Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).

N18 – Cold Start Exhaust Rattle Noise (Turbo Wastegate)

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Old May 9, 2011 | 03:13 PM
  #1  
Navlancer's Avatar
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N18 – Cold Start Exhaust Rattle Noise (Turbo Wastegate)

My '11 S Clubman has <1K Miles. Owned it all of 11 days. I started the car this weekend with the door open, and heard a rattling noise. Lasted 30sec-1min thereabouts, than was gone. I thought, "uh-oh death rattle, but already?"

Checked for it again this morning, and sure enough, 30-60sec, then gone.

I called local dealership, the SA said, this is normal , his S does same thing, it's the turbo wastegate making the noise.

Of course, I didn't believe him, searched some more in forums and on the net, found the attached SI.

1) Has anyone else noticed this issue?
2) If you have, is there a fix other than that I have heard, and then read? ("Live with it")

Is it me, or should a brand new car not make a noise on startup?

Cheers,

Navlancer
 
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Old May 9, 2011 | 08:08 PM
  #2  
cub4bearindiana's Avatar
cub4bearindiana
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Originally Posted by Navlancer
My '11 S Clubman has <1K Miles. Owned it all of 11 days. I started the car this weekend with the door open, and heard a rattling noise. Lasted 30sec-1min thereabouts, than was gone. I thought, "uh-oh death rattle, but already?"

Checked for it again this morning, and sure enough, 30-60sec, then gone.

I called local dealership, the SA said, this is normal , his S does same thing, it's the turbo wastegate making the noise.

Of course, I didn't believe him, searched some more in forums and on the net, found the attached SI.

1) Has anyone else noticed this issue?
2) If you have, is there a fix other than that I have heard, and then read? ("Live with it")

Is it me, or should a brand new car not make a noise on startup?

Cheers,

Navlancer
nothing new.. same here.. I AM LIVING WITH IT !!!

after all it is about the driving fun.. not how my car sounds after start
=============
Ok guys, here is how my sounds this morning after all night in garage.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 10:17 AM
  #3  
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pheatton
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Yep same noise here. While I was at the dealer they had a 2009 with the death rattle. Its not the same noise. It sounded more like a slight knock then a rattle. You could hear something smacking and rattling around inside.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 01:24 PM
  #4  
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johnf36
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From: Ephrata Washington
You may have tensioner problem
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 01:33 PM
  #5  
Gil-galad's Avatar
Gil-galad
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From: Decorah, IA
Originally Posted by johnf36
You may have tensioner problem
Not likely. See the previous post. It's a much different noise and it's source is on the opposite side of the engine.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 01:44 PM
  #6  
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From: Ephrata Washington
your right I got my threads mixed up
 

Last edited by johnf36; May 10, 2011 at 06:09 PM.
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Old May 10, 2011 | 06:05 PM
  #7  
Roundel's Avatar
Roundel
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From: Bethesda, MD
My '11 has this too, and I'm relieved it's not a tensioner. If it's a wastegate there really is no ill effect.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 06:15 PM
  #8  
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jomama
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From: Irvine, CA
my car sounds just like cub4bear's car in the video. i haven't thought anything of it, esp since it pretty much goes away by the time i pull out of the carport.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 06:26 PM
  #9  
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This a new item on the N18. The waste gate stays open at idle to help heat up the cat faster. The waste gate cup is what you hear rattling.

What the SA at the dealer said is correct. Mini/BMW even thought enough of this item to discus it during qualification on this engine.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 07:25 PM
  #10  
yanks4285's Avatar
yanks4285
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From: Cape Coral
Yep 2011 MCS here. I'm living with it, cars under warranty. If it breaks it breaks. No real concern.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2013 | 10:41 AM
  #11  
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bmx045
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From: Northshore, MA
sorry for the bump, my 2011 does the same, I almost **** myself because I thought it was a tensioner issue, at 14k miles! glad to hear it's something else.... (and yes, oil level is fine).
 
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 10:22 PM
  #12  
boOst spIKe's Avatar
boOst spIKe
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Originally Posted by Professor
This a new item on the N18. The waste gate stays open at idle to help heat up the cat faster. The waste gate cup is what you hear rattling.

What the SA at the dealer said is correct. Mini/BMW even thought enough of this item to discus it during qualification on this engine.
QFT.
 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 10:56 AM
  #13  
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MrGrumpy
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From: Washington state
I think this really is pretty common, mine makes that noise on startup too, but then again, my waste gate is hanging open, and needs fixed.
there is a warranty extension on it, 10 yrs 120K, mine is at Mini right now for it.
apparently, it is a well known issue stemming from the proximity to the exhaust manifold, with the heat causing the waste gate to fail.
It might be worth getting it looked at
 
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 08:20 AM
  #14  
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TpaMiniac
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From: Tampa,FL
Reviving this old thread! My '11 R55 sounds like this as well and has my concerns up a bit. I replaced the tensioner on Saturday and same sounds. It has 47k on it. Would this be the wastegate noise or should I be doing a timing chain service?
 
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