Mini 2002

Melissac2014

Hi I just recently got a 2002 mini the engine is a little noisy but the noise dies off a bit wen I accelerate was wondering would it just need a service or should I be worried Ny advice be great

Alanstrainor

Moved from the DIY forum.

What's the oil level like? I would always do an oil change (+ oil filter and air filter) after buying something. And that's at the very minimum. You really haven't given us much to go on here, "a little noisy" could mean anything really.

Melissac2014

Hey there em the engine is kind of loud has a loud ticking over noise if that makes sence but wen I accelerate its seems to die down.a bit I having done a thing to the car yet was just sein if I cud get a bit of advise as being a girl im an easy target to be ripped off 😵😂

Waterson

Pop your bonnet and check your oil level with the dipstick when engine is cold. The procedure is in your service book/YouTube if you're not sure it's fairly handy to do. As above best to get an oil and filter changed. Is it a 1.6 litre diesel?

Alanstrainor

What engine is in the car? As in what size? 1.6?

Just after a quick google some people suggest it is the timing chain tensioner:

http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f24/r53-tapping-ticking-noise-85034/

They mention a similar story to yours in that it rattles a lot when at idle, and then dies away when the engine is under load. I wouldn't waste any time getting that looked at and the part replaced. From that thread it seems like a straight forward and cheap job.

Keep in mind, I only found this on google, I'm not familiar with this car at all.

Melissac2014

Em its a 1.6 petrol
I checked the oil level there it has min an max on the dipstick and the oil is.comin up to minimum
Maybe N inch ..
Im not sure what the prob is exactly but I feel like im driving a tractor haha
Is the timing chain an expensive part ?

Alanstrainor

Melissac2014 wrote: »

Em its a 1.6 petrol
I checked the oil level there it has min an max on the dipstick and the oil is.comin up to minimum
Maybe N inch ..
Im not sure what the prob is exactly but I feel like im driving a tractor haha
Is the timing chain an expensive part ?

I am only guessing, it could be any number of things. We really don't have enough info. If the thread I posted is right, it is not the chain, but the chain tensioner. If this part fails the whole engine will be dead. I would advise getting this looked at as soon as possible, just in case. But it should be cheap if that's it.

Melissac2014

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I am only guessing, it could be any number of things. We really don't have enough info. If the thread I posted is right, it is not the chain, but the chain tensioner. If this part fails the whole engine will be dead. I would advise getting this looked at as soon as possible, just in case. But it should be cheap if that's it.

Ok ill get some one to.have a look.thanks very much

rebel.ranter

Melissac2014 wrote: »

Ok ill get some one to.have a look.thanks very much

I would guess that it is the timing chain tensioner. There’s some very active Facebook groups for the R50 R53 Minis and they’d be all over a question like this. Post a video of the engine idling there and someone will point you in the right direction. I would advise not driving it until you get it checked out and repaired.

Atlantic Dawn

Any warning lights appearing on the dash?

A check engine light looks like this...

Melissac2014

rebel.ranter wrote: »

I would guess that it is the timing chain tensioner. There’s some very active Facebook groups for the R50 R53 Minis and they’d be all over a question like this. Post a video of the engine idling there and someone will point you in the right direction. I would advise not driving it until you get it checked out and repaired.

Thats great thank u im gonna bring it to a garage would bmw be the best to go with or would any one be the same Nd im gonna check.the fb thing ou too

Melissac2014

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Any warning lights appearing on the dash?

A check engine light looks like this...

Nope no engine lights on

James Bond Junior

Do not bring it to a BMW dealer. They could end up charging more than the car is worth. Bring it to a trusted local mechanic. If you don't know of any, ask at work, friends or post your location here and someone will be along to point you in the right direction. If you're worried about being ripped off as you are a girl maybe bring a male relative or partner along with you or get them to bring the car in on your behalf.
To be fair though, the idea of mechanics preying on young women is not uncommon but not really the norm either. If you say you think its the timing chain tensioner they will think you are somewhat clued in so it may avoid any potential price gouging.

rebel.ranter

Agreed, BMW dealer is not the place to bring the car. There are plenty of independent specialists out there that know all about Minis.

If you’re in Dublin then Motor Confidence or Courtney’s are two good places to go.

Melissac2014

rebel.ranter wrote: »

Agreed, BMW dealer is not the place to bring the car. There are plenty of independent specialists out there that know all about Minis.

If you’re in Dublin then Motor Confidence or Courtney’s are two good places to go.

Ok ill try bring it to a local mechanic instead thanks for the advice every one I really appreciate it

Waterson

If you have a fairly deep purse then BMW would be your best bet, however most decent garages would be able to diagnose your problem and repair it a lot cheaper than the main dealer.