So I made an evening run out last night after it had gotten quite chilly out in my 2010 MCS. I got where I was going and did what I needed to do there, however when I left the car was making a noise that I have never heard it make. Starting around 3000 RPM it started making an almost metallic whooshing sound. I tried to replicate while moving in neutral, while in gear and while sitting still in neutral and it made the same noise around 3K every time. I stopped and popped the hood to see if I could easily locate it, but since the car is compute controlled throttle, I couldn't manually operate the throttle body. I did notice a rather loud ticking sound coming from the turbo, not sure if that is normal. But this morning, the sound was not present when reaching 3K RPM. Any ideas?
Sound is still there. I was a tad low on oil, so I added some. I suppose if it doesn't go away now I'll make an appointment at MAG to have them take a look see. If it helps any, the noise seems to be coming from the passenger side.
Yeah, I'm under warranty till like Dec 4th or a little 10K. I'm pretty sure Dec will come first. I have surprisingly only put about 4K on her since I picked her up in June.
It could be a lot of things. I suggest that you drive it in the service lane at MAG as soon as possible and at least get the noise documented just in case something breaks. Could be the timing chain or something timing chain related.
A defective timing chain (rattle of death) does sound like it's coming from the passenger side of the engine bay if you're sitting in the drivers seat! It's unmistakable when you do hear it, the sound you might be hearing is the timing chain slapping against the upper timing chain guide because there's too much slack from the tensioner not properly applying enough tension on the timing chain. When I got my 07 MCS into the dealer the upper timing chain guide was broken with pieces on bottom of oil pan. I not trying to scare you but you might have a bigger problem, just prepare yourself in case it is the timing chain and know that even out of warranty you will be covered when Mini USA starts their campaign of extending warranties well past the manufacturers warranty. There's light at the end of the tunnel! Stay positive! :fingerscrossed:
I tried to get a recording of the noise, but it just didn't come through on the recording. On the bright side I am under warranty till early December. Ill call today and see when they can fit me in. The noise isn't particularly loud and only once I get to 3K RPM, guess that's why the recording didn't pick it up. But it is just odd that it would start up out of nowhere the other day.
Normally I have to wait for an appt, but they had some room at MAG on Friday so I am all set to take the old girl in. The SA I talked to on the phone said it might be the turbo heatshield, I guess a fix was just recently announced for the heat shield. So they will take care of that and if its not the source of the noise, they will look into it. Yay MAG. They do have good service there.
Sitting at MAG now. Apparently the noise was due to an oil leak on to one of the pulleys and thereby making the noise. They are fixing it now. She will be good as new in a little bit.
I'll ask before I leave. They are also replacing the heat shield over the turbo due to some recall on them coming lose. Also wandered next door to the Toy Barn and drooled over a turbo trans am and a beautiful Buick gnx with only 362 original miles. Just wow.