MartinKat

Servicing is up to date. The noise was very loud - uneven rattling, It sounded so serious that I only let the engine run for a few seconds. During those few (5?) seconds the noise did not alter. During my 6 months owning the car including -10C in the Alpes, it has always started perfectly and from the instant it starts the engine is really smooth. The only other time was when I nearly stalled the engine (reversing full lock) but instead of stalling, a similar situation occured. Switched off, re-start, perfect. At that time I seem to remember that it sounded as if the engine was running noisly on 2 cylinders. My thought was that the processor was confused about what it was trying to do. Switching off re-booted it's function. Very strange!

Happened once today and once about 2 months ago. Started engine: extremely rattly (sounded very serious). Turned off immediately. Started again - running perfectly. Purchased 6 months ago. Has now done 90K. Superb car. Fast, quiet, smooth, comfortable, This is the only 'fault'. Everything else works perfectly. Any ideas?