Slight knocking?

We have a 2013 Countryman base, with the N16 engine. Got it with 90k miles on the odo, and it has 95k now. I haven’t done that much to it except oil & filter, plugs and igniters (coils), and the rear springs and shocks. I don’t know the service history of this car, but I believe it was always serviced at the dealer before we got it. This is the commuter car for my 17yo son.

This morning when I started it to move the car it had a slight knocking/rattle coming from the engine at 1 per rev. I did not warm it up enough to see if it went away at temp. Suggestion on what this may be and how to diagnose it? Is this year/engine prone to the timing chain / guide issues I’ve read about?

Thanks in advance!

 

Should check if the issue is only at start/cold and yes the timing wear issue can certainly be the root cause. Check your belt drive system as well. I've got a 2014 base with 105K+ for my daughter and so far been ok with noises.

 

My 2011 Countryman base has 230,000 kms (about 143,000 miles) with nothing more than regular maintenance to date. Not sure if this helps but I've always used premium fuel and changed the oil / filter at least 2x per year. It 'ticks' a bit when cold but once warmed the tick disappears.