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 500 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: 500+
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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Related posts:
Problem appeared at 8000 miles. Dealer acknowledged and repaired tensioner. Problem has re-appeared at 30,500 miles.
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Yep. All of above happened to my 2007 mini Cooper S. Death rattle followed by engine light, followed by diagnoses of stretched timing chain caused by faulty tensioner. And all of this just past my warranty. It’s really too bad, too, because I really love this car. Up to now, it’s my favorite car I’ve ever had. But now I feel like I should sell it before more goes wrong and it costs me a fortune. I should have become suspicious when my windshield recently cracked for no reason. That is yet another commonly reported problem–soft glass. Both are bizarre things to happen on a young, low-mileage car. I’ll be sorry to see my Mini go.
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My 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman has had issues with the timing chain twice. The first time was at 39k miles, and the dealership adjusted the tensioner under the warranty, the service guy said this was a known and common issue; the second time was at 52k miles and the dealership denied that this was a known and common issue, said I had voided my warranty because I did not have the oil changed the first time at 19k miles but instead at 23k and that the timing chain issue was my fault. I called MiniUSA and they were just as unhelpful. I took it to another shop and had it repaired – when they looked in the engine, the oil (which the dealership had changed at 43k miles, and said wasn’t due for another change for 11k miles more) was thick as mud. The independent shop looked at all of my service records, and called other dealerships and shops around and learned that this is a common problem, that it is usually related to sludgy oil, and that they say that often the warranty is voided. They (the folks who fixed my car) believe that this is because of the oil change schedule being so long in intervals (roughly 20k miles between each). Other manufacturers (Toyota, notably) have changed the oil change frequency and fixed engines due to that, although they would not go so far as to call it a “recall”. But it should be for Mini – if you look at all the complaints (funny how few “I love my Mini” sites there are, in comparison), it’s clear that Mini is denying known problems and losing credibility and business.
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2009 clubman s
Loud rattle last year the dealer said not to worry. bringing it in this weekend to ask them to fix it as it’s getting worse. with 55k miles I want them to pay.
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2007 MINI COOPER S – 48,000 miles
Just had to have the turbo replaced in my cooper because of “loss of suction” $3000 later and they are now saying my timing chain also needs replacing for only $1600. As well as the gear shifter for $800. I mean I’m just basically throwing money away on this car when every month something costs thousands of dollars to fix. I just saying I’m outraged 48,000 miles is not much on a car that has always been fully serviced at the mini dealership now its falling apart as soon as my warrenty is out!
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My Wife has a 2007 Mini Cooper S and the engine just went out at 75,000 miles due to the timing chain/tensioner problem. Now, we are stuck buying a $3,500 used engine and upside down in the car. I wish, we would have done some due diligence before purchasing a 2007 Mini Cooper S. BMW should step up and help with these problems. We love to drive it but very unreliable.
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John Baker 2007 S 52K
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2007 Cooper S. I replaced the timing chain at 50K miles, but engine still makes a knocking noise. My car currently has 65K miles and it leaks oil and coolant.
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My ’07 has 27k miles on it. First heard the rattle at 19k. Took it to the dealer (San Francisco) before the warranty expired for the 24k service and described the sound as “diesel like”, as though it wasn’t getting oil to the head. They could not replicate the sound and told me there was no precedent or notice on the issue. I was unaware of others having trouble till I found this URL today, so I was on a road trip 300 miles from home and on the coast highway between Cayucos and Big Sur when the engine stopped w/o notice. That is a major tow to an unknown mechanic, a one way car rental home, and a lousy week-end, and a pile of cash. But I did have an adventure, though different than the one I sought. This could have gone very differently had the dealer been straight with me.
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2007 cooper S. Currently have 64k miles. I had the tensioner issue replaced TWICE before the 50k mile warrenty, luckily. Now, I recently started leaking oil and check engine light went on. Turns out I had to replace the oil gasket. Also when they opened up the engine, some bracket that holds us the chain BROKE clean off, dropped a bit of plastic into the chain gears and has now made the chain skip a tooth. Not sure what my total bill is going to be but it’s not going to be pretty. I really wanted to get the Countryman since I’m pregnant but I’m scared mini makes mistakes.
