2008 MINI Cooper Clubman engine complaints

Filed Jan 9, 2012 · Engine · 52,000 miles · MI

I have the s (turbo) model. When it's cold outside (less than 40 degrees) and the engine is cold (sitting overnight) it sounds like a diesel engine at start up. The first 60 seconds of idle is awful. The engine clatters like a diesel and there is a buzz as well. Like a loose heat shield or something. I have had many cars and trucks in my life and I have never had a vehicle sound like this at idle when it's cold. The engine oil is full and I have synthetic oil in it. So oil viscosity cannot be an issue. I am worried that engine damage is being done and I am going to get stuck with an engine or cylinder head rebuild or replacement. After about a minute, the engine begins to quiet down and then smoothes out. But those start ups!! Absolutely god awful. I would love to see an investigation started on this vehicle. I have read about this issue in mini cooper forums online and this is a widespread and complained about issue. Bmw has apparently tried a number of fixes to no avail, but something has to be wrong. Something is just not engineered correctly. I bought the car used in the spring of 2011 and the temperatures were warm enough that the cold start clattering wasn't too bad. But by october when the morning lows were colder, the problem really began to show up. Nothing has broken yet but it sure sounds like something is ready to let loose. Help!