only happens when driving over bumps, but it's fairly noticeable. Where should I be looking?

 

There are so many things it could be if only happening over a bump. some suspension parts gone bad, exhaust hanger missing, something stuck to the bottom of the car, and many many other things.

One thing i had was the plate on the bottom of the car that will hold up the exhaust if all the hangers failed. It has 4 screws in it an if they are all loose it can rattle.

 

Sounds like you are bottoming out. Are you lowered at all? I know that with some coilovers/springs it will "clunk" when going over bumps, if you are very low.

 

No, stock 100% and it's not bottoming out. After searching it may be the sway bar bushings as it appears to be a common problem. The car handles well and I don't think it's the control arms but then again, I could be wrong.
Question, does this car have both front and rear sways? Anyone have the part no. for the bushings?

 

Check and see if there is any play in the front wheels first. Next step would be to start check all suspension unions for excessive play. Bad struts can make knocking noises if they're really bad. Get out those tools and start lookin!

 

A dry swaybar bushing would make squeeking noises and you might feel the car handle differently going around turns since the bar would stick, and then move instead of moving freely. I do not think that's your problem. And yes, the MINI has front and rear sway bars.

Did you just do a search on NAM and Google? I would not go by this. You need to get the car on some jack stands and start checking things yourself.

 

I searched on NAM for clunking and swaybar issues popped up quite a bit. But you're correct, have to get down and dirty. I have a major tune up coming up so the timing is good. Changing oil to M1 0W-40, air and cabin filters, Redlin trans fluid, seafoam, installing catch can and boost tap and possible spark plugs and brake fluid if necessary.

 

Engine and transmission mounts can be a cause too, I had a similar issue, turned out to be a loose engine mount.

 

I searched on NAM, but you're right. I'm going to do a full tune up in the next weer or so and tackle it then.

 

Sway bar bushings can clunk. They shrink with age (can happen in only a few years) and there is free play for the bar to bump around. Also the end links can get loose and clunk. I've had both squeaking and clunking (different bushings, same VW).

 

I replaced my rear sway bar bushings yesterday. $11 each and 30 min in my garage.
Jacked up 1 side, 2 bolts, easy peasy.
Not 1 rattle anymore

I am so happy I did it myself and it was do easy

 

For 2007 there was a transmission mount redesign/recall. I had a clunk going over speed bumps. Mentioned the trans mount to the dealer they replaced and the clunk was gone. This is while I was under warranty.

 

I am having some "clunking" in my undercarriage too. I have just shy of 30K miles and I am scheduled for service next week, so I plan to have them check it out - hopefully they will find the issue.