Hi folks, Most of you sound like you have a great deal more experience than I, about Minis in general and I am perplexed by a question about the "cold-start engine noise" issue. I have heard the U-Tube videos, I have read many of your posts, I believe I understand the symptoms. What I don't understand is whether this is a phenomenon exclusive to the turbocharged "S" model or if
it also affects base "justa" models - They both have the 1.6 L engine. I too have cold-start noises (dieseling) after the water temp reaches 140'F or better, and was hoping one or more could shed some light / insight. Thanks

 

I'm not an expert but here is my opinion on your questions: (see the Gen 2 Stock Problems thread Sticky on Cold Start)

"Cold Start" issue exists within the "S" only.
"Cold Start" shows up before the engine has warmed up. It seems to be reported when it is cold outside also, but happens in the summer also.

I'd say "Cold Start" is not your issue. If it is under warranty, take it in!

 

Thanks Mini2na,
In my post I inadvertently omitted "until". It should've been placed just after (dieseling) and before "after" : ... (dieseling) until after the water temp...

But thanks for the reply, there seems to be an assumption in the posts that
we're always talking about MCSs', whenever the discussion references the
engine. I just wanted clarification, and appreciate your time / answer.

 

I took my MCS to the dealer. They are aware of this problem... cold start rattle. I believe it has something to do with the timing belt tensioner... they fixed it.

 

I have a 2011 MCS. I've heard some sort of rattle from the engine before. The Mini engine is sort of rattly anyway, right?

How distinct is the "death rattle" from the normal rattliness of the Mini engine?

 

There is a well-populated sticky and several sizable threads on the so called "death rattle" in this forum -- suggest you read them from start to finish and I think you'll find answers to your questions. But in sum:

The "death rattle" is an R56 issue associated with the N14 (MCS, model years '07 - '10 and MCS JCW thru '11) turbo engine. As of yet there are no verified cases that have been reported in the online forums for the N18 (MCS, '11) engine. Reported N18 engine rattles have been attributed to "normal" noisiness of the fuel injection system and the operation of the waste gate (the latter documented in a TSB). Plus, '11 owners are keenly sensitive to any extra noise with the N14 history and the hope that the new Valvetronic system has mitigated the issue (and dread that it has not).

If you have the "death rattle," there will be no mistaking the noise. It sounds like a chain being dragged across a metal trash can lid. Loud. Intrusive. Embarrassing. Worse than a poorly tuned diesel. Quite distinctively different than the normal "tappiness" of the engine.

The other thing we now know is that the "death rattle," if left to its own devices and not fixed, will eventually kill your MINI.

 

The noise really is embarrassing. If you have trouble getting it fixed through your dealer, I'd urge you to call MINIUSA and take it up with them. I've had to go through them to get a few repairs completed and they've been outstanding to deal with.

It does help to call MINIUSA after you've attempted repairs at your dealer. if you have videos, it helps your case more.

 

The forum should have "Thank you" buttons

 

I bought my car ('08 MCS) less than a month ago, and immediately noticed this cold start issue. Literally the first morning after I purchased the car. It prompted me to look online to see what it was, and that's how I found this website and the threads on "cold start issues". It is very loud - as you all have pointed out already, even if you don't know the Cooper's quirks. You would definitely know if you had the issue - trust me. I called MINI USA during the first week and reported the issue to them. All they offered to do was note the concern and customer's (my) feedback as to what the problem was on my car's "file". She said they have to follow procedures, even though I was positive I knew what the problem was. That seemed totally fair to me, since I had yet to take it into the dealership... duh! On an even better note, MINI of Concord is replacing all the parts associated with this issue first go! I just found that out today, so I'm very happy to report this. I should be able to pick it up in a few days.