Startup knock

[10speed3]

Is it safe to say that a 1/2 - 1 second death rattle on startup is not normal for an MS3? I just picked this car up yesterday with 10 miles on the odo, and the first time I started it after getting it home, it had a very distinct rattle when I started it back up after a couple hours sitting. Does it every time when the engine has been off longer than half an hour or so. I'm not super worried, that's what warranties are for, but I just wanted to establish what's normal for this engine and what isn't before I take it to the dealer next week. I don't expect them to do anything at this point, but I want the complaint recorded while the car is still basically new so there isn't any arguing when the engine does eventually let go.

 

[mazda_dan]

mine does the same thing and im 99 percent sure that it is only the crappy engine mounts in the speed 3 the engine is just moving back and forth upon startup.

 

[nypz]

yup, its a chatty car!

 

[creedns]

maybe your vvt pin is already ****** up, or you could just be hearin our injectors clattering

 

[ras]

Go back to the dealership, and start up another brand new that has been sitting there and see if you hear it on that one.

 

[cudaman]

A rattle at startup when the engine and transmission aren't really engage (putting a load on the engine/drivetrain) really doesn't sound like an engine mount to me. Sounds more like a loose heat shield that rattles a bit only when the engine first jiggles it, until it heats up and doesn't vibrate as much due to heat expansion of the hold-down/bolt, or whatever keeps it still. If it's a metallic rattle, try getting in there and move some pieces around when cold. Or, stick your head nearby and have someone else start it up to pinpoint the location. Then take it back to the dealer for a look-see under warranty. Probably an EZ fix. They will just tighten something down. 2010s shouldn't rattle, at least not off-the-lot at 10 miles.

 

[lyonsroar]

You think ours rattle?
You should hear my dad's '09 Mini Cooper S Clubman. Awful. Straight awful.
He's had the timing tensioner (?) bled a few times. Doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference. Dealer recommended cleaning the injectors, at cost of course. He just lives with it, making sure it's documented every time it goes to the dealer.