Hi all,
My first post on this forum, so bear with me if I am not aware of any terminology

I'm posting wondering if anyone has any idea what could be causing this severe knocking noise from the top of the engine in a 2010 Cooper (Pre-facelift but according to VIN check N16 engine)

You can listen to the noise here ^

Thankfully the car is not ours! I'm currently looking for a Mini for my sister, after her 2005 R50 was written off last month, and this is one of the cars we were looking at buying (At least prior to it developing this noise!!).

It apparently developed the issue overnight, as my sister drove the car the day beforehand and it was fine, but the noise was there when the mechanic went to check the car for a pre-purchase inspection.
I've spoken to him, and apparently it is NOT the timing chain, so I'm curious as to what could cause this!

I'm wondering what this is, and also is it fixable and not going to causing any further issues relating to potential engine damage further down the track?

There are of course other cars for sale, but here in New Zealand the buying market is very small and it's hard to find a car which meets all our criteria.
This car seemed perfect as it's relatively new compared to the other r56's for sale at the moment, has a service history, and is relatively well equipped + has the newer n16 engine.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

What I'm hearing is one hydraulic lifter making more noise than all the others, and I'm using a fresh hearing aid battery --- lol. Noise might go away after the engine has warmed up. You should look at the oil change history, to ensure it's been maintained properly. Oil should be changed at 5K mile intervals, not the factory recommendation of 10 or 15K. I'm surprised the inspection tech couldn't ID the noise --- is he part of the selling organization?

If you've ever heard the "death rattle" or loose timing chain from these engines, you wouldn't consider this "severe".

 

Thanks for the advice!
Hadn't realised that was a potential issue, but have now done some further research into Hydraulic lifter noise and can definitely see what you mean, does appear to be that! Regardless the seller is taking the car into the MINI dealership so hopefully within the next few days we will get a report from them with what the issue is.

Will also have to look into the service history, and check the frequency of oil changes.

The inspecting mechanic is an independent operator, and I've used him before and been pleased with his work, but I think I'll get the MINI dealership to do a full pre-purchase inspection for us when the car is in there getting diagnosed/fixed instead, they are well regarded so hopefully should do a good job.

Thanks again for the good advice! I'll be sure to update on the issue once I know more

 

Update; So the noise was diagnosed as hydraulic lifters, and apparently it was going away when warm. Apparently the issue was that the seller had an oil-change at a cheap quick lube shop, and they put the wrong grade oil in, resulting in the lifters not getting correct oil pressure when cold and rattling. Can't blame the seller as she was trying to be helpful by selling us the car with a fresh oil change, and likely got conned by the place while they were renewing the Warrant of Fitness (Compulsory Annual inspection here in NZ). Car has the correct grade in it now (5w-30 synthetic I believe) and is behaving as normally

So, We've gone ahead and purchased the car. Rang the Mini Garage and they had a regular service history with them + had some timing chain related work done in late 2015. On top of this I see there were some extra oil-changes at a local mechanic stamped in the book in between the Mini specified Interval ones.

Hopefully the car turns out to be a good one!

 

Hello, I purchased a 2002 Mini Standard with 5 speed. The engine runs, but it has a REALLY bad knock. The knock is intermittent sometimes and sometimes its consistent. At first I thought it was the timing chain tensioner, but I have replaced that along with the oil filter housing. The old housing had a spring missing inside once I pulled it, so the oil pressure light was coming on. As of now, the engine is not throwing any ODBII codes. I changed the oil, but nothing helps. The knocking is so bad that I am afraid to drive it. Any help would be great!! Could the timing chain have slipped a tooth and the timing is off? Is it possible to change the timing chain without removing the engine?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbtAh1VufDp77otB9

Thanks

Gresh

 

 

Oh, sorry. I just noticed this was the Gen forum. Please accept my apologies. Its and R50 and it does have a timing chain. I will repost in the Gen 1 section.