R56 Cooper S N18 rattle
Discussion
Hello all,
Thought I would try and draw on the collective knowledge and experiences of PH as we have recently bought a 2013 Cooper S and seem to be having a bit of trouble with it. When looking to buy one we were advised to avoid the N14 engined cars due to timing chain tensioner issues and other problems so opted for an N18 car. It had only done 35k at purchase (currently 39k) and has been serviced at BMW from new. The car does seem particularly rattly on idle when cold and even after a good run doesn't appear to improve dramatically. Having done a bit of reading I thought I'd change the oil and filter as a start to see if any improvement, unfortunately this wasn't the case so I pulled the cam cover off to check the chain tension and assure myself that the tensioner and bracket across the top run wasn't broken or damaged. The chain appears tight and in good condition so it doesn't seem there is a major issue there unless one of the lower pads is broken. I presume without checking on these cars the water pump is belt driven? I may pull the belt off and see if it's any quieter when running. Does anyone here have any other ideas?
To add insult to injury whilst up on the ramp I also noticed one of the front shocks is leaking as is a gearbox output seal
shame these cars are so good to drive otherwise who would bother?
Thanks, Lew
Thought I would try and draw on the collective knowledge and experiences of PH as we have recently bought a 2013 Cooper S and seem to be having a bit of trouble with it. When looking to buy one we were advised to avoid the N14 engined cars due to timing chain tensioner issues and other problems so opted for an N18 car. It had only done 35k at purchase (currently 39k) and has been serviced at BMW from new. The car does seem particularly rattly on idle when cold and even after a good run doesn't appear to improve dramatically. Having done a bit of reading I thought I'd change the oil and filter as a start to see if any improvement, unfortunately this wasn't the case so I pulled the cam cover off to check the chain tension and assure myself that the tensioner and bracket across the top run wasn't broken or damaged. The chain appears tight and in good condition so it doesn't seem there is a major issue there unless one of the lower pads is broken. I presume without checking on these cars the water pump is belt driven? I may pull the belt off and see if it's any quieter when running. Does anyone here have any other ideas?
To add insult to injury whilst up on the ramp I also noticed one of the front shocks is leaking as is a gearbox output seal
shame these cars are so good to drive otherwise who would bother?Thanks, Lew
We have just got rid of our N18 MCS after 3 years. From day one I was concerned about the engine sound. But it’s just how they sound. I got our local Mini independent to take a look. Straight away heard it and said it was fine. But he plugged it into the computer and parameters were fine, no cam stretch. Also mechanically tested the oil pressure and again fine.
I would look at putting in a new tensioner as they are cheap enough and easy to install. From there it’s regular oil changes and level checks.
These engines drink oil and it doesn’t help that the dipstick is hard to read. And 20k oil changes from the BMW/Mini CBS, No thanks. Service as the car asks but do interim changes, do every 10k.
I would look at putting in a new tensioner as they are cheap enough and easy to install. From there it’s regular oil changes and level checks.
These engines drink oil and it doesn’t help that the dipstick is hard to read. And 20k oil changes from the BMW/Mini CBS, No thanks. Service as the car asks but do interim changes, do every 10k.
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