My 03 Max, 85K miles, rod and main bearings rattle at start-up. It's done it since day one and dealership said "it's normal". I use only Nissan oil filters but some Nissan filters allow oil drain-down more than others because of a leaky check valve in the filter. Trying other premium filters did not improve bearing rattle. I use quality 5W-30 (full synthetic caused more rattles because it drained-down even more because it's sliperier). Yes the timing chain rattles too before the oil pressure tensioner starts working, I know the difference in each type of sound. I was told that Nissan "micro polished" the bearing journals because this reduced bearing dammage during a "dry" start-up. In other words Nissan knew they have a problem with this engine's lubrication system, specifically too much oil drain-down. All this WILL shorten engine life. Who else has noticed this and have you been able to improve it.

 

NORMAL, i this happen on both my 2k2 and my 2k3.

 

same.. as the dealer said to me "its normal"
been there since day 1

 

Yep its pretty normal mine does it as well as well as my 350Z.