So I just picked up my 08 MCS yesterday and when I start the car the engine makes a weird ticking sound, is this normal?

 

..picked it up from where? ticking sound doesn't sound normal ...I have also have a 2008 MCS, -quite engine, no ticking. I don't want to make any assumptions or diagnos what's going on, but try doing a search for "death rattle", "Cold Start Issues", "timing chain rattle", "engine ticking", etc.. on these forums ..there is quite a bit of information about owners experiencing a ticking sound from their engine.

 

It is normal. You're very likely hearing the direct injection. Be proud of that ticking.

If you were hearing the problems my car is having, and that were mentioned above, you wouldn't describe it as a weird ticking sound and asking if it was normal. You would be like "my mini is about to explode".

Welcome to the club. Enjoy!

-Gene

 

Easiest way to isolate where the ticking comes from is to get an engine stethoscope and put it up against different areas of the engine. Yes, I just read up on direct injection, and the injectors definitely can make a ticking sound.

More uncommon, you can at times have lifter that taps very lightly in a cold engine. But I doubt this is what you are hearing.

 

ticking is normal (sounds like a really pissed off clock). a can of marbles is not lol

and like jack flash said, you can hear various parts of the engine to double check... an ear to a long screwdriver works good too (no, not the pointy end)