This is my first thread so thanks in advance for advice/knowledge. I started up my 09 MCS Hatchback this morning and backed it out of my garage, of course I noticed that "rattle" at cold which is normal according to the dealer and other Mini owners. Anyway, I'm driving down my street, the rattle turns into what sounds like an 80's Mercedes diesal (nothing against those cars), so I slow down, look at my dash, the oil light goes on, I pull over immdediatly and shut off the engine.

I exited the vehicle and noticed a pool of oil on the ground underneath the car on the passenger front side near the wheel. The wheel had oil all over it. Opended the hood, oil sprayed on underside of passenger side hood and tube located in that part of the bay.

Towed to dealer, still haven't heard anything. Any thoughts?

 

Chain tensioner failure?

Dave

 

That's my guess. Tensioner bolt backed out.

Your MINI dealer is wrong, the "death rattle" is NOT normal. The only normal sound that our cars make is a ticking sound at idle, not a rattle.

 

yes, tension bolt. the wife and i just had both of our 2010 MCS' fixed. both are under 4000 miles. mine was much worse than hers. the bolt wasn't properly torqued from the factory.

 

thanks for the replies. SA told me last night it has "something" to do with the timing chain and that the shop foremen is now involved, hopefully more info today.