My 06' MCS began having a horrible engine knocking this week, first thing i did was check the oil. It was little low, but only about half a qt. After searching on NAM, it doesn't seem like a simple fix like a timing tensor or anything like that. It seems more internal, and more serious and a lot more expensive. could this be the end to the motor? There is no loss of power, no check engine light, no oil light or anything that may suggest anything is wrong, besides the horrible noise. Any input is welcome good or bad news.

 

Timing chain, failed valve spring, penny in the motor, bad fuel. Ok, the penny is unlikely, but I've heard it before. Bad fuel can cause symptoms similar to this. I'd venture on a timing chain needing to be replaced. We had one needing to be replaced early on in our ownership and it sounded similar. Failing valve spring can cause knocking and odd sounds before it completely destroys the engine. If the valve is not returning properly (depending on intake or evacuation) can produce different sounds. The backfire sounds says it'd be the evacuation process if it's this. If you can do the work yourself, this is a fairly easy, but time intensive job -- and you need a few extra tools. You can examine the springs by removing the cylinder head cover and examine the eight springs visually first. Don't get anything in here when you have the cap removed.

 

If I were you I would take it into a reputable shop or MINI dealer and have them diagnose the problem. Then you can decide if it is something you are capable of repairing yourself or even if you want to tackle the repair yourself.

You can also provide additional information that will aid in a diagnosis here. How many miles on the car? How often have oil changes been done? Any previous work on the car? Was there a previous owner?

 

It's the timing chain. I just got my car back from the shop tues this week for the same problem. On mine the timing chain guide rail broke and was letting the chain slacken up. They replaced the guide rail, tensioner, tensioner guide, chain and as a precautionary step the oil pump. Get it into a shop before it leaves you stranded on the side of the road somewhere.