Anybody has ever experienced a rattle at cold start that goes away when the engine warms up? Nothing really bothering but it's like some tree leaves would be stuck in the cooling fan and it goes away after a few minutes.

I had the car put on a lift (diagnosis time of $75.00, yes these guys suck) without finding the problem of course. The only clue maybe the grille/flange that covers the flexible exhaust down pipe. All the metal and plastic shields under the car are tight. Any other suggestion where to look at?

 

Not in any way an expert on this -- but this sounds like the timing chain rattle that these are known for. How many miles on the engine.

 

Which model? If it's an n14/n18 there's a not wonderful sound the wastegate flap makes during warm up as it rotates.

It's not a problem, but, is an annoying sound, mine does it when the wethers in the 20s and it's basically a brand new turbo. My original turbo did not do it.

 

It's N18. Thanks for the lead.

From a few videos and related treads I saw online, it makes complete sense. I have this since a long time but I have the feeling it becomes more annoying so I will have to live with it. Maybe the bigger turbo on the JCW makes matter worse.

 

Today, I discovered the turbo has a 10 years/120K extended warranty only on the N18 engine for some models including the R58.

This rattle from the wastegate at cold start gives me some concern of possible failure in the future (no codes yet) if I want to keep my Mini for a few more years. I bought it from new and always serviced at the dealer. I am now close to 53K with no other problem I can foresee.

I will asked the question at my next dealer service appointment.

 

It could also be a loose heatshield, have had that rattle as well, it can be a quite loud and deceiving noise.

The cold start waste gate rattle is just the gate spinning on the seat and resonating, if that's the sound, it's not a problem, and is a result of the quick catalytic warming cycle.

At idle, I have to admit, the N18 and even the new B38 sound like garbage, ticks, clicks, rattles, all kinds of bad noises. Just unrefined noises imho.