I have investigated my cold start engine noise and it is definately from the top of the engine. Another factor is the incline of the vehicle, if it is left on level ground, it starts normally. But if the vehicle is parked with the nose up and or passenger side higher than drivers side, there is always a very loud mechanical noise from the top of the engine. (when I say nose up, the front of the vehcile is elevated by approx 200mm or 8"). Cold and damp seem to make the noise worse.

Are there some mechanical parts which would be affected by the slope. People have suggested the cam chain tensioner, would this be affected by a sloping vehicle?

The frustrating part is this that the car never made any noise for the first 6 months or ownership. Also all the ground at my local dealers is level, so the dealer has never heard the noise.

Should a vRS always be parked on level ground?

I parked it on level ground last night and today it started without any noise.

All comments welcome?

Oil feed? Does the noise go once the engine is running? Has the oil been changed for a different grade?

When the dealer has it in, get them to park it with something under the near side wheels to replicate the slope

The noise lasts for approx 3-4 seconds after start up. I am not sure what oil is in it, as it is still under warranty so the dealer has done all the oil changes. When the noise first occurred it was at the half way point between services so it isn't linked to a change in oil. The noise has persisted through the last service (4 months ago).

Could be the oil has drained down with it being standing on a slope?

Mine never had that problem and it got parked in some wierd and wonderful places

Sounds like charcoal cannister to me - check left hand side of engine black box. If so that's quite normal.

It is not the cannister. I know the cannister sound, that is a ticking sound. This is a noise that is about 100 times louder that. It is a very harsh mechanical clattering sound. The noise is that loud that it can be heard in the house by my wife (while the house has the doubled windows shut).

Any suggestions are welcome - please.

Does sound like a cam chain tensioner to me from your description. It should make some noise but if they can get too noisy. May also happen after a sustained 'spirited' drive.

New cam chain and tensioner are being fitted next week under warranty.