So I have an 07 MCS with 36,700 miles on it that just started making this funny engine noise last week (5/19 maybe?) that I didn't think much of at first, but is persisting.

At first I'd heard this very loud vibration in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear, but now I hear it in all 6 gears. The vibration is pretty similar to an electric toothbrush or a chainsaw. The sound completely stops when I hit my clutch - I only hear it when in full gear. It also sounds as if something might be vibrating against the hood of the car, but I could be wrong.

I did notice that it worsens when I take a hard curve (like a highway on/off ramp) and that usually it stops towards the second half of my commute. None of my indicator lights have come on as of yet and there is no change in my average gas mileage.

I have used premium gas since I got her back in March, but last Tuesday I filled up with regular since I was out of state and didn't want to pay a whole dollar more for premium than I would at home. I thought perhaps the noise was due to the change in gas (or maybe I was hoping! ), but I filled her back up with premium yesterday and there was that stupid noise again this morning on my way to work.

I really would like to avoid taking her in for service if I can (money's tight right now) so I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what this freakin' noise is and how I can fix it. I have a motorhead brother that could help me out if this is possible.

Thanks for any and all help!

 

It would be wise to have it diagnosed @ a dealer before it becomes worse & leaves you stranded somewhere you'd rather not be. My '07 had the gearbox replaced @ 18+k mi. when I heard a high pitch whine noise. Good luck.

 

Under warranty isn't it?

 

Yes, it is.

Should I just suck it up and take it in?

 

Damn. The gearbox is covered under the warranty, right?

 

Anyone have any ideas on what it could be? Hopefully it might be something that I could fix myself..

 

try to fix it yrself, and screw it up, >poof< there goes yr warranty.

is it worth it for the satisfaction of DIY?

just take it in FCOL.

 

You're still under warranty. Why wouldn't you go to the dealer and save yourself countless hours of time trying to diagnose the problem yourself?!

 

Unless his dealer is many miles away..........

I agree, take it to the dealer, it could be many things and they should be able to reproduce it easily.

I'm wondering if it's just a heat shield?

 

See, this is what I was thinking...

I was hoping that someone might be able to point me in a general direction. I'm a chick, new to Minis, and don't want to be taken for a ride at the dealership - they're great, but I don't trust them when it comes to my wallet.

I just don't want to go in there blind.

 

I am sure you are covered. But you can always call MiniUSA and confirm. What you describe sounds more like a vibrating heat shield or possibly a wheel bearing. In any event, my experience is that the problem is usually something really simple.

My 02 that I just traded had very few problems and I parted with it at 202k. Hardly scientific, but my experience was good.

Call MiniUSA, get the facts, then go to the dealer.