R56 Mini Cooper S MCS "Ticking" "Crackling" "Rattling" Engine Fault Noise

A video I took of my 2006 R56 Mini Cooper S engine 'noise' at cold start. This is probably one of the first few R56 that rolled off the production line at the end of 2006 - a dealer launch model. I bought it second hand at an Approved Used Mini Dealer in October 2009.

I first noticed the 'ticking' or 'crackling' noise from the engine at cold starts in January 2010.. two months after I got it.

The noise apparently is a common fault on R56 Minis (dont know whether they've fixed it on the later models of R56s).

On YouTube and Google you'll find a growing number of threads and videos posted noting this 'noise'. The noise is very distinctive in that it sort of 'crackles' and "ticks" within the first 30 mins of cold start. It goes away when you've been driving around for a while. But even then, when you're idling at a stop, you could hear the subtle "tick tick tick tick" noise from inside the car. At first when I rolled down the window, I thought the sound was coming from the under the car. But as the noise became louder week after week.. it was evident that it was coming from the engine.

I didnt know what this 'noise' was and wasn't concerned about until a weeks ago. It became louder (although not as bad as other videos showing the same fault), and I thought I should take the car in to a Mini Garage.

I sent the car in on 19th May 2010 to be looked at. This video was taken the day before.

I left the car overnight and ask them to try the starting the car cold - sure enough, they came back and said there was something wrong with the Timing Chain Pre-Tensioner. It needs to be changed.

They did that and re-programmed the engine with the latest software. The 'noise' at cold start has disappeared! and all done under Approved-Used Mini Warranty =)

I will post another video for you guys to compare the 'before' and 'after' noise.

Further readings/article about this fault:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/20/r56-mcs-engines-cold-start-issue-exposed/

http://www.r56mcs.com

http://www.mini2.com/forum/second-generation-faults-fixes/136105-mini-cooper-...

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Mini
• Cooper
• R56
• MCS
• 2006
• 2007
• Engine
• Noise
• Ticking
• Crackling
• Rattling
• Rattle
• Tapping
• Cold
• Start
• Coldstart
• BMW
• Common
• Fault
• Timing
• Chain
• Pre-Tensioner
• Tensioner
• Timingchain
• Timingbelt
• Belt

[gaiamaster]

I have the same ticking noise on my 07 R56 when cold start, ticking noise goes away when engine warns up. Complained numerous time, was advised by dealer this is normal sound from plunge valve, timing chain tensioner was replace a year ago.

[calosrav]

hi, when you rev you engine the noise decrease or increase?? i have this noise, when i rev the engine the noise decrease.

[m11keee]

Take the car to your dealer, there is a fix to this. PuMA: 10686850-13 Bullet: SIM 11-02-07 List of parts, that need to be replaced: M11.31.7.597.895 tensioner (most up-to-date version) M11.31.7.534.784 timing chain M11.31.7.534.771 stud M11.31.7.568.241 rail M11.31.7.546.697 guide rail M11.31.7.534.833 chain tensioner M11.31.7.588.996 sprocket M11.31.7.534.768 stud (2 of these) M11.31.7.596.087 torx bolt M11.31.7.545.863 torx bolt Hope it helps.

[Paulandtara1999]

It's the hydraulic timing chain tensioner sticking or failing. My R56 S is doing exactly the same thing!