I just got a 2010 "S" about 300 miles ago. At initial startup in cold weather, is it normal to be able to hear the camshaft? It's defintely not the "Death Rattle". It isn't as loud, more like a knock, and goes away when the motor warms up, then all I hear is the sound of the Injectors.
I'm used to V8's, which are considerably more quiet.
My daughter's Mini (not an S) doesn't do it, but then again, it has it's own set of noises. I guess the regular Mini doesn't have a timing CHAIN.

 

Well, for sure no one has ever accused the "Prince" engine in the MCS of being a quiet-running piece of machinery. It's mechanically noisy, even when everything is working OK. Since the valve train uses roller cam followers and HLAs, the cam itself probably isn't your noise source. The vacuum pump is by far the noisiest component on the engine, along with the ticking injectors.

As long as the engine doesn't sound like an old '60's vintage Mercedes diesel on a morning's first start (the collapsed timing chain tensioner issue), things are probably OK. Enjoy the car!

 

Could be the Vaccum pump, I had one of these last week. You can put a screwdriver on it and listen, should be easy to tell.

 

Definintely coming from the camshaft area. Got 4 yrs and 50k of warranty with roadside assist. Looks like I don't have to worry for another 4 yrs.

 

pmailed U

 

Both engines have timing chains