I have been reading a lot of the forums the past week. I have read a lot of things like the death rattle, or something similar - were fixed with an oil change.
Yesterday my I heard my engine "knocking". I let my manager - a real car nut look. He confirmed he could hear the valves knocking.
He suggested a heavier weight oil.
Maybe 10W30.

He said he uses high weight oil on all of his vehicles, 20w50 - and has never had a problem. He is a guy with a ton of vehicles, and can and does fix all kinds.

What do you all think? Heavier oil weight improve the sound of the engine?

 

Diagnose before you prescribe.

What year MINI do you have?

 

2009 Cooper justa. I am getting an oil change today. They will put the recommended 5w30 in it this time. I'll see what happens with that.

 

a heavy 20w50 oil could actually cause more damage in a mini, the oil passage that feeds the timing chain is small and in very cold temps, a 20w50 may not flow enough to properly lube the timing chain

scott

 

I would never consider 20w50 weight oil for my Mini. I was thinking maybe 10w30 by a Mini approved brand.

 

Depends on the brand, if you're using Mini oil go with what they recommend, but if you're using Mobile 1, go with what they recommend, you can find it at the Mobile site. For my 07S they recommend 0W40 and the Mini brand is 5W30.