Cold Start Issues Database
#276
Cold start issues database
Model: MCS Hatchback
Build Date: May 2009
Miles: 2,200
Duration: 30-60 seconds
Frequency: 3 times over past month
RPM range: 1000-2000 (never went beyond with noise present)
Ambient Temp: 70-90 F
Oil: Castrol syntec (Euro formula)
Any other relevant information: Shut off engine in each instance after 30 seconds, upon restart noise went away. Does anybody have any experience with Niello MINI recognizing this problem? Noise is difficult to reproduce.
Build Date: May 2009
Miles: 2,200
Duration: 30-60 seconds
Frequency: 3 times over past month
RPM range: 1000-2000 (never went beyond with noise present)
Ambient Temp: 70-90 F
Oil: Castrol syntec (Euro formula)
Any other relevant information: Shut off engine in each instance after 30 seconds, upon restart noise went away. Does anybody have any experience with Niello MINI recognizing this problem? Noise is difficult to reproduce.
#277
Model: Cooper S
Build Date :April 2009
Miles: 6500
Duration: as short as I can before I stop the engine!
Likewise as soon as I hear the rattle I turn off the engine and wait ~30 secs. Re-start and the problem is solved.
Was at the dealers (Mainline Mini) this morning for a replacement battery (collapsed cell) and asked about the rattle - I was told that my Cooper had the required new part to stop the rattle. Hmmm.
Build Date :April 2009
Miles: 6500
Duration: as short as I can before I stop the engine!
Likewise as soon as I hear the rattle I turn off the engine and wait ~30 secs. Re-start and the problem is solved.
Was at the dealers (Mainline Mini) this morning for a replacement battery (collapsed cell) and asked about the rattle - I was told that my Cooper had the required new part to stop the rattle. Hmmm.
#278
#279
Model: MCS Hatchback
Build Date: May 2009
Miles: 1,300
Duration: 60-120 seconds
Frequency: 3 times a week or more
RPM range: 1,000 - 2,800 RPMs or so.
Ambient temp: around 70°F
Oil: stock
Relevant information: I park my car in a slope, nose down. But I've had the problem even while parked in a level surface. My car is branded as a 2010. Dealer says "He has never heard about that problem before".
Build Date: May 2009
Miles: 1,300
Duration: 60-120 seconds
Frequency: 3 times a week or more
RPM range: 1,000 - 2,800 RPMs or so.
Ambient temp: around 70°F
Oil: stock
Relevant information: I park my car in a slope, nose down. But I've had the problem even while parked in a level surface. My car is branded as a 2010. Dealer says "He has never heard about that problem before".
#280
#282
bssiesmth,
Please go to your account section and add your location to your posts. It is significant that you are in Mexico and not the U.S. The 2010 models in Mexico came out long before the U.S. 2010 models and we have no way of knowing what differences MINI may incorporate in the two countries.
I've read enough of your posts to know that you are in Mexico, but there are apparently many readers who don't realize this. Thanks!
Please go to your account section and add your location to your posts. It is significant that you are in Mexico and not the U.S. The 2010 models in Mexico came out long before the U.S. 2010 models and we have no way of knowing what differences MINI may incorporate in the two countries.
I've read enough of your posts to know that you are in Mexico, but there are apparently many readers who don't realize this. Thanks!
#283
By the way, once my car hit about 22,000 miles or so, it will have this issue regardless of short or long runs. And there's no rhyme or reason, some mornings it will do it, some it won't. Never lasts more than a few seconds when it does. So I'm guessing if you have a relatively early build of the R56, if you haven't heard the sound, you will eventually.
'07 MCSa 24,000+ miles.
'07 MCSa 24,000+ miles.
#284
brand new mini, LOUD KNOCKING NOISES!!!
Model: 2009 Mini Cooper S
Build Date: nov 3 2008 (i think)
Miles: 300 Miles
Duration: ALL THE TIME cold or warm
Frequency: Anytime between idle and 2000rpm
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 0-10 c
Oil: just switched to Mobil 1 5w30 to see if problem goes away
Any other relevant information: talked to the sales guy and he said it was common for bmws and merc-benz to makes that noise cause of the way the valve lifters are made and operate. (i think he was just BSing, cause i've heard a few bmws and benz and NONE of them sounds like my mini.)
Not sure if I even have the same 'death rattle' as everyone else but the engine noise is so loud and rough, I can hear it in the cabin.....or is it common because i'm still in the break in period. HELP!!!! I want my mini to live!!!!
Build Date: nov 3 2008 (i think)
Miles: 300 Miles
Duration: ALL THE TIME cold or warm
Frequency: Anytime between idle and 2000rpm
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 0-10 c
Oil: just switched to Mobil 1 5w30 to see if problem goes away
Any other relevant information: talked to the sales guy and he said it was common for bmws and merc-benz to makes that noise cause of the way the valve lifters are made and operate. (i think he was just BSing, cause i've heard a few bmws and benz and NONE of them sounds like my mini.)
