Three problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds have 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.
I have 2008 Mini Cooper S, I have been having problems with it even the first year I had bought the car. It was still under warranty and they were able to fix the problems. But lately, three years later there was a loud rattling noise in the engine. I have brought it to a mechanic and was told to bring it to the BMW dealer because of the timing chain defects that may lead to engine damage. The car is no longer under warranty, and the dealer will not fix the car free of charge.
When starting the car cold (first thing in the morning or after it has been off for a long time), the engine makes a loud rattling noise sort of like a tractor noise when accelerating. It goes away after a couple of minutes of continuous driving, but sometimes when turning and accelerating at the same time, it also makes the same noise.
My 2008 Mini Cooper S has a terrible rattling noise occasionally during startup. The problem can be reproduced 100% of the time under the following conditions: - start car for short period of time (back out of garage / wash car) - restart car for short period of time (move into garage) - leave car for 8 or more hours - restart and drive away. For the first 2 minutes there's a terrible rattling sound.