they should be using the latest and greatest tensioner redesign from June 2010. Mine was done in August (3rd fix) and the cold start rattle has not returned 2,000 miles later--even in the most recent near-zero cold mornings here lately. smooth and quiet.

those of U who have this rattle, and U will know it, insist the dealer fix it. They should do so w/o having to hear it. If they stonewall you, insist on leaving it there at the dealer until they do hear it. If they give you hell, go to MINI USA and complain--nicely.

 

No, but then my dealer is not an arsewipe. The timing system related Cold Start Rattle does NOT throw codes nor cause the CEL to come on. Yes it is covered under warranty; have the work done under that SIM with the redesigned tensioner from June 2010. and YES if left unfixed it can do serious damage to yr engine by not checking excessive timing chain slack, which, in turn can create a domino effect and affect guide rails, etc.

The timing system cold start rattle and the hpfp, FYI, are TWO DIFFERENT ISSUES. The former will not throw codes; the latter will. The former will allow U to drive the car, the latter won't. Too much information; too much confusion.

 

That was what I had. Did it sound like it was in front of the glove box in the engine bay? I described it to the SA as the game Bed Bugs being played in my glove box. He, of course, had no idea what bed bugs was. Am I the only person who knows of the 80's game?

 

+1 Cold start does not throw CEL codes. I'd be worried about your dealer.

BTW if you get a chance please complete the Cold Start Poll https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rt-issues.html

 

Right where the tensioner is located. next time, say something like marbles in can, hammer hitting metal, etc. good chance citing an obscure game from the 80s won't get anyone anywhere.

 

yea but it's exactly what i heard
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2u...e-bed-bugs_fun

 

Please also read about it here also.
Mini Cooper Cold Start Knock Rattle Noise Issues

 

I guess Mini must be instructing the dealers to avoid having to fix the tensioner issue. I took mine for service and mentioned that I was having the cold start issue and I wanted them to look at the timing chain/tensioner. Since they couldn't reproduce the issue the dealer changed my oil and suggested it was just the oil pump before it had completely warmed up. After assurances that everything was fine I went to pick up the car the next morning.

The Mini technician drives the car out front and parks it for me. I grab the keys and start her up. Rattle rattle rattle. In to the dealer to grab the service representative. Hmm, he says "that doesn't sound right". He calls up the shop supervisor to come out and listen as I start it up again. Rattle rattle. Service rep says softly to shop steward, "tensioner"? Shop manager, "Yep."

So, they take the car back and do SIM110207 steps 1-11 (mine measured only 66.4mm).

 

Model: s 2008
Build Date: feb 08
Miles: 44500
Duration: Just started
Frequency: (times per month/week) just this paset week
RPM range: 1-2k
Ambient Temp: 20 F
Oil: Amsoil every 3k

Any other relevant information: I thought I had a "luckon" and did not have the rattle. I was wrong. It started when it got colder this past week. Chain measured 66. Passport Mini of Alexandra fixed with zero cost.

 

Model:07 cooper S
Build Date:June 07
Miles:41000
Duration:could last a few minites or longer notice it in severly cold weather
Frequency: (times per month/week) every day if cold
RPM range:start up RPM.If i drive it the faster i go it get quiet
Ambient Temp:
Oil:18 to 30 degrees

Any other relevant information:On start up it sounds like a motor boat.If i drive it does go away if im driveing and step on the clutch i'll hear it also.

 

I have a low mileage 07 MCS that I recently purchased. At 17k the car is in great shape, with only handful of items that needed some TLC.

I wanted to thank you forum users for identifying this issue for newbies like me!

The dealer is addressing fix for my Toad today. I'm happy about the treatment and overall sincerety of our dealership in Indy. They understand what Cooper owners are and have handled the car purchased from another non mini-ship with surprising integrity. Kudos to them...

When starting my car below freezing it would rattle for 4-5mins then it would sputter and regain it's 900rpm warmup.

I thought the rattle was lower octane or possible carbon build up, but it's having a sleep over with the BMW folks and rebuilding the tensioner is prognosis.

Is it wrong to have seperation anxiety... Lol

I would think this problem would cause damage to the timing gears??? Do they change them as well?

Either way thanks for the info!!!!

