Comments on: R56 Cold Start Official Fix Coming

By: MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Solves R56 MCS Cold Start Problem (Again)

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:32:49 +0000

[...] Last year MINI finally solved the dreaded cold start issue that afflicted the R56 Cooper S. Or so they thought. As it turned out, while the issue was eliminated in some cars but only alleviated in others. So MINI went back to the drawing board and looked the issue with fresh eyes. After further research they believe they have finally (and definitively) solved the issue for all cars with a modified timing chain. Specifically they’ve made the chain very slightly longer which has eliminated the chatter that was known as the “death rattle”. [...]

By: mini lover

mini lover — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:30:23 +0000

any more update on the issue?

By: oldMGguy

oldMGguy — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:57:33 +0000

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.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:36:41 +0000

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...)

By: barice

barice — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:13:21 +0000

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

By: oldMGguy

oldMGguy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:29:15 +0000

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 …

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:30:20 +0000

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.

By: Peter Caldwell

Peter Caldwell — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:12:47 +0000

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

By: Gary

Gary — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:43:05 +0000

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.

By: Boro Boy

Boro Boy — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:13:18 +0000

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.

By: barice

barice — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:23:38 +0000

I’m currently enjoying 3 1/2 weeks of wonderful summer weather in Brazil… but I am already fearing what my 07 MCS will “tell” me when I fire up its heart upon my return. 25 winter days in Boston…. I’ve never had a similar feeling with any of my previous vehicles. They never complained. Before leaving, I stopped by my local dealer to find out if they heard anything about this “fix” I’m so eager about. They didn’t. I hope they do now. So far this has been a love/hate experience. If this doesn’t get resolved by the spring, I will get rid of it.

Cheers

By: islabáez

islabáez — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:18:42 +0000

Has anyone in the UK received the fix for the cold start that was anticipated in December? How did that work for you or anyone in the world with an afflicted R56 (MINI Cooper S engine)?

By: Roccorocket

Roccorocket — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:54:52 +0000

Referring to the yo-yo thing, I didn't have the issue until they plugged in the so called fix.

I have an "08" I hope its not another Cluster ****!

By: MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile’s Best of 2008

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile’s Best of 2008 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:47:36 +0000

[...] 5: R56 MCS Cold Start Issue / Update [...]

By: MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: Which MINI Should I Buy?

MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: Which MINI Should I Buy? — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:43:46 +0000

[...] to consider about the earlier R56s is the cold start issue has affected some cars. Of course the severity of the issue is up for debate. And then [...]

By: boroboy

boroboy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:22:05 +0000

r.burns – it sounds like you may be referring to something quite different. I can assure you, the issue as described in detail in the article is definitely a problem with the R56 MCS. I think TK76911S has expressed what ought to be a sobering view for BMW MINI, especially in the current financial climate.

By: r.burns

r.burns — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:02:27 +0000

There is absolutely not a single proof that this noise is damaging the motor, so why worry ? It happens only when there is no pressure on the accelerator pedal, so this “problem” is quite ridiculous !!

By: TK76911S

TK76911S — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:26:12 +0000

I now have the dreaded CS death rattle. ‘08 MCS - del. 2/08. 12,000 miles. Without prompting, my 16-year old, soon-to-be-driving son asked me: "What's that noise?"

I can tell you it dashed any desires I had re: a 2d MINI, the JCW factory, cabrio, Stage 1 JCW, JCW suspension, MINI bits, etc.

What gives at BMW? With winter rolling around again, doesn’t BMW realize the issue will be back again? And this time with a vengeance in the same engine that is also in its coveted Clubman? Wait till it hits the engines of those who just sunk $40k in new factory JCWs.

The noise is a downright embarassment when I start the car. Like the old days of having a dragging muffler. BMW should be horrified to have that clatter on their niche brand.

If this persists, I’ll sadly forego any MINI/BMW product and simply trade for a less-troublesome vehicle and brand. I otherwise love the little car, as does my wife (who, until now, was talking about getting one for herself).

Do the math BMW: the rule of thumb is that for every single disgruntled customer, twelve future customers are lost. How many here and on NAM have already posted re: their unanswered complaints?

Gabe and MF Crew, any updates from BMW/MINI?

By: Glenn

Glenn — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:31:35 +0000

Does block heater help with this issue?

By: barice

barice — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:25:29 +0000

Well, when is this “cold start” fix coming? It seems my ‘07 MCS (11Kmiles) has started to do the “noise” again now the temperature is dropping. This morning I had to restart the engine three times!! (~35F here, in Boston). Although annoying, it did the trick and the noise disappeared. It seems restarting the engine solves the problem… until the next day. My wife and I are getting sick of this noise and we are currently thinking in getting rid of this car ( It has been almost 4 months since it was reported that MINI was looking into this issue. Any word on it? I have little hope our official dealers have any information about what is going on internally. What amazes me is that MINI quickly released sort of a recall due to the complaints of three people (as far as I know) who reported getting burned by the MCS’ tail pipes. This issue, on the other hand, has been reported by hundreds (thousands?) of MCS owners and nothing has materialized yet…. NOT HAPPY EITHER!!!