Hi all. I have a 2009 R56 Cooper S with factory sport suspension. I recently noticed a rattling/creaking noise that I think is coming from the rear passenger side. I started noticing it after I downshifted one time for slowing traffic and accidentally dumped the clutch pedal as I thought it was already engaged.

The noise is like a rattling of glass or body creaking noise that happens when the rear goes over bumps, at high and low speeds. I can also hear it upon alternating hard acceleration and hard braking. I can definitely hear it upon going onto a ramp that lifts the front driver side (shifting the weight to the rear passenger corner).

I'm not sure if it's coming from the interior of the car or exterior. It sounds like interior, but I've cleared out everything from my car, secured the rear seats, and I still hear it. It's definitely not the rear sway bar end links, as I can recognize the knocking sound that comes from it. From what I've read, it could be rear sway bar bushings or loose exhaust.

Has anybody else experienced something like this? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have a 2011 R56 JCW and have the same issue. Mine sounds like it is coming from the interior, but I cant find it. When I get my underbody brace, maybe it will go away. It could just be from chassis flex.

 

Could be your trunk latch

 

Plenty of threads on this. It's your rear sway bar endlinks. Get aftermarket ones like Detroit Tuned has. Mine failed twice.

Trust be it doesn't have to clunk either, sounds just like the symptoms I had.

 

Rob called it. The OEM end links are garbage, and make a ton of noise when they fail. Be careful which aftermarket links you buy though, some do not have long enough studs.