Since I bought my 2002 cooper s about a month and a half ago I noticed a very subtle but high pitched metallic ringing or rattle only from about 2200-2900 rmp. In fact its so high pitched my dad can't really even hear it. Also it only happens when the car is in gear (happens in every gear). I've read it could be a bad timing chain tensioner, or "death rattle", although I've only read about that happening on R56s. The videos I've seen of cars with the death rattle did not sound like my car, too. On another note my car seems to be fairly hard to shift (doubt its related). If anyone has any insight or experience with this that would be helpful.
Thanks

 

anyone know?

 

I have it.

Didn’t notice it for a week or so after we bought in Aug.

Very high pitched, I figured it’s a bolt that backed off and the washer is singing???
It’s not getting any worse with 3K more miles.

Note: it’s an automatic.

ab

 

thanks, I'm sure thats what I have too. Not sure how I didn't think of this before. Although it did get louder when I put on my Helix CAI...