Hi there,

The morning after a warm April day I detected a noise which I think sounds 'similar' to the issue others are having with the Timing Chain Tensioner. It started with approximately 3.3k miles on the clock, build date is Nov '09. However, I have reviewed a bunch of the movies posted on YouTube and my issue is not quite what I am hearing a little more subdued, I guess. I will admit, I might have heard it before but this was louder than previous.

Since that day I have logged another 500 miles and I hear it every time I start the car when it has sat and been allowed to cool. I changed the oil over the weekend and that did nothing for the sound I am hearing. It did seem to quiet some other stuff but not this. I know there have been a couple of other posts stating that with the valvetronic aspect of the car there is some adjusting and what not going on as the car warms up.

I called into the dealership and spoke to a SA about it. He said this would be the first '10 to have the issue if it is indeed the belt tensioner. I've scheduled an appointment, but am I being overly paranoid? I know the engines are unfortunately louder than most cars I've driven. Although the engine in my wifes Vibe (Toyota Corrolla) is what I would consider another engine that is loud.

Thoughts?

 

Did the noise increase with rpm? (Don't go much over 2,000 rpm if you hear the noise). Does it sound like a chain being dragged across metal?

What oil did you use? Did you change the filter with a genuine OEM filter?

 

Sorry, I actually meant to post that the sound *goes away* when I rev slightly. Sound is more like knocking...

I used Mobil 1 0w 40 european blend (which is on the recommended list for Mini) and an oem filter.

 

That wouldn't be the cold start chatter. It has to be something else.

IMO, 0W-40 is on the thick side for a MINI, especially in winter. I'm using Castrol Syntec 0W-30 European Formula (Made in Germany and available at Auto Zone for $7.25/qt.). This is a true synthetic, rather than the highly refined dino oil that is sold as synthetic in the USA.

If you are thinking that the 0W makes the cold viscosity of 0W-40 the same as 0W-30, it doesn't. It seems to be relative to the larger number.

I was using MINI brand 5W-30. After switching to 0W-30 the engine is much quieter at startup.

 

i think i have the same exact noise...soft of like a tap tap tap ( like a lifter or valve) with a little bit of air or back pressure in the exhaust note?

I was running mobile 0-40 and i brought it in the dealer this week for the first service...and they changed my oil to the 5-30 extended life. And the noise is much less pronounced.

That being said i had the service guy listen to it and they said it was a normal air pump noise

I am not convinced....but i agree with robin...at least in my mcs 0-40 oil may not be the best choice. i may try 0-30 next time.

 

I brought the car in and left it over night. I was informed today that the car has the latest version of the assembly. Not sure how that is possible, seeing how it was built in Nov 09 and the latest assembly was from either Dec 09 / Jan 10?!? They said the sound was normal as well. However, they will be keeping it and have requested I come back in a day or three to allow me to listen to it with a tech present as well as another comparable vehicle. Which to me is more than reasonable.