Not sure if I even have the same 'death rattle' as everyone else but the engine noise is so loud and rough, I can hear it in the cabin.....or is it common because i'm still in the break in period. HELP!!!! I want my mini to live!!!!
#285
Model: 2009 Mini Cooper S
Build Date: nov 3 2008 (i think)
Miles: 300 Miles
Duration: ALL THE TIME cold or warm
Frequency: Anytime between idle and 2000rpm
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 0-10 c
Oil: just switched to Mobil 1 5w30 to see if problem goes away
Any other relevant information: talked to the sales guy and he said it was common for bmws and merc-benz to makes that noise cause of the way the valve lifters are made and operate. (i think he was just BSing, cause i've heard a few bmws and benz and NONE of them sounds like my mini.)
Not sure if I even have the same 'death rattle' as everyone else but the engine noise is so loud and rough, I can hear it in the cabin.....or is it common because i'm still in the break in period. HELP!!!! I want my mini to live!!!!
Build Date: nov 3 2008 (i think)
Miles: 300 Miles
Duration: ALL THE TIME cold or warm
Frequency: Anytime between idle and 2000rpm
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 0-10 c
Oil: just switched to Mobil 1 5w30 to see if problem goes away
Any other relevant information: talked to the sales guy and he said it was common for bmws and merc-benz to makes that noise cause of the way the valve lifters are made and operate. (i think he was just BSing, cause i've heard a few bmws and benz and NONE of them sounds like my mini.)
Not sure if I even have the same 'death rattle' as everyone else but the engine noise is so loud and rough, I can hear it in the cabin.....or is it common because i'm still in the break in period. HELP!!!! I want my mini to live!!!!
The "Prince" engine is one very mechanically noisy engine, even when everything is working OK. The noisiest part is the vacuum pump, which is always "chuffing" away and can be heard from the cabin. The direct injection system fuel injectors are noisier than what we're used to, and can be heard "ticking' away with the bonnet open. The turbo system has it's own noises, but are more whirring-types noises. "Clanking" or loud diesel engine sounds on first start of the day are the failed tensioner noises. Jump into some new MINIs on the dealer lot and fire them up and compare with yours.
The latest fix is SIM-11-02-07. If your SA gives you the deer in the headlights look, have him/her type that number into their computer. A new revised tensioner went into the engine factory parts stream spring '09, but it seems the problem is apparently still with us.
#286
I agree.. the engine is just plain noisier than we are used to, especially the direct injectors.. My Subaru is also a bit noisy. As the man says, compare it to others on the lot. I think you will find its 'normal' The big rattle only comes at start up and it does go away.
Anyway update on my issue. I had the tensioner replaced in the spring and must say that I have not heard the start up rattle since then.
HOWEVER.. I must say that there is an annoying resonance around 3,500-4000 rpm when I am driving and I never heard that before this latest tensioner (my third) and it sounds distinctly like the timing chain. As far as I can ascertain the one I have is not the latest version so I want it done again.
I am not looking forward to going to the dealer with this, They will I'm sure treat me like I am a total Idiot and try to fob me off. But I am coming up to 3 years now the warranty is up soon and I am just sick of this.. One thing I want to make plain to them is that even though the warranty is up I do not consider this matter closed..
Anyway update on my issue. I had the tensioner replaced in the spring and must say that I have not heard the start up rattle since then.
HOWEVER.. I must say that there is an annoying resonance around 3,500-4000 rpm when I am driving and I never heard that before this latest tensioner (my third) and it sounds distinctly like the timing chain. As far as I can ascertain the one I have is not the latest version so I want it done again.
I am not looking forward to going to the dealer with this, They will I'm sure treat me like I am a total Idiot and try to fob me off. But I am coming up to 3 years now the warranty is up soon and I am just sick of this.. One thing I want to make plain to them is that even though the warranty is up I do not consider this matter closed..
#288
IC. I just got it less than a week ago and I have never heard that kind of noise coming from ANY engine, except from an engine with problems (or an old diesel engine). Its actually kind of annoying when im idling at a red light, and kind of embarrassing driving around town cause the engine sounds like its broken, I wouldn't mind it so much if the ticking was just a little quieter.
The sale guys I talked to actually started up a clubman S for comparison and that even though the noise is there, it wasnt as loud. I only heard it when the hood was up.
It's weird cause when the revs are above 2000rpm, the engine sounds awesome, but once i release the pedal and revs start dropping the noise comes back exactly at 2000rpm.
Anyone have a video of a WORKING engine idling and revving noise? Just for reference.
Hopefully it get quieter after alittle more break-in time.
Thanks for the input.
BTW I have a Horizon Blue MCS
The sale guys I talked to actually started up a clubman S for comparison and that even though the noise is there, it wasnt as loud. I only heard it when the hood was up.
It's weird cause when the revs are above 2000rpm, the engine sounds awesome, but once i release the pedal and revs start dropping the noise comes back exactly at 2000rpm.
Anyone have a video of a WORKING engine idling and revving noise? Just for reference.
Hopefully it get quieter after alittle more break-in time.
Thanks for the input.
