I've got a 2009 Clubman S, and have not had body problems, but have had my share of HPFP problems.

We've had below freezing weather for the last seven days, and I keep hearing a noise from somewhere near the front of the car that sounds like my tires are running over sand or fine gravel. Never heard this before, but I have read people on this site talking about the infamous "death rattle". Is this what they are talking about and what is causing this really unique sound? How do you eliminate this?

 

people easily confuse DI noise at startup with the so-called Cold Start Knock. The light rattly noise is not the knock, what you're describing sounds like something to do with the timing chain tensioner, which may be going south. Do a search with the words in bold for more on that.

Now, the Cold Start Knock, you WILL know that if that happens to you, for it will sound like someone taking a ball-peen hammer to a piece of sheet metal, and it will eminate from your glovebox area. "Why did I buy a diesel?" you may ask yourself but that's what that one is all about, and I believe that has something to to with the engine's hydraulic valve lash adjusters not retaining enough oil at cold engine startup. Also, when this happens, the car will not throw codes or CEL lites, it will idle normally, just very noisy. it goes away once the engine oil warms up, engine metals expand, and everything is back within tolerances. wait and drive the car after the knock subsides, within 30 seconds to a couple minutes, and inform your dealer.

Are both problems related? No one seems to know. But to answer your question? No, that gravelly sound is not the death knock. Hope this helps.