MINI COOPER S 2008 9,500 Miles, I am about to make a purchase on a certified pre-owned s with 9,500 miles (BMW executive car). Started it when it was about 20 degrees outside and the engine started up made a consistent pinging/knocking noise. it was just like the car was idling but instead of the constant purr of the engine it was replaced with this loud knocking sound. I turned the car off and back with the hood up, my friend stated that the entire engine jolted back and forthe when the engiine kicked on. After it warmed up, it was still a lot louder than another cooper s that I tried. There was also a lot of carbon build up in the exhaust pipe tips. This is a certified mini and I would think that this might be a major red flag? I love the car and package, but not sure about this issue. any thoughts or recommendations?
Thanks

 

Any idea how long it had sat ??? At times I've noticed louder start ups after sitiing for a month .... Then after awhile the lifters quiet down

 

this was sitting for less than a day. The knocking noise is coming from the cam chain tensioner and Mini is working on correcting this with all mini. I guess now is it seen there is excessive carbon build up on the interior of the exhaust pipes. Is this normal?

Thanks again,

 

I get some black deposits on mine ...Cleans off then reappears

 

thanks!

 

I am shopping for a Mini and joined the forums for info on my possible future purchase. Enough about me...

While at the dealership over the weekend, I talked to a mechanic who was changing out the tensioners on a S with 30,000 miles. He said that the car was making noise and that this was not an uncommon problem with the newer (07-09) Minis. The tensioners were replaced by the dealership at no cost to the owner. Just an FYI...

 

"changing out the tensioners on a S with 30,000 miles. He said that the car was making noise and that this was not an uncommon problem with the newer (07-09) Minis. The tensioners were replaced by the dealership at no cost to the owner."

 

see other post, these were recalled