Diesel Engine Problems of Mini Cooper S

I have owned the Mini since new. Always regularly serviced at the Mini dealer. Recently I started the engine and it sounded more like a diesel engine, very noisy and unusual. Took it to the Mini dealer and as I explained what the symptoms were, the front desk person that took my details diagnosed the problem. The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed later through an inspection by a trained technician. Like many, many Mini owners I have had a timing chain problem. That the front desk staff can diagnose a problem like this made me curious, it must be such a common problem that the dealer sees it regularly. Some research confirmed this was a widespread problem with Minis. Owners have had terminal engine damage with engines that are low mileage and simply should not have any problems. This issue with the engine is serious and can lead to a major accident because of a catastrophic engine failure while driving at highways speeds. Although I was lucky, and do not have a huge out of pocket expense as I have extended warranty coverage, I still believe this is an important safety matter that BMW/Mini appear to be ignoring. It should be the subject of a vehicle safety recall. It is poor engineering and design on their part, that should be rectified.

See all problems of the 2008 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

Loud engine noise coming from chain tensioner at startup. Sounds like diesel engine. Also happens during cold engine start.

The engine began to make a large rattling noise and the check engine light eventually came on. I stopped the car and checked the oil to see if it was low and discovered that I was not able to get the dip stick back in. At this point I called a tow truck and took it to a local mechanic because there isn't a Mini dealer within 100 miles of my location. Turns out it was the timing chain tensioner which is a common problem for the Cooper S and Mini has released three fixes and claim the latest TSB will fix the problem. My car has less than 40,000 miles and I had to spend $1,700 dollars for a $26 dollar part that was faulty to begin with. Mini knew they had a problem and tried to fix it but failed on two separate occasions there's no telling how long this new fix will hold up. Not to mention my car is still louder than it use to be before the problem and it sounds like a diesel engine at idle. This noise doesn't give me confidence that the latest fix will last and Mini needs to seriously take a look at the problem and send out a recall before the timing chains start causing life threatening problems.

See all problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

2007 Mini Cooper S. After 26000 miles I have a what appears to be a rattling engine when starting the engine from a cold start (sitting overnight). So this happens every morning. I live in florida with relatively warm temperatures. I took it to the dealer and they claim the diesel engine sound coming out of the car is normal. I didn't by the car this way. I have found various forums and youtube videos of this problem. Please help.

Cold start chatter. Very nasty diesel engine sound upon startup when engine is cold. Sound lasts for up to 1 minute if I start driving right away, or 5 minutes if I let it sit idle. Occurs between 800 and 3000 rpm. Reproducible every time the engine is cold (ie, has not been used recently).

During cold start vehicle makes loud metal on metal sound persistent for several minutes. Sound is similar to older diesel engine with rattling and rough sounds. In the uk dealers have been responsive to the issue replacing the chain tensioner and now in some cases the engine. Dealers in the us deny the issue and provide no remedy calling the sound normal. Issue is causing undue engine wear.