this issue, however it's VIN specific. Get it diagnosed quickly by a Mini dealer, you might call Mini USA first.