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Same issue. Jan 07 Mini Cooper S bought new. Made the noise at around 7,000 miles. Took it in under warranty. Dealer (Berry, Chiswick) said it was normal and nothing to worry about. Now it’s cold it is back with a vengeance. Going to call them to discuss and refer them to this site.
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I own a 2007 Cooper S. 50,000. I have taken to dealer for all services. At 40,000, I heard engine rattling on cold starts. It kept getting worse. Dealer first stated they could not find anything. Then after it got worse, and I took it back, they told me timing chain guide had broken apart and scattered thru oil pan. My car was one month outside of warranty, and after some tense discussions, they replaced timing chain, tensioner, and guide. Now, about 6 months later, the same thing is happening. Loud rattling, etc. I’m taking it back to dealer, and am scared about what they’ll find. This is a chronic problem that MINI should fix, or the firm will surely start losing street cred and dedicated customers.
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2010 Cooper S. Replaced tensioner today. ~45,000kms. Also replacing engine coolant pump. Apparently it was not cooling the turbo…
Other issues they will not address “yet”:
-”Brights” fail after going over large bumps and sometimes stop working for no reason.
-Engine hesitates under heavy acceleration sometimes.
At 30,000kms, manifold replaced, cylinder heads had to be removed, cleaned, and reassembled.
I love the car, but had no idea it would have so many problems so early on. Also disappointed that they replace the tensioner rather than the timing chain…
Ryan
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i have the knocking scared of out come car just start to slow down so pulled over and shut it off and it would not start back up but everything still worked
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2008 Cooper S. 50k miles. Have it in Princeton Mini for death rattle issue. Timing chain shoot and oil leak from head seal and tension chain bolt . Turbo has carbon build up as well. Total to fix will be 2300. Dealer told warranty company that the car came in low on oil. Never had loss of power nor did oil light ever come on. Oil loss is caused from bolt backing out of head in motor. Hello dealer why ya think it’s low on oil!
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2009 Mini Cooper S 62,000 Mile
Broke down on freeway. In shop having the timing chain replaced.
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Had to replace timing chain at 51000. Mini dealer would not repair under warranty. Had a private shop do the work. I’m not a happy camper!
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I own a 2007 Cooper S. 45,000 miles so far. I have taken it to the dealership for all the scheduled services. At around 27K, I had engine problems, had to be towed to the dealer and they replaced the timing chain and tensioner. Now, the noise is back, took back to dealer. Dealer stated they would fix it for 1100.00 but I do not think I should have to pay for there mistakes. This is a known problem that MINI should fix not the owners.
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hello
i have a 2007 mini cooper
105,000
and the check engine light, as i see it always is on, and when i get gas all the lights are light up,
they removed the oil pan and a bolt from the oil pump was in it, come to find out they said my timing chain is gone, 1500 they want
is it worth doing,
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2008 S Clubman: 44k Miles
Car has developed “death rattle” diesel sound in the past week on cold starts. Taking it in to dealer this week before the 4-year/50k warranty expires. I’m afraid to drive it after reading this forum. We’ll see what happens.
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Broken timing chain at 52700k miles. Now waiting to hear from dealership on the extent of the damage. So far they are taking full responsibility except that I keep hearing about slight leak in the water pump. If they do top half of the engine due to damage from broken chain where does that leave me??
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2008 Mini Cooper S 24k Miles. Death rattle started in cold weather at 11k miles. I complained to mini dealer and they blew me off. Now it rattles often. Took to my mechanic for oil change and engine oil had sludge buildup.
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Same issues and called mini USA to complain. They told my to pack sand. Mini should be fixing this issue. They know it’s a problem that’s why they have reengineered the component twice! I’m done with Mini.
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I have 37,000 miles on my 2007 mini cooper s and am just no figuring out what the knocking sound is. have noticed it for a few thousand and had no idea.
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2007 Mini Cooper S JCW 37000 miles.
