Very disappointed. I noticed the problem the next day after the car was delivered since this problem is noticeable only when you cold start the engine. It also has a name on the internet, it's called the “Death Rattle Noiseâ€. Go figure.
I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S, which I bought brand new, that recently had a timing belt break at 55K miles. This has damaged my engine and I am now facing about $7K in expenses. Not to mention that I had it in the shop months before and was not told about this potential risk. This appears to be a common issue among Mini's. At the least, there should have been a recall on this matter. What a huge fail on MINI's part!
So this car had issues with starting. It would knock around and i would have to turn it off and start again. I also noticed a sound like a lawn mower when starting it up. I went to the dealership and they said this was normal and that sometimes it wasn't firing on cylinder one. I also noticed when putting the pedal to the floor in 5th the car would stall out and then start up again. Finally after issues for two years they said it was a defect from mini in the timing chain and it all needs to be replaced. After looking online I have noticed I am not the only one with this issue and several other people have this problem. There is still no solution for this problem besides replaced with the same defective chain. I am glad I am getting rid of this car what a disappointment coming from BMW. I am disgusted they could put out such a pile of crap.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Very disappointed. I noticed the problem the next day after the car was delivered since this problem is noticeable only when you cold start the engine. It also has a name on the internet, it's called the “Death Rattle Noiseâ€. Go figure.
- Richard S., Saint-Hubert, QC, Canada