I have read posts regarding 1.2 tsi engines which had timing chain start up noise and thought it was sorted after 2011. My Roomster in 63 reg and travelled 36000 miles so a youngster. Occasionally, but not always starting from cold I get a noise like a chain taking up slack lasting a couple of seconds or so. Tonight I started the car with 'her indoors' walking around the front towards the passenger door and she questioned the noise. I brushed it off as normal but it does not happen every time. From cold these engines do not fire up as instantly as over makes and turnover a few times before firing. Tonight it took longer to fire up and when it did the noise happened. I have done 9000 miles since the last service on Castrol Edge LL oil. When the dealer used Shell Helix Ultra it was not such a problem. The battery is 6 years old and not lacking verve but a new battery may turn over and fire the engine momentarily sooner or a service may also be the answer.

Mine did the same and as time flew it went worse, so I replaced the timing chain. That was back when the car had 89.000Km on clock. This started to happen again two weeks ago as the clock reached the 149.000 Km. I suppose that in some months I will have to replace the chain again.

 

This problem occurs due to bad engine design as the chain tensioner is placed to high near the upper sprocket.