2008 MINI Cooper S: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Mar 7, 2013 · Engine · 33,000 miles · LA

Strange knocking/rubbing noise coming from the engine compartment for the year 2007+ mini cooper. From the mini dealer repair details it appears to be a issue with the timing chain and tensioner system. It also appears that without being fixed the car will eventually have a timing chain failure and possible motor destruction. This could occur while driving and I could lose control of the vehicle causing a crash. Mini will not fix this problem that they know about without the vehicle still being under warranty. I call for a recall.

Filed Nov 23, 2012 · Engine · 66,300 miles · TX

Began to hear loud knocking noise from engine of my 4 year old mini @ 66000 miles. Have had my mini serviced according to the schedule at the same dealership for 4 years. After hearing the noise did research online to notice that minis have a timing belt /tensioner issue. Noticed on the same night that my oil light came on and the interesting thing is that I just had my oil changed in august of 2012 and this was november 2012. Took car to dealer and the servicer said they had heard of some mini's timing chains failing at 14k miles. After diagnosis he notes that it is the timing chain and that the oil filter gasket was leaking which caused the timing chain to fail. This is not correct as my vehicle has never leaked oil, and I had just gotten my oil changed 3 months earlier and no mention was made by my service technician. This seems to be a common issue in minis and they are not providing any kind of relief.

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Engine · CT

Knocking noise when starting and running. I thought it was from the wrong fuel added to it, or low oil when I purchased it. I corrected those two issues, but it still makes the knocking noise. I am very afraid it will seize. I believe the timing chain and tensioner system needs to be replaced.

Filed Aug 14, 2012 · Engine · 38,000 miles · NY

I was told my warranty expired end of june. I bought mini-s 08 used in february from a mini dealership in westchester, elmsford, ny. I noticed a knocking noise that to me didn't sound normal not too long after I bought the car. The people at mini told me it was from something else, a loose piece and that they "fixed the problem." this noise only became worse, and now the car is at 45,000 miles and not even 6 months from purchase. The noise became even louder, which then it sounded like a tractor trailer. I changed the oil, the noise wasn't as loud but still there. My mechanic said that the timing belt is going to snap soon, and is a dangerous problem that can cause an accident, and once it breaks, the whole engine will be destroyed.

Filed Apr 16, 2012 · 36,000 miles · IL

There is a loud knocking noise (most likely the timing belt) and the car keeps jumping.

Filed Mar 4, 2012 · Engine · 52,000 miles · FL

Engine developed a knocking, rattling sound which grew louder over time. The local mini dealership diagnosed a timing chain glide and tensioner failure. Replaced the entire assembly. Was told mini realized the glides were inferior and was now using upgraded glides in the replacement kits. When asked if this shouldn't be a warranty replacement since it could lead to total engine failure, was told this was up to mini-USA, not the dealer. This is also a safety issue if the timing chain breaks while driving, seizing the engine, and leading to loss of control of the vehicle.

Filed Feb 24, 2012 · Engine · 28,300 miles · NY

My 2008 mini cooper s (with 28,300 miles) has experienced diesel sounding engine problems coming from the engine. I looked this up on the internet to find this was a tensioner or timing belt issue with the car. Almost 600 people have used this site: http://www.minicooperspeed.com/mini-cooper-cold-start-knocking-noise-issue-2007/ to share their experiences about this problem. This is a formal request to please request action on bmw's part to rectify this timing belt situation. The owners of these cars should not and can not be forced to pay for this engine problem of such a new car. A recall needs to be issued, and bmw needs to come up with a permanent fix.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Engine · 57,803 miles · CA

Loud knocking noise upon starting the car. It was very loud so I took it to the dealer. A metal piece from the housing for the timing chain broke off and caused damage that cost $2239 to repair. The service rep seemed to know about this problem. I asked the service rep for my old parts which I have kept and upon inspection the parts looked good (timing chain and tensioners (plastic parts). The flaw is in the design, a one inch little metal piece that cannot support the vibration of the timing chain broke off and caused all the damage. I've read multiple complaints on this site regarding timing chain problems on s models, this should be a recall.

Filed Feb 28, 2011 · Engine · 23,000 miles · OK

Timing chain 2008 mini cooper s failure. Loud knocking noise from engine. Under warranty parts replaced.

Filed Jan 17, 2011 · Engine · 25,000 miles · NJ

2008 mini cooper s engine knocking.

Filed Dec 16, 2010 · Engine · 8,900 miles · MD

2008 mini cooper s. No engine modification. Loud knocking noise on start up and continues for about 5 mins of driving and then goes away. Mile is under 8900 miles.

Filed Oct 19, 2010 · Engine · 35,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper s. The contact heard an extremely loud knocking sound whenever he started the vehicle. The knocking noise was not present while the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the timing belt and other components were replaced at the his expense. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The VIN was unavailable when the complaint was filed. The current mileage was approximately 40,000. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.