I'm new to the R53 world. Does this cold start sound normal? The recording starts at the back of the car and then moves to the front (hood open). Thanks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MzF...ew?usp=sharing

 

Sounds like your belt tensioner hydraulic damper bushings may be compromised. They crack, fall out and cause the tensioner to rattle against the bolts at either end. Pull your passenger wheel and fender liner and it's right in front of you. You can replace the damper without replacing the belt tensioner. $20 fix if that's the issue.

 

Thanks for the reply. It's not my car yet -- it's one I'm considering buying. There are a number of repair and maintenance items I'll do if I buy it.

 

I could not hear the audio very well, but did you see the belt tensioner "jumping" when it was making the sound? I have a new tensioner and idler pulleys and damper and Gates belt and on cold start my tensioner will sometimes jump and knock for 5 to 10 seconds if the ambient is cool. I read somewhere that a too stiff belt can cause this. Mine quiets down after a short time and if the temperature is in the 90s it does not do the jump and knock dance.

 

The seller recorded that for me so I can't say if the tensioner was jumping. Sorry.