Mini Cooper Drivers across Multiple forums and clubs are posting issues with a loud noise during startup.
Post in constant Update status. Please come back and check for updates.
A serious issue has come up in the Mini Cooper world. Mini Cooper Drivers around the U.S. and world have been reporting a strange knocking/rubbing noise coming from the engine compartment for the year 2007+ Mini Cooper. From the misc dealer repair details it appears to be a issue with the timing chain and tensioner system. It also appears the without being fixed the car will eventually have a timing chain failure and possible motor destruction. On a good note BMW/Mini know what the problem is however is failing to come up with or acknowledge a permanent solution. How many customers issues will it take before BMW/Mini will issue a full recall? We all hope not many more. I am in the second generation mini group myself. Every morning I cross my fingers in hope that when I push the start button the sound of engineering failure doesn’t sing from under my hood!
Is there a Mini Cooper Recall for a Loud Knocking Diesel sound In the Second Generation Mini Cooper?
Not at this time!
Please add a comment at the end stating Your Name year/model and miles below to be added to the database list if you have a confirmed issue with the timing chain noise.
SIGN THE RECALL MINI COOPER PETITION HERE!
OVER 37 PEOPLE have signed the Petition NOW!
Notify the U.S. Gov of the Issue Here!
Example: John Doe 2008 Cooper S 5000 miles
Information and updates
Years Affected 2007+
Recall Status: No
Warranty Repair: Yes
Video Clip
Total Users Affected Registered on This site: 6
1. Joseph Bejnarowicz 2007 MCS 30k miles
2. Mark McSwain 2008 Clubman S 21k miles
3. Ric Liang 2008 MCS 0k miles happened on arrival
4. Tim Shackelford 2007 MCS 36K miles
5. Wayne LoPrete 2008 MCS JCW Package 9k miles
6. David Australia 2007 MCS 1500 Miles
Sources:
Mini2
Motoring Alliance
North American Motoring
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2007, S model, 30k miles, Bought the car used in Oct ‘09, dealer replaced the timimg chain tensioner brackets & chain without having to be asked and under warranty when car was in for oil change and other unrelated electrical service.
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2008 Clubman S, 21K miles. While car was in for a different warranty issue, dealer said noise was normal.
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2008 MCS 07/08 build date. Issue immediately upon receipt of vehicle.
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07′ MCS, Identified, dealer stated I had to demonstrate. At about 36K I developed vacuum pump failure resulting in complete new head replacement. Dealer fixed cold start with addn of belt tensioner during the head replace. No issues since
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‘08 MCS w/ JCW dealer package. Last winter the dealer told me it wqs “normal operation” and did nothing. Two weeks ago they replaced the timing chain along with 10 other parts (tensioners, guide rails etc.) at 9100 miles.
This appears to be the fix, though the temperatures since the fix have been moderate: the rattle is most pronounced when the temps are in the 20’s or below. I will monitor this, of course.
Did the problem cause damage or premature wear to the engine??
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Wayne,
Its good to hear that your dealership has fixed your car. Keep an eye on it the fixes don’t seem to be permanent. The problem in your case did not cause any internal engine damage. That issue has only been seen when the timing chain system completely fails. Eventually if they did not fix this issue with your car you could have seen complete engine failure and destruction.
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I am in Australia, I have a 2007 R56 Cooper. I picked it up with 2500 km and it now has 60,000 km. The car has had the cold start problem since the day I picked it up. Its been to 2 dealers and I have had the car off the road for days at a time. Finally BMW rep has authorised the timing chain, belts and tensioners all be replaced! It seems to be a world wide issue that needs to be addressed.
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Noticed it at about 9K. 2009 R56. Dealer fixed with no questions.
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2008 Cooper S with 17K miles. Dealer said chain was stretched and is in process of replacing chain and guides.
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Same engine knock problem.. same exact noise. Tried to start up the car again, and it wouldn’t restart- had it towed to Mini. They say the timing chain jumped, took out the valves- engine shot. Now, they are saying that even though I had the car fully maintenanced 2 weeks ago and no problems whatso ever, that because at 25000-30000 miles (even though the service indicator didn’t indicate service needed at that time) I didn’t maintenance the vehicle for a “level 1 preventative maintenance” that its my negligence and they’ve voided the warranty. No help from Mini Corporate (called 3 times) and the dealership refusing to cover under warranty.
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44.7k miles. Engine rattling, Timing chain problem, finally blew a spark plug.
Inside 50k warranty. Dealer staed that it was a known problem and that the repair kit as updated parts. No charge.
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2007 Mini S 51666 miles. Had Chain Tenioner and slide rail replaced
at my expense. Dealer acted surprised at problem.
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Ouch Jim! I would have fought that one left and right. With so many people having the same problem! This is why I think they need to do a recall or a bring it in if it happens free repair.
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07 Cooper S. 50,200 told me the to first have them change the pulley then if it wasn’t resolved to do the timing service at a song of $1600. Well the pulley didn’t fix it and they say i’m gonna have to pay. Not very happy about this. MINI needs to do something!
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Jaime,
I would highly suggest contacting Mini directly for this problem. The dealers have been screwing the people out of the warranty period. They should resolve it due to it being a known issue. If not please let us know and we will attempt to help out also.
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Hello
My 07 Mini Cooper S has stopped running with 79k on the motor. It has had issues for quite a while and a missfire problem as well. Have the timing chains skipped a tooth? I’m glad that I’m not the only disgruntled Mini owner. I HATE THIS CAR!!!!!
Dave
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Dave,
It is almost impossible to diagnose this from what you have described. Has your car made the noise that was in the videos? The missfire could possibly be a carbon buildup in the engine. The mini groups have also pointed out that this maybe another serious issue that is starting to come up. You could attempt to clean the carbon out using this method.
http://www.minicooperspeed.com/how-to-seafoam-treatment-r55r56-mini-cooper/
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From one post ago
I have sent the car to Ferman Mini hoping that a fuel pump is bad with it. I got a letter in this week stating that the warranty on the fuel pump has been extended to 120k. This letter acknowledges that this could result in a lack of power which has happened to me on many occasions. The motor also needs to be topped off with oil every 2k!!! I would bet that all these problems have been caused by a LEAN MIXTURE! That would mean that this car has been running 50k on lean mix and has caused major damage to the motor. A recall is a must. Mini is trying to bypass the situation to keep from a major motor recall and extreme damage to resale values and customer satisfaction ratings. There is no excuse for these issues at 78k!
Dave
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From two post ago.
I sent my cooper s to the dealer and they told me that the exhaust cam sprocket bolt came out and killed the motor. $6800.00 78K? Crazy.
Dave
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Ouch not cool at all! Sorry to hear about that!
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