Happy Holidays, My teenage son is looking at a 06 Cooper with 89,000 and a automatic. Im not overly familiar with the engine or this type of car in general. When the car first starts, particularly when its cold outside, there is a whine coming from the engine. It probably lasts about 30 seconds then goes away. So, things Ive read online claims that its a common problem on these engines and its nothing to worry about. Other things says timing chain or cam chain guides. The dealer who has it claims that its a "heater" on these cars that kicks on when it gets cold out ! Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hello,

Should not have a whine or heater on start up. Its might be the power steering pump whine on start up :

power steering whine - North American Motoring