When my husband brought home our used 2007 Mini S today, I was thrilled! We traded our 06 Mazda5 and he drove all the way from the south Oregon coast to Portland to make the trade. I have always wanted a MINI- they are too cute- and I love it, but we have noticed that it is doing a little squeak/chirp/grind as you let the clutch out in first gear. It started on the way home from the dealer and only did once, but tonight it is doing it every time you let out the clutch in 1st gear. We have already called them. They said it is under MINI warranty (has 40K miles) and will call us back tomorrow but dang... what a sad start! Is this a common problem? The salesman asked if we had it in "overdrive" when it was happening. Isn't that just with automatics that have an overdrive button that you might accidentally leave it in?

 

Welcome to the forum, it's a shame to start off like you have, could be a clutch problem or possibly something in the gearbox, should be covered under warranty. MINI do not have "overdrive".

 

Thanks... Yeah, my husband said that's what he thought too, but he has been searching all the owner manual stuff anyway. I am guessing the salesman was just trying to help without knowing for sure what he was talking about. (Wouldn't it be nice if it was just a button we accidently pushed?!). Hopefully we can get more answers tomorrow.

Edited to add: Well, we just took it out for another spin in hopes of avoiding a sleepless night, and now it isn't making any weird noises at all, no matter what gear! I wonder what's up with that? Still... so happy to have her! Posted a pic.