 

Ok took my mini into a brand new dealership.Sat with the service writer and explained to him the issue of the cold start rattle. He explained to me that there is a known issue on this and that there are other reasons why it happens. mine happened to be the oil level was low.He explained to me that the tensioner for the timing chain is hydraulic and it operates with the oil and the oil pressure of the engine.They added the oil it needed and he explained to me that the used car I drive when purchased a extended maintenance warranty was purchased.I had no idea and when he explained to me what that covered I was amazed. My issue for now is corrected and I'm told i need to be very mindful of the oil level due to the fact that the turbo model does burn some oil.

 

UPDATE!!!

I had my tensioner changed per the posted service bulletin a few months ago (Sept/Oct). Low and behold, I have NOT had the dreaded diesel sound out of my motor since!!

I think they finally got it. I have posted prior, cuase mine only showed up when it was very cold. Well, it's been cold for a month now, and I can start the car, drive 5 minutes, shut it off, and start in the morning and not have the issue. That used to cause it to happen 99% of the time.

THANKS MINI!!!!

NOW, all we need is for Mini to FIX THE BROKEN Nav software on this car, and we will be good to go!!

 

Brought my car in for stalling, rattling sounds and a check engine light on cold starts. Was told my car had carbon build up and to make sure i was using "Top Tier Gas" which I am, Shell 91. They also recommended I use Mini brand fuel injector cleaner every 5000km. Everything seems to be ok after they cleaned out the carbon, but i am not sure that is what was causing the rattling sounds coming from my car. I guess i will have to wait and see.

Oh I almost forgot I have to "Drive the car more aggressively and shift at a higher rpm to make sure it stays cleaned out".

 

Has anyone in AZ had the tensioner issue fixed at Mini North Scottsdale?

 

^ Not in AZ, but in CT and they replaced my tensioner and belt and no problem now. Yay.

 

Gladstone was purchased with 9000kms and we had the dreaded rattle after a few months of ownership. We only have a BMW dealership here for Mini service so a visit to them and no faults.
Rattle reoccured several times over the next few months so another visit to BMW and gave them a copy of the SL. Still no fault so I managed to get the fault to reproduce by starting the car and let it run for a minute, then start it again about 30-60 mins later and keep doing this till the rattle really gets going. BMW could then hear the rattle.
Repaired under warranty and so far so good. They replaced the tensioner and the timing chain follower under instruction from Mini Australia. The tensioner is in it's third rendition now apparently.

 

I just read in another thread that sometimes even a replacement tensioner and timing chain can result in the problem recurring!!! GAAH! Mine was fixed during Christmas week and has been okay so far, but maybe I'm deeming it "cured" too soon?

On another note, bearwood, how'd you get a BMW dealer to service a MINI? Here in the US, the BMW dealers will NOT service MINIs at all. I have a BMW dealer literally 10 min away and I must drive 50 min to get to my MINI dealer.

 

bettehead - Here in Australia there are only Mini dealerships in the whole country so BMW do the mini servicing for those of us outside a capitol city. My closest Mini dealer is 1000 miles away.

On another note: This cold start issue should really be called a First Start issue as I live in the tropics and this issue has nothing to due with air temperature.

 

^ Aha...I see. I sure wish BMW dealers here would do the same.

And good point about calling it a startup issue.

 

You're probably right about the name change but 2 things:

1. It pre-dates me so it's commonly referred to as "Cold-start" (although I prefer "Death Rattle")
2. It is triggered often (but no always) by cold temperatures

Please remember to fill out the poll at https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rt-issues.html

 

Agreed, it is a start up issue, cold weather only brings it out a little more. Don't be Surprised though, because 2007 and up MINI's some times will get that noise generating from the exhuast turbo charger. Rare but it happens, it's not just the chain tensioner/ or chain every time. As for an earlier thread on adding fuel additive every 5000, I suggest 3000. otherwise you will see a fair amount of carbon build up on the intake valves. Chevron, makes the fuel additive for MINI. So if your MINI dealer Ain't close by, then you can buy something similar at the store. This will keep the CEL's away for sure!!!!

 

rixter,

regarding the poll, I don't know what's exactly entailed in the service bulletins so I'm not sure if I voted properly. In another thread, I'm hunting for a good source of MINI TSBs.

 

I just used the Luro-Moly valve cleaner (actually its made in Germany for german cars and BMW's love it)My '07 MCS w/51,000 mi. never has run smoother and quieter.Found it at Advanced Auto for $4.99.Will be using it in the future.My SA also highly recommended it...

 

Correction ....Lubro-Moly