Developed “Death Rattle” several weeks ago. Out of warranty time wise. Is currently at Ferman mini. They said Mini would cover part of timing chain & guide replacement. I think they should cover it all. Definitely a recall issue.
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At 77,000 miles, my 2008 Cooper S flashed the “Low Oil Pressure Light,” then “Increased Emissions,” then that was accompanied by super loud exhaust noises and a loss of most engine power. Mechanic says it has something to due with timing belt and admits it’s strange that that would go out so early.
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2007 Mini Cooper S
Approx 57K Miles
Heard the knocking and running really bad. Found there was no oil in the car. Fixed that and still knocking. Dealer told me $2300 to repair today and wouldn’t let me leave dealership for fear of engine damage.
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2008 Clubman Cooper S — 23K miles.
Breakdown Day minus 6 months: I take car, purchased at 18K miles and immaculate, running like a hummingbird and just as cute, in to Flow Mini in Raleigh NC for a scheduled oil change and to reprogram a computer that was causing the passenger window to open slightly by itself. When I pick up the car, I’m told it’s a good thing I came in, because now the oil changes are all up to date. Seems the previous owner may have changed the oil himself, I’m told. But not to worry.
Breakdown Day minus 3 weeks: The Death Rattle begins. We call Flow Mini in Raleigh NC and we’re told this is a dirty valve problem. Not to worry. If we’ve been using anything less than high test, just run a few tanks of high test through and never use anything else. Be sure to drive fast when the opportunity permits.
Breakdown Day minus 1 week: A whole new noise begins like something is loose under the hood. Engine light come on, then goes off. Then comes on a day later. Flow Mini tells us to bring it in, and it just might be a good idea to have it carried in “since it is under warranty anyway.” Make appointment for tow and service, and schedule them for Breakdown Day (we didn’t know it was going to be Breakdown Day, of course.)
Entire week prior to Breakdown Day: Drive car a total of 5 miles. Death Rattle seems to be going away.
Breakdown Day: Two hours before towing appointment the car comes to a complete halt in a parking lot entrance road. Nice guy pushes Mini to a parking place while my wife fumes. I ride with truck to Flow Mini in Raleigh.
Breakdown Day plus 1: I’m informed that the previous owner had been 2000 miles late (maybe, that’s what the chip in our car key apparently says) for his oil change, which is why they had told me that the oil schedule was “now up to date.” Up to date, yet Mini corporate has informed the dealer that the warranty is no good. Bill for replacing timing chain? $3900.
Breakdown Day plus 5: It will be at least another 3 days before we can have the car. We have no idea what, if anything, we can do to reinstate the warranty, or whether it even matters, given the fact that Mini can arbitrarily decide when the warranty will be honored and when it will not.
Of the 10 or more cars we’ve owned over the course of our marriage, never has my wife said that she loved one of them, except for this Mini and a previous Mini convertible that we had to let go of because we needed more room. Only the Minis. And now, with a single unfair application of the warranty, (if we had been told that the late oil change meant that the warranty was going to be void in the event of a problem, it would be different) the love has gone. It’s not cute any more. We don’t feel that anticipatory rush at thinking about driving it. We’re not likely to smile and wave at other Minis but to give them, instead, a sympathetic nod or a look of foreboding. The hummingbird has become an albatross.
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2009 Mini Cooper S less than 15K. Just bought it 2 weeks ago. Cold start death rattle noise started 3 days ago.
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It’s 20 degrees outside and my 2007 mini cooper S won’t start. It turns over, sputters and dies. Maybe it will start when it warms up.
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2009 Mini Cooper S 67,000 miles
Timing chain tensioner went out. Just out of warranty of course. Cost 1700.00 to repair. Have the knocks during cold weather also. Did not know about all of these problems. Afraid of future problems down the road. Wish I had never bought this car.
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I have a 2008 Mini Cooper s jcw With this problem whenever you start it cold for a short period of time then turn it off and start it again it will do it every time or sometimes it will just do it from the first cold start!!!
