Hi -- so I am bringing Bubs in for her first check-up tomorrow and she is only at less than 1K miles. Whenever I brake and hit a bump (even when slowing from an already slow speed...such as to go over speed bumps in a housing complex where I never get out of second gear) I am getting a weird vibration through the brake pedal and there is an odd clanging noise coming from the front end. I emailed my MA about this and he suggested it is just normal operation of the ABS, but it seems odd to me that ABS should be kicking in at a such a soft stop/slow down from low speeds. Also, the clanging noise cannot be normal, right?

Anyone else ever have a similar experience with this or another car?

 

If you are braking at the time of going over the bump, this is probably your ABS kicking in. Should it? Well, probably not at very low speed. Also, the clanging is a concern.

I would take your car in for a checkup and if they give you a loaner you should try and replicate the problem with that car either at home or if you live far away, somewhere close to the dealership. If they continue to give you the nothing wrong routine, insist on a test drive with the SA.

 

I buy the ABS explanation. A bump can cause a momentary loss of traction. I've had this happen myself. I think it's always best to brake before a bump or chuck hole, when possible, and coast over it. The compound forces of the braking and the bump make more of an impact on the car than the bump alone.

I've noticed that the European cars I've owned have ABS that seems kind of angry compared to others. It sounds like something is wrong with the car. Just the nature of the beast. I'm not trying to persuade you to not have this checked out. Just don't be surprised if the verdict is that the car is alright.

 

I can't confirm if it's a bad or abnormal thing, but it has always happened to me from the days of R57 and now the R60. Both were new and pampered minis. Boston potholes really taught me to dodge everything no matter what car I drive now.

 

It's happened to me since day one - I figured it was ABS kicking in

 

This seems to be normal on the countryman, but this never happens on my wife's R56. Why is that?

 

This is normal for ABS. Every car I've ever owned with ABS has done this. Ford, Mazda, Toyota, VW, Audi, every single one of them.