Ok, so I know there are a million threads/posts on cold start issues, and I'm sure what I'm hearing falls into one of those threads/posts, but my question is: is necessary that I bring the car to the dealership to have it looked at/have any needed repairs done?

I have a 2011 justacooper, and the issue I'm experiencing isn't terribly alarming, but there is a chatter at start up when the temps are 40 and below. It's not so loud that my neighbors or others inside my house can hear it (like some of the other posts I've read), but definitely not regular engine noise. The chatter goes away after the car is warmed up, so it really doesn't bother me. No engine lights or any other warnings. I've read the other topics and posts about related issues, and a lot of what I've found say that 2007-2009 model years have one common problem with cold starts, but is easily fixed with a replacement part and the noise is gone. So is it perfectly normal for the car to have somewhat of a cold-start chatter? That's the one thing I can't seem to find in all the other posts. Thanks!

 

That does not sound normal to me. The R56 MINI's that have a cold start noise & problem are the turbocharged S models.

If you haven't done so yet CHECK the oil. It could very well be you are low.

 

Might help to post up the problem in the other newer generation forum....hope it's not a major problem and covered by the warranty...G/L....