I have a 07 MCS that has been a great ride, but I am worried now. Have any of you had a noise that sound like the engine is going to explode, and when you get to about 2700 rpms it smooths out and sounds great?

This is my first turbo mini and to me it seems as if the noise stops when the turbo spools up. When idling, the noise seems to be coming from the engine, and not the turbo.

The dealer said no lights, should be ok to drive. It is going in for a checkup this week, but the dealer is 60 miles from the house. A little nervous needless to say.

Any thoughts?

 

Sounds like the "death rattle"

Just search "death rattle" or "cold start rattle" and you'll get an eyeful.

The issue is the timing chain and its tensioner, I believe. There's a measurement that the dealer can take to determine how many parts they're going to throw at it to fix it.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply Moondawg14.

I could wait no longer so I drove to Charlotte and dropped it off at the dealer. They said "no need to wait". Here is a loaner, and we will call you when done. He did mention timing though and I hope it will take care of it.

I am almost afraid to go to the death rattle thread because I might not want my car back ever. Thanks again for your input.

 

It hardly ever really means "DEATH." That's just a name someone gave it for drama's sake. Once they install the replacement parts, you should be good to go. Seems one of MINI's parts suppliers shipped bad timing chain parts. The problem is well known and acknowledged by MINI, and fixed under warranty. Relax and enjoy your MINI when you get it back.

 

Came back from the dealer today, and it was exactly that, the timing chain. All associated parts replaced.They told me the chain stretched. Glad it did not jump time. Thanks for the replies.

 

I am having a similar issue. My 08 Cooper S recently started sounding like a loud diesel engine from about 2000 to 2900 rpm. It does not start making noise until the engine is warmed up. I am 180 miles from the nearest dealer and was underwhelmed with the lack of helpfulness when I called up today (again). So, I am thinking of going to the next closest dealer that is 240 miles away. Is it OK to drive the car that far?

 

I had to take my mini about 60 miles to the dealer, and I drove a good 100 miles before that, and nothing bad happened. The noise was there and when I pulled in, they knew exactly what it was.

There is a tech bullitan concerning the issue dated 11-2-07. I was told by the tech before I went to the dealer that I was ok to drive there, and assured me that if it crapped out, mini road service would come to the rescue. Needless to say, it did not, and my car runs better than ever.

I have dealt with Hendrick since I had my 1st 03 s and they have always played fair.

Good luck wth your noise.