http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d4qKEmJTGXY

I've spent the last several hours perusing the forums on several websites to little or no avail. I posted the link to a YouTube video of a N14 engine making the same sound my n12 is making. It's a redudent knocking sound that disappears when driving (or at least I can't hear it). I can only hear it when the car idles and it sounds like it's coming from the left back side of the engine (if facing front of car). I don't think it's the timing chain tensioner as the knocking sound does not change when driving or when pressing the accelerator. It's literally not noticeable at all when driving the car. It also doesn't appear to be a rod knock as the sound of a rod knock would get more pronounced with increasing RPMs? Of note, car is an automatic.

Long story short. I went to pick up my 2010 mini after signing the paperwork to purchase the vehicle and heard this knocking sound. It was cold today in northern New Jersey (32 degrees) and it snowed earlier today. When I test drove it initially last week, it was almost 65 degrees outside. I did not hear the knocking sound when I test drove the car last week. Also, the knocking sound did not go away after 10 minutes of driving and probably another 10 minutes of idling.

The purchase contract stipulated that the dealership change the oil, brake fluid and serpentine belt. All of this was done prior to me going to pick up the vehicle today. Could the pulley be loose? Not sure what would be causing a knocking sound at idle that isn't prevalent while driving.

Long story short again - I refused to give them my down payment and asked them to reverse the transaction. They seemed willing to do this and also said they were going to have their mechanic look at the car. I'm not sure if this knocking sound is a huge red flag and a sign that there's an underlying issue with the engine?

If anyone has any useful input, it will be greatly appreciated.

 

Any knock inside the engine is a good reason to be wary.

There are lots of Minis out there - I would back away from this one and take some time to find another.

 

+1

 

I didn't go through with the purchase. Way too many various N12 and N14 engine issues. It reminds me of the VW 1.8T/2.0T scene. Will never buy another VW and will never own a Mini.

 

This is exactly the sound that mine is making. And I notice there is a vacuum at the cap, as it gets sucked down when reinserting. Anyone have a definitive answer for this one? Is it normal, no big deal, or big deal.
Thanks,
Thatch