I have a 07 MCS with 55K miles on it. I've been reading about the Cold STart stuff and it appears that the car is always loud. My car seems to get LOUDER after I drive it for about a half hour. Any ideas what it is? The dealership wants $125 just to look at it before doing any repairs (if necessary). The oil seems ok to me (I had it changed 3K miles ago, but I didnt replace the filter as the shop did not have one on hand). I plan on changing it again within the next week. Also, I've never had a warning light since I had my car. I took it in when under warranty for a Cold Start issue, but they said nothing wrong and flush the fluids from the system and said I needed Fuel Injection cleaner every 3K miles.

So, back to my question, is this Timing Chain / Cold Start or something else?

EDIT: It is an AUTO also. Sounds like a rattle from the rockers almost....suggestions?

 

If it sounds like this, you've got a timing chain rattle...

... and it won't get better without corrective action...

 

Mine does not seem that loud. When I accelerate, the sound goes away essentially, but when I am at a stoplight, the rattle returns. I'm going for a test ride tomorrow with a mini service advisor. They will just say leave out, but apparently are booked for a week.

 

Well, as you probably noted in the video, it came and went for this guy too, depending on the rev's. Although I'm speculating a bit in connection with the timing chain rattle, I can believe that it could manifest itself at different engine speeds, depending on just how much slack there is in the chain; for you, it might be closer to idle power at the moment.

It's also possible you are just hearing the standard "dieseling" noise of the engine. To me, the timing chain sound is pretty distinctly different; but to other folks, the difference is not all that apparent. Hopefully, the MINI service adviser will be forthright in his diagnosis rather than summarily dismissing it as "normal."

Either way, it's best to get it checked; if these things come undone while the engine is operating, they have been known to cause lots of expensive repairs...

 

It honestly sounds like a rattle coming from the risers/lifters. At idle, I can put my hand on the engine and it vibrates.

Now, the only reason I am looking into this is someone said you car sounds loud, and it always seemed loud, but now I'm more aware and it does seemer louder at certain times. Like the "rattle" when I'm idling seems odd. Hopefully tomorrow brings something good on my ride along with a SA.

Who knows, maybe I can trade it in for a 2011 Mini.

 

Well, the "dieseling" noise at idle is normal for this engine; it's related to the direct-injection fuel delivery, and it does sound odd and loud by comparison to other injected gasoline engines. The sound may seem to be coming from the lifters, but it's the injectors making the noise.

 

Well, I took it in today...it was starting to hesitate a bit. They said it was the Timing Chain, but I left it for the official diagnosis. i am going to fight Mini since I took it in under warranty for the same issue.