Well, my Countryman S went into the shop today for a horribly loud sunroof rattle. The rattle is definitely wind-driven and happens if the sunroof is open or if it is closed with the driver's window open. I was hoping for an easy fix, but my service rep called this afternoon with the dreaded news...they are going to have to take the sunroof apart. Has anyone else experienced a rattle in the sunroof on the Countryman?

 

Mine has the same issue. It doesn't happen all the time but when it does it's a very loud banging noise. It goes away when I slow down. I haven't taken it in because the dealer is about 1.5 hours away and it doesn't happen all the time so they can't fix what they can't hear. Waiting to see what is wrong with yours so I can give the dealer a call. Good luck.

 

You described my issue to a T. Drive in different directions when you take it in...wind direction is definitely a factor. I was lucky...the rattle started as soon as the service rep and I pulled out of the dealership. When we slowed down and made another turn, it stopped and didn't start again before we got back. I haven't heard anything from them today. I imagine that parts are not readily available yet. It's a shame that you live so far from your dealership. I'll keep you posted.

 

there is a drain plug for the sunroof with a small flap on it. For some reason it flaps and makes the loud rattle noise when the sunroof or windows are open. If you remove the flap cover it stops. It is located top right when you open the rear hatch.

 

Pics, please.

 

Sorry for the crappy phone pic. The flap has been removed on this one.

 

Thanks for the advice. I took the flap off and the noise is gone.

 

thanks, for the tip!
That's been driving me crazy for months now..... I've been too busy to take it to the dealer.

 

Fixed mine too!!!

Thanks retrohasen!!

 

And why does that drain need a cap on it?

 

So when you are driving backwards at 60mph you don't get water crammed up ur boot!

That's for Sealy!

;-)

 

what the... 60mph backwards... i dont even....

removing the plastic cap solved the rattling problem for me!

 

Now someone help me with my doors vibrating/buzzing when going over rough pavement and the headliner/windows "creaking" at times.

 

So this plug can be removed with no ill effects?

 

@lindseybp
Yes, it's a small plastic piece. I have no idea why they would add that in there. If it was a rubber part, It probably would not make all that noise.

 

Thank you for this! I am going to try removing it this weekend (sounds like something even a car dunce like me can do).

 

actually, I stuffed a piece of paper in there a couple of weeks ago to keep it from flapping. I pulled the paper out yesterday and the cap with the flap came off easily.

 

The one ill effect that I have found is that if you are doing over 60mph....in the rain.....in reverse........you will get drips from the sunroof!

 

Looking at your sweet tricked out Countryman I have no doubt you could actually perform this maneuver!

 

The dreaded sunroof rattle gremlin appeared when I went to pick up my CM S yesterday. Dealer gave us a demo and it has the same issue. Two others were inspected after mine and both have the same problem. Sent this thread to my MA. Hope it helps them out.

 

I finally experienced this the other day... Here I thought it was one of the rollaway shades that may have been the culprit but couldn't find any evidence of loose rattling bits.

I'd suspect the flap is more to keep the interior weather-tight from humidity and insect/spider intrusions than anything. Guess it's possible that after removing the flap, rainwater could make its way up the drain if you park your MINI downhill, but what kind of grade would be necessary for THAT? :D

 

I removed the piece, and haven't heard the rattle since. I also haven't had problems with parking my car downhill in the rain or with doing 60mph in reverse

 

I started this thread. I know that you are all waiting with bated breath for the conclusion! After "servicing" my rattle at the dealership, it went quiet for about a week. Then the rattle started up again...at first quietly and not very often, then louder and more frequently. After reading the post about removing the drain cap, I removed mine and haven't had a rattle since. I can't thank the community enough for troubleshooting my CM! I have passed this valuable information on to my MA.

 

Brought mine back to the dealership service center, and spoke to the tech about this flap and rattle. He said that it could be removed without any issues or worries about leaks and such, and then proceeded to remove it himself.

 

I don't have mine yet, but I also didn't get a sunroof. I wonder if its in there and if it will rattle WITHOUT the sunroof

I will let you know once its papers clear and I can actually buy it