2007 Mini R56 Chirping noise in Engine
 

Hi. I have just bought a 2007 Mini Cooper S and there is a chirping noise in the engine which even after the mechanic replacing Belt, Drive Belt Tensioner, Friction Wheel, Crankshaft Seal and checking Alternator, A/C, Timing Chain and water pump etc now BMW are scratching their heads as to what is causing the noise.

Please help as I want the Dealer to fix this problem and they have put it in the too hard basket.

I have a video(4 MB) of the noise but do not know how to upload here.

Is it chirping only at cold start and then stopping when it's warmed up? When does it happen? Only at idle or while you're driving as well? Please upload a video when you can. You can upload to YouTube by making an account or use a place like Photobucket and then paste the link here.

Chirping Noise Video by tessnewberry | Photobucket

It only chirps when warmed up
Once the engine warms up it chirps whilst driving and while idling as you can here in the above video which I took after my trip home from work which is only a ten minute drive.

I've seen one car with a similar issue that ended up being the turbo. I'd remove the inlet to the turbo and check the shaft for any type of play. I'd have them check the crank case vacuum because if the vent valve is bad it'll pull too much vacuum on the crank case and the seals will start to make weird noises.

Thank you Luccia I will pass this onto the Mechanic and let you know the results.

You're welcome. Let me know what they find out and I'll do my best to assist you with this issue. Good luck!

Hi Luccia,
Finally got 'The Truck' aka Mini back to the Mechanic. He agreed that your suggestion was plausible, and BMW here in Cairns also agreed but wanted to check the crankshaft seal that was replaced only to find the rocket cover seal is at fault and the engine was not breathing correctly. They found the chirping disappeared when the oil cap was released. Now I am waiting on the new rocket cover to arrive here in North Queensland and have the mechanic replace it. Will let you know the results.

Great! Happy to hear they seem to have nailed down the problem. Hope this fully resolves the issue and looking forward to hearing back. :)