Based on what I'm hearing from the engine of my 2007 MCS, and comparing it to videos and audios here on NAM, I believe I have the dreaded timing chain tensioner death rattle. However, it is not temperature-related as in "cold start issue".

First, it began yesterday, an 80-degree day.
Second, the rattle does not go away once the engine warms up. It does go away at about 2200 RPMs.Drop below 2200 RPMs and it comes back. Very consistent, very repeatable.

Has anyone had this version of the death rattle?

 

Have you checked your oil?

 

Oil's fine.

 

fwiw, the "cold start issue" has never been related to temperature. It is a reference to starting the car after it has been sitting for a while (e.g. overnight) and is no longer at or close to operating temperature.

I do not recall seeing any reports of it never going away after the motor warmed up, but that doesn't really mean much. I think I was one of the first to report the symptom appearing after the motor had warmed up.

Since it is consistent and repeatable, best option would probably be to take it into a dealer for assessment or (if out of warranty) an independent shop familiar with MINIs.

Good luck!

 

it will continue after warm up and/or will start up after warm up if the engine oil is down by 2-3 quarts.

I understand you have checked the oil and believe it is okay. The OEM dip stick IS VERY hard to read normally, so i would suggest checking it again very very carefully after the car has sat on level ground for more than an hour without running. If it still seems correct. Than take it to a shop and have it looked.

 

When i had this it only happened until warm. I think at the very beginning this might be how it acts until you hear it all the time. I took it to the dealer and had the bolt tensioner updated. I would buy this and install it. There is a write up on this forum for it. I bet you can do it fast. I think you just remove the passenger front wheel and replace the bolt. If it persists after that I would get it looked into.

 

Update on this topic for future searchers on the "death rattle" topic:

If you start getting a very loud slapping/rattle sound -- I mean VERY loud, like an old Mercedes diesel engine starting up on a sub-zero morning -- STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY and have it towed.

I made the mistake of driving to work and back for one day. (I only noticed the sound when I was on my way to work). 36 miles total. My timing chain "backed out" (dealer's words) and I have a blown engine. Valves bent. $5000 in damage (parts and labor). There was no CEL, no warning light, no reduced performance.

Mileage is not a factor with the timing belt tensioner/guide problem. It can happen at 10k, 100k or, in my case, 37k. As far as I can tell, the parts that MINI replaces are not engineered any differently than the parts that failed.

I hope this post can help someone avoid a similar engine failure.

 

I just had the same thing happen to me. I had the tensioner replaced at 30K, and thought I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. Not so. I now have 59,500 mi, and a very large paperweight for an engine. It's at the dealer right now, so I should find out shortly what the diagnosis is. I can't afford $5K out of pocket for an engine so I hope Mini will stand behind thier product.

 

Sorry to hear you're still having this problem. It's the main reason I traded in my MCS (tensioner went twice at 18k and 24k) for a GTI last year. I am dying to get another MINI but, I will wait for the 3 cyl or 2ltr 4cyl turbo engines that are due to debut in a year or two. That damn french prince engine has got to go already, we need a true BMW engine.

 

If the rattle remains after the engine warms up, then you will need a new chain, chain tensioner, sprockets and guide rails.

The temperature DOES affect the behaviour for chains that are only slightly off mark and can be fixed with the newer longer tensioner. Mine only did it in winter, after sitting a day in the garage.

Chains that have expanded significantly will need to be changed together with the rest of the ancilliaries.