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Casey Daniels
2007 Cooper S
43K miles
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my 2007 mini cooper s has the same issue. The timing chain was replace right before the warranty expired. But after a few month till now, the noise comes back again and the engine light pops up when I don’t warm up the car longer enough before I drive on the road. When I do the inverse, the car is shaking back and forth hardly. But this only happen when I don’t warm up the car long enough. Anyboday knows why? Please..
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2007 Mini Cooper S – Engine rattles and sounds like a diesel on start-up. Has almost 40,000 miles.
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2008 MINI-S CLUBMAN . i THOUGHT THIS WAS THE GREATEST CAR I EVER OWNED, BUT NOW IT’S JUST THE OPPOSITE. AROUND 40K MILES STARTED GETTIIN A DESIEL LIKE SOUND ON START UP . TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A HOSE TO THE TURBO THAT BUSTED, THEY REPLACED IT NO CHARGE.WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE THEN IT CAME BACK. THEY TOLD ME THE NOISE WAS FROM A STRECHED TIMING CHAINAND IT WOULD BE $1900 TO FIX. AFTER THE WARRENTY WAS UP THE NOISE GOT SO LOUD THAT YOU COULD HEAR ME COMMING FROM AROUND THE CORNER.NOW THE CAR HAS A FRIED COMPUTOR AND IT WONT START. i HAULED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP . THEY SAY I MY NEED A NEW ENGIN NOW APOX.$5OOO! THIS IS A BUNCH OF S**T!!! BECAUSED OF THEIR CRAP THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP I’M NOT GOING TO PAY!!!
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2007 Mini Cooper S – bought it used with 25K miles in August and engine failure in December with 27K miles. First they said it was the tensioner, then the oil pump and now they don’t know what it was.
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Mini Cooper S – 2009 – 25K miles
Tensioner failed completely. MINI replaced the part and its since been back in 3 times as I’m experiencing a tapping sound between 1000 and 3000 rpm’s.
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My 07 Mini S has just bit the dust. Timing chain failure- while I was driving, engine no good… So I take it to the dealership, have 55,000 miles on it. Needs whole new engine, cheaper than trying to replace it. They say they will half it with me, because it should not have happened, even though it is out of warranty. They estimate it around $3000. That was a month ago, they seem to have had trouble, they are not done, even though they got the new engine in over two weeks ago. They have given me a BMW to drive in the meantime, but I am really starting to worry. What if they can’t fix it? Still owe a little on this car… Plus I do miss my MINI…
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I got 2007 mini s, allways dealer serviced last service was told that the timing chain was streached and needed to be replaced price $3,000.00 och!! 63000 miles
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Yup car was making horrible rattling noise in morning. I have a 09 s that just hit 55k. Went to restart car and turns over but won’t turn on. All I get is a check engine light. Called mini roadside assistance waited for a tow truck 3 hours later no one came. I had to phone a friend to call AAA and tow was there in 15 mins. Completely disappointed with roadside service.
Mini is now at Sf Mini. I’m hoping warranty will cover this issue. Or I will definitely raise hell. I am so sad to not be in love with my car anymore. Shame on you Mini/BMW for not taking care of this known issue.
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R56 2007 MINI Cooper S w/ 26,000 miles- timing chain replaced.
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mi 07 knocks when i start it afer couple hours been stop
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Mini Cooper S 2009 75,000k Loud rattle from this year winter the dealer said not to worry its normal after it warms up it go away and did nothing.today my water pump flood and bubbles car over heat. i hated the day i did buy a Mini cooper always issues! and expinsve to fix.
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2007 Mini Cooper
51,000 miles
Was in idle came back to car and tried to put in gear died… tried restarting no luck. Had towed and they said timing chain broke. Have to tow it to Mini Dealer local because small repair shop doesn’t have tools.
Is this issue only caused by not changing the oil regularly? Can the engine be completly gone? I bought from Car Max thank God for extended warranty didn’t have any clue how bad Mini’s could be!
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2009 Mini Cooper S.
55K miles.
Timing/Tenisoner snapped along with guide.
SF MINI trying to have manufactuer cover costs.
All comes down to low oil issues!
No check engine light or warning at all.
CAR is dead!
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