One problem related to engine funny noise has been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2008 Cooper S.
My car started making a weird noise in the front of the car near the engine when I turned it on. Then it continued to make the loud noise as I drove. I took the car to the dealer and they said the timing chain stretched and caused the guide rail to break, which fell into the oil pan. The dealer said I was lucky my engine didn't look up while I was on the highway. This was a $2100 fix on a 4 year old car with 53,000 miles.