R56 Cold Start Official Fix Coming

Sections: Faults & Fixes | R56 (Hatch) | Recalls/Campaigns Jul 7th, 2008 66 Comments

MF Exclusive: For all those who might have missed the story initially (and all 200 comments) some R56 Cooper S’ have been experiencing some odd noises on start-up. After posing the question to friends at MINI early this year, we finally have some answers. Sources tell us that the cold start or noisy start issue that some R56 owners have been experiencing has been acknowledged, at least internally, and a fix is in the works. Various solutions have been sought from the dealer level on up to address the problem (with very mixed results). From an engineering standpoint the problem has to be repeatedly replicated to find the source of the issue and that takes time. According to these same sources the problem is within the engine management software and a fix is currently in the works. This is still preliminary but hopefully those who are experiencing the issue won’t have too much longer to wait.

If this is indeed a software issue, a simple software update could solve the problem as it did with the engine stumble and/or yo-yo experienced by many 2002-2003 MINI owners. As always, we’ll keep you posted as information comes in regarding this issue.

Related:

+ R56 MCS Cold Start Issue Exposed / MotoringFile

Written By: MF Staff

Boro Boy

Gabe – you reported some time ago that you were aware that MINI were formulating a fix, and several owners have gleaned info from various sources, so that we are now in a position to understand that the fix is in the form of a replacement mechanically-operated cam chain tensioner. Do you know if MINI have officially stated that this is the case? I get the feeling that most dealers are not aware of it. It would be nice to know if all R56 MCS owners will shortly be receiving ‘quality enhancement’ letters! Cheers.
Gary

Still nothing from BMW MINI on this?

A small part of me is hoping that the problem has been mitigated in the R57 — maybe one of those quiet, semi-covert engineering updates that are not publicized so as to not draw attention to the original problem (to wit: the wiring harness improvements on the 1st Gen PS pump fan). I’m still betting on a software update.

I’d love to be in a position to place an order on a new R57 S very soon, but I absolutely will NOT without evidence that the R56 cold start death rattle has not been inherited.
Peter Caldwell

We have a Peugeot 207GT (early 2008) – same engine – same noise. In November 2008 we left the car with the dealer for 2 weeks. They replaced the ‘inlet cam hub’. The noise returned about two weeks later and got worse. Mid January 2009 the dealer had it for 2 more weeks and replaced the ‘timing belt tensioner’ The dealer claims this is the only example of this problem he has seen – I referred him to this site. It is summer here in Melbourne and fairly hot – so cold weather is not a big factor.

Peter Caldwell Melbourne Australia
Gary

There are now posts on MINI2 linking this issue to catastrophic engine failures:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-faults-fixes/136105-mini-cooper-s-engine-noise-when-cold-83.html

The situation is getting dire.
oldMGguy

There have been two revised timing chain tensioners available to the US MINI dealers so far – April ’08 (#11317565868) and November ’08 (#11317582036). Neither part has been effective in stopping the start-up “death rattle”. There are reports on the UK-based MINI2 forum that fix version 3.0 is rolling out to UK dealers. Apparently a much more extensive replacement of tensioner (with internal spring), timing chain, guides, and sprockets. A few owners with the new parts report a quiet start for the first month at least. Time will tell. I don’t know the part number of the new repair kit, sorry …
barice

What “oldMGguy” states (Feb 23rd) is correct, according to http://www.realoem.com/bmw. Realizing there apparently was a sort of redesigned chain tensioner (the November ’08 part no. 11317582036), I decided to give it a try on my R56 MCS built 06/07. It was “apparently” replaced just a few days ago by Herb Chambers MINI of Boston. I stress “apparently” because it DID NOT make any difference at all. The cold start death rattle is still there, from the day I got the car back from the dealer. To me is if nothing was really done to it. I am VERY disappointed and now eager to learn more about the “fix version 3.0″. The warranty on the car will run out in a little over 2 years. I am not sure if I will wait that long for a solution.

I think, at this point, we should get some satisfaction from BMW. We need to get some answers. If those do not exist, then we have to get together and force a reaction from BMW, even if this means a class action law suit. I think this site could help us out. I think Gabe, Matt, Don and Co. can give us a hand as they have the resources we lack.

Cheers
Gary

Well, our mates over in the UK with the cold start death rattle have been reporting back-fits of “Chain Tensioner v3.0″ since the second week of the month (March). So far, there have been zero reports of the rattle coming back.

I’m scared to even hope…did they actually get it right this time? Could we finally be putting this issue behind us? (Yeah, I know. It’s still too early to draw conclusions…)
oldMGguy

Here’s the numbers for the new “death rattle” version 3.0 fix:

The PuMA measure number is 10686850-12 and it was released on the 24/02/09,so it’s pretty new. The part number for the new tensioner is 11.31.7.598.956. Modified tensioners are supposed to be installed in new and re-manufactured engines beginning in March ’09.

(from a post on the MINI2 website)

Everyone gets a new redesigned chain tensioner assembly. Depending on the installed measurement of the chain, cars may also get a new timing chain, guides, Vanos sprocket, and other sprockets.
mini lover

any more update on the issue?
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http://motoringlife.com ARMAN

I have the same problem from the time i bought my 2007 MC.I hope this problem ends soon before my Mini warranty expires.
Jodie

I have a 2008 Clubman S. My Coop started having the loud rattle in the morning on cold days after only 5,000 miles. I took it to the dealer and they said there were timing belt issues and that they replaced the tensioner. The noise went away and of course this summer no issues since it’s warm out. Now that it’s fall and we’ve had a few 34 degree nights here in Minneapolis, the rattle is back. And now my car has a jerky acceleration and idle at low speeds. I can barely shift it (it’s a manual) because of the jerky acceleration. The dealer has had my car for three days and they say they can’t get it to log codes on the computer. They are giving it back to me and say it has no problems. It’s got 42,000 miles on it and will be out of warranty soon, which really worries me.
Rixter

So here’s how I duplicated the cold-start rattle everytime… Started the car and moved it 10 feet (from garage to driveway) Left car in driveway for 45 minutes (simulating length of time to wash Spike). No wash actually occured and Spike was not injured during the exercise Started up the car and drove it 10 feet (back into garage) Started Spike the next day and he was rattling for the first mile from my place This proves out the theory that water is not a contributing factor. I don’t know if you actually need to leave the car over night, but you do need to leave it for several hours. The problem relates to the car not getting up to full operating temperature before being shut down. Give this a whirl and see what happens.
ARMANDENR

WHEN?

http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger

It came. Do a search and contact your dealer.

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