I've been hearing some weird noises from my car lately, took it to the dealer today and was told everything was "normal." Transmission was replaced about a year ago, under warranty. Hearing some of the same noises now that I was hearing shortly before the last one went south.

I've done some searching around, and I've seen some threads talking about similar noises, and several people mention these noises being normal. I don't know what's causing these noises, but a $35,000 car that is less than 3 years old should NOT be making random noises.

First, the AC compressor rattles when it starts up. At least I'm pretty sure it's the AC compressor. It happens when the compressor cycles on. It doesn't do it all the time, and (of course) wouldn't do it when it was at the dealer. They told me it was probably normal, so I guess until it fails completely I'll just deal with the rattling under the hood. Here's a video of it:


Second is the clutch, it clicks with the pedal moving in and out. Dealer says it's the throw out bearing and the pressure plate, but normal. It also quite often clunks and clicks under normal driving conditions as well. Video of the clicking when the pedal is pressed in and out.


Third is a squeak that happens when the ignition is turned off and on. I'm used to the normal clicking of the electronics when the ignition turns on, but this is a distinct squeak/chirp, and is most noticeable when the ignition is turned off, because the car is otherwise completely quiet. Whenever I have people in the car they comment on the squeaking. Dealer says it's normal -- they all do that. In my opinion, a $35,000 car shouldn't be squeaking every time the ignition is turned off and on. Video of the squeaking.


Safe to say, I'm really tired of this car. Cannot wait for the lease to be up, I guess I'll just drive it until it leaves me stranded somewhere. Certainly wouldn't be the first time I've been stuck on the side of the road in a mini.

 

Well, it finally happened. Car left me stranded 200 miles from home. A loud heavy rattling/clunking coming from the rear end, MINI roadside assistance (so far the only good thing about owning this car) towed it to MINI of Reno. Reno has had it for a week and can't figure out where it's coming from. Called today to tell me it stopped making the noise, so I can come pick it up or authorize $600 for them to take a look at the subframe.

But the SA thinks it's dirt in the sway bar bushings. (wtf?)

I asked them to do an appraisal on what they would give me for it (and I'll stop by carmax across the street to see what they'll give me for it). Ready to sell this thing. If it makes the noise at any point during my 230 mile trip home I'll be calling MINI USA (doubt they'll be able to do anything though) and I'll drop it at MINI of Marin. For the most part they've been pretty good about the issues I've had with this car.

 

So sorry to hear that and yes i would call or email MINI USA and tell them about it regardless if you hear that noise again or not

 

I have a 2013 R61 ALL4 to which I installed an NM Sway bar in May of 2014. When it is cold ( 45 degrees or less) and I hit some imperfections in the road, I hear the springs compressing. Mention it to service department and they tell me they can't hear it. Of course, it's usually a bit warmer when I bring it in for service. I am wondering whether it is the sway bar or my suspension. I am thinking suspension.

 

You may need to replace the sway bar bushings. The NM bushings seem to last about 1.5-2 years if exposed to the elements daily without lubrication every few months.

 

Car is back from dealer, 500 mile round trip to pick it up and had to arrange for a Sunday pickup. Which means I don't get to speak to the SA or anyone at MINI when I'm there. They had to arrange to have me go to the BMW dealer to pick it up.

If you were wondering, the noise they said was difficult to replicate was back within 30 miles after leaving the dealership. Going to get a video of it this week to post, they say it's fine but I can assure you, none of what I'm hearing is normal.

It also drives terrible, the front end wanders when driving in a straight line, and there is a pop that comes from the front end (I think it's something in the steering, which may also explain the front end wandering).

On top of all of this, he told me they could not do an appraisial on the car. Something about getting slammed with fees for being over miles (lease, except I'm not over miles?) and other stuff. A huge long drawn out explaination that ended with "we don't have a number for you." Not surprising, service department says it's normal but the sales department won't even get me a quote on it. Drove across the street to CarMax, they offered me $16,500 on the spot, seriously considering just dumping the thing.

Words cannot describe how mad I am with this car. I'm going to try and contact MINIUSA, but I have a feeling that's going nowhere. I've tried going to them with dealer issues with my last MINI and they didn't do anything.

Oh, and A/C compressor still rattles, engine still squeaks, and the clutch still clicks! People stop and stare as I drive by because of all the rattling.

 

Well, just a quick update. Got tired of it, CarMax bought it out of the lease. Finally done with this car, and these dealerships. MINI of Reno is an absoutely horrible dealership. Do not go to them if you can avoid it. Horrible, horrible place.

I did track down the noise, it was loose end links which were binding and allowing the sway bar to move around. Took about 10 minutes to tighten the end links and the noise was gone. Drove a few thousand more miles before selling it.

Now have a Focus RS on order

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Suspension creaks, squeaks and rattles can be tough to nail down sometimes, but glad you were able to solve that one before getting rid of it. Good luck on your new endeavor with the RS!

 

FWIW, I've had my 2015 Paceman for two years, driven in in the harshest conditions imaginable and have experienced no issues with the car, not one. Maybe you got a Monday car.