Didn't know about the problems with the "rattle" when I Bought my 07 S mini- had 36,000 miles on it... I did hear some noises sometimes when I would start the engine this winter but it went away and didn't think anything of it. Then the engine light came on at 38,000 miles so I took it to the mini dealer and they said they it needed some work but I wouldn't have to pay for it. Clueless at this point because I didn't go on this forum. I go to pick it up and they told me they replaced the timing chain so I'm all happy on my way home (1 /12 hour drive) and an hour into my drive sitting at a red light my mini dies!! Cars honking ... some man helped me push it and I called roadside assistance. They tow it back to mini I get a loaner and I started doing research on this timing chain and that's when I read about the cold start rattle on this forum and the vacuum pump siezing. Well guess what my vacuum pump seized but they said it didn't have anything to do with the timing chain! I'm 50 years old and a crusty lady so I "Kirked" out on them and told them about the value damaged when the vacuum pumped seized (which I read on here). They said they would replace the vacuum pump .. and then did but then they said there was value damage. They sent pictures of my engine to mini and now I'm getting a brand new engine! Crazy... I thought when I bought my mini I was getting my dream car hopefully I will now. I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for your insight into this "cold start" rattle problem.

 

Congrats for sticking to your guns and knowing all the problems with the new engines in the R56. Glad to see someone finally get what they deserve.
Good job.

 

Report your issue to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

 

Got a call today... the new engine is in and running. The head of mini service wants to drive it tomorrow to make sure everything is good - he was great and called me all the time to give me updates. Probably didn't want to see a middle aged lady lose it. He told me a couple of weeks ago that Mini would do the right thing and they did! I also went to the website and filed a compliant. Thanks

 

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to see it went your way. Congrats

 

i had a similar issue, my 2007 s engine was replaced at 30000 kms. no probs since.

 

Damn that is just crazyness. I am losing faith in my purchase really quick lately :(.

 

Welcome to the R56 DI motor fan club.

 

Solid work. Standing up for old and a crusty ladies everywhere.

 

Old ladies? Like pully apart a cold grilled cheese sandwich?