BTW I have a Horizon Blue MCS
#290
Good point, looks like I got mixed up there.. Thats good news to me, maybe I can get the next three versions of that damn tensioner in before It goes off warranty!!
Last edited by turbo tel; 11-02-2009 at 07:42 AM.
#291
I have a early build 07 MCS and had the cold start problem since new
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
#292
Model: R56 MCS manual
Built :08
Miles: 20,000
Duration: About a minute
RPM'S: 1,000(give or take) and up
Temp: low 50's
Oil: OEM
Happened once, then nothing for several months. Since the weather has turned cool, it's happening frequently. Going to dealer on Sunday for cold start test on Monday.
Built :08
Miles: 20,000
Duration: About a minute
RPM'S: 1,000(give or take) and up
Temp: low 50's
Oil: OEM
Happened once, then nothing for several months. Since the weather has turned cool, it's happening frequently. Going to dealer on Sunday for cold start test on Monday.
#293
I miss the car but I traded my '08 MCS in this past weekend for a... uh, not a Mini. I loved driving it when it wasn't giving me trouble but that was not often enough. I've been through all three generations of "fixes" for the cold start rattle and can fairly say that none of them fixed the problem. I have little doubt that the rattle is doing long term damage (where in the known universe does metal on metal clacking like that NOT do long term damage?) and I have lost confidence in the car.
Sucks because it is so much fun to drive, but no one should put up with the number of problems the car has.
I hope you all enjoy yours and have better luck or tolerance with it. Such a great car, except for the big problems.
Sucks because it is so much fun to drive, but no one should put up with the number of problems the car has.
I hope you all enjoy yours and have better luck or tolerance with it. Such a great car, except for the big problems.
#295
I have a early build 07 MCS and had the cold start problem since new
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
#297
I miss the car but I traded my '08 MCS in this past weekend for a... uh, not a Mini. I loved driving it when it wasn't giving me trouble but that was not often enough. I've been through all three generations of "fixes" for the cold start rattle and can fairly say that none of them fixed the problem. I have little doubt that the rattle is doing long term damage (where in the known universe does metal on metal clacking like that NOT do long term damage?) and I have lost confidence in the car.
Sucks because it is so much fun to drive, but no one should put up with the number of problems the car has.
I hope you all enjoy yours and have better luck or tolerance with it. Such a great car, except for the big problems.
Sucks because it is so much fun to drive, but no one should put up with the number of problems the car has.
I hope you all enjoy yours and have better luck or tolerance with it. Such a great car, except for the big problems.
What I don't understand is, if these "new tensioners" or the "xx-xx-07" bulletin isn't fixing the issue, why is mini continueing to do/replace them? I would image this is costing them a fortune(parts + labor), and it's not fixing anything. Are they studying the problem and trying to solve it? If so, why don't they just release a statement like "We know there is an issue, we are working on fixing it, and will update you soon..." type thing??
#298
I suspect there will be ALOT of this going on.
What I don't understand is, if these "new tensioners" or the "xx-xx-07" bulletin isn't fixing the issue, why is mini continueing to do/replace them? I would image this is costing them a fortune(parts + labor), and it's not fixing anything. Are they studying the problem and trying to solve it? If so, why don't they just release a statement like "We know there is an issue, we are working on fixing it, and will update you soon..." type thing??
What I don't understand is, if these "new tensioners" or the "xx-xx-07" bulletin isn't fixing the issue, why is mini continueing to do/replace them? I would image this is costing them a fortune(parts + labor), and it's not fixing anything. Are they studying the problem and trying to solve it? If so, why don't they just release a statement like "We know there is an issue, we are working on fixing it, and will update you soon..." type thing??
#299
I have a early build 07 MCS and had the cold start problem since new
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
so I got the cold start repair done a couple months ago and I start to hear this high pitch 'whine' noise at around 2200rpm in any gear, only hear it when i'm at that rpm and I give a little gas, it's gone if I let off the gas or gas a little harder, only slightly on the gas at around 2200rpm the whine comes on
does anyone else have this problem?
#300
Model: 2009 Mini Cooper S
Build Date: March 2009
Miles: 20k kilometers
Duration: less than a minute
Frequency: 4 or 5 times since temps dipped down
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 10-15 *C
Oil: Switched to Mobil 0-W30 and it may be doing it more often
This is the first time my Mini has been in colder temps. So that may explain the higher mileage for my first encounter with the problem. I changed my oil to 0-W30 a couple days ago but i haven't determined if the problem is more rampant or not. We'll monitor it and may change back to the castrol i had in it earlier.
Build Date: March 2009
Miles: 20k kilometers
Duration: less than a minute
Frequency: 4 or 5 times since temps dipped down
RPM range: idle to 2000rpm
Ambient Temp: 10-15 *C
Oil: Switched to Mobil 0-W30 and it may be doing it more often
This is the first time my Mini has been in colder temps. So that may explain the higher mileage for my first encounter with the problem. I changed my oil to 0-W30 a couple days ago but i haven't determined if the problem is more rampant or not. We'll monitor it and may change back to the castrol i had in it earlier.