I just have purchased 03 r53 the other day.

When I was sitting in a car, I noticed that very little whiny sound from near steering wheel column..

So I got out of the car and tried to listen to it.

It sounded like it was coming from near bottom hand side of just in front of driver's seat.

It's very small sound...but it is noticable when I sit in the car. It almost sounds like "electronic" mosquito..haha I don't really know how to explain.

Is it sound of supercharger idling??

I don't think the sound is directly from the engine.

Any ideas guys?

 

It's the power steering. All gen1 pumps make that noise to a greater or lesser degree.

 

Could also be the power steering cooling fan. Mine was so loud it gave me a headache on long trips. When sitting in the car at idle, tug the wheel left or right and you will hear the pump speed up to make pressure, then return to normal. Is this the sound, but softer. If not, I'd bet it's the fan just below that. Very easy to replace, but about $160.

 

Most cars have a mechanical Power Steering pump that works off the serpentine belt robbing the engine of power, like an A/C Pump.

The MINI Cooper is equipped with an electric power steering pump.....some winy noise from the pump is completely normal and nothing to worry about. When parked and turning the wheel the noise will become louder and pitch will change some.

But as always, if any power steering pump is making more noise than usual, check the fluid level.

Have fun with your new mini. We all sure do...

 

Yah, it's your power-steering pump.
Worry thyself not.

 

I freaked out first time I heard it on previous MCS, I would tug steering wheel left and right and it sounded like the Star Wars swords. Noticed 06 GP makes the noise too but not as pronounced.