Hi, excited to be a first-time Mini owner, but having a couple of issues.

I bought a 2009 JCW with 10,500 miles on it from a local Mini dealer yesterday.

Issue 1: Driving the car home after purchase, I noticed that the engine was rattling/tapping very loudly at idle and up to about 2500 RPM. At 2500 and over, the sound completely goes away. This was not evident when I test drove the car.

Issue 2: The history of the car I bought showed a clutch repair at 44 miles and then the clutch replaced at 10,200 miles. The dealer said it must have been owned by someone who didn't know how to properly drive a manual. I figured since it had been replaced, it would not present a problem again. Is this likely to be a recurring problem? Is there anything that would not be addressed by replacing the clutch? Service record says: clutch kit, flywheel, and bearing were replaced.

Thanks for your help!

Issue number 1. Check the belt belt tentioner

Check the oil. After that check it again.

I can't stress enough to check the oil very often as theirs no oil level sensor on MINI's. I wish I could tell you why, but I can't even count the number of MINIs i've seen with weird engine noises only to discover theres only one quart of oil left in the car.

i always prefer buying cars first hand as we spend a lot of money and often get the wrong things. but good luck with solving your problem.

WOW! Great addition to the thread.

Yes check the oil, he had a similar issue and there was no warning light, thankfully I heard the knocking before my fiance drove off and ruined the engine.

As for the clutch I wouldn't worry, it was either a horrid driver or a bad clutch, hub bearing etc.....things do get by QC here and there. If it's been fixed recently that should be good.

My wife's 09 mini had similar issues timing chain guide is a crappy plastic piece that causes a slip and chain to stretch.there is a service bulletin they will replace it for you. also keep an eye on oil level.

I'd second the Oil level. The dipstick is tough to read as it drags oil out of the dipstick tube onto the gauge part. Mini Dealers are just like any other car dealer, they are moving cars fast. Many times they don't look through the simple things. If you have an S, keep a quart of oil handy at the house. You're going to need it every couple of thousand miles.

Also remember that the High Pressure Fuel Rails make a lot of tapping noise. If this is the first engine of yours that has this feature (direct injection) it will sound a bit "Tappy".

I've been a northamericanmotoring forum member for a long time. Check it out great place and resource for anything MINI! I'm making the switch to Porsche finally!

I think the problem is in the clutch plate.