I am trying to find what is causing the noise I hear occasionally after turning off the motor. This noise only occurs very infrequently, but I have heard it a few times in the 9,000 miles I have driven my MINI. The sounds are a very low noise like something electrical is running and a sound like sheet metal shifting position. The total time the noise occurs is only about a minute. The sounds seem to come from the area below the rear seats. The only electrical component I found in my Bentley manual in this area is the fuel pump. According to the Bentley manual, the fuel pump includes a jet pump for transferring fuel from the left side of the fuel tank to the right side. The electrical sound could be the fuel pump running. The sounds I don't understand are the ones that sould like sheet metal shifting position. The noise like sheet metal shifting position is much lounder than the electrical sound and is what I first noticed. Even if the fuel pump shifts fuel from one side of the tandem tank to the other side, I would not expected the tank to make the settling noises. I would appreciate hearing if any others have heard these noises and any ideas what are causing them.

2011 MC PW/B, ScanGauge

 

Nope never heard that noise myself, sorry can't hep

 

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Sounds like a kicking under the rear seats? I have that too. I asked my dealer and was told it was the way I was driving it and that because something in the fuel tank was made of plastic the air escaping made that kicking sound. As you can tell he didn't do a very good job at explaining but hope this helps a bit.

 

I get that kicking too, from time to time. Four years and 62K+ miles later, nothing has gone wrong. I chalk it up to the fuel tank venting or some such thing.

As for the humming, when you open the door or shut down, some electric items remain on for about a minute. I installed an after market amp and it turns on and off all the time.

Jim

 

I asked my dealer about these noises and he said that the MINI does an occasional pressure check of the fuel tank. That could explain the sound like a pump running, the creaking noises, and the long interval between when this occurs.

2011 MC PW/B, Scangauge, A/C vibration damper 9,500 trouble free miles

 

Glad I saw this thread. Had the EXACT same thing happen to me yesterday. It was a low hum in the rear of the car, and about every 15 - 25 seconds a PFFFFFTTTT air release sound. Lasted for about 2-3 mins.

 

I've never noticed the electrical sound, but have heard the metal sound. Always assumed it had something to do with the exhaust system cooling.

 

I also hear the kicking sound from time to time but not everyday.
Also for the humming, I hear it when I start the car (only can hear from outside).

 

I wonder if this is the part that sometimes goes wrong and won't let you completely fill the tank?

 

I always heard the same electrical sound and the thumping on my 09 justa. I now get it with my new clubman. I am sure it has nothing to do with the way I drive. I had always wondered what it was.