Hi all; I've browsed the forums off and on for years, but haven't had an account until now. I've finally found a problem that I can't find the answer to by looking at other people's questions! So, I'm hoping to pick your brains.

I have an '06 mini, (bought used in '08 for the record,) that is making a rather wonky noise. At first I thought it was a blown speaker, as it was popping and rattling with bass, but it wasn't consistent. It would come and go.

As of late though, it's started to make a ridiculously loud pop/rattle noise constantly when ever only one window is down and occasionally when we're going over a rough patch of road with the window up, even if the radio is turned off. It is slightly mitigated on smooth roads with the window down, but not much. It does not make the noise while at a stop. When I say it's loud, I mean it can be ear-splitting.

I've seen references similar to this, but nothing that incorporates all of these issues. I'm trying to avoid taking it in to the dealership for this as they want $300 just to do a once-over of the vehicle, but it's driving me crazy. Hopefully someone can help!

*edit: It's about half and half on whether it will make the noise with both windows partway down. Both windows all the way down, it won't make the noise at all. Also, the rattle is from the passenger side.

TYIA

 

Pull the passenger door panel and see what's loose?

 

There are two little white clips that hold the cables that run across the upper middle of the door cavity, when they break or not clipped in when you put the window down they snap against the window and make a noise. They snap into the door frame and hold the cables.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Interior/Window/



Holding the cables.

 

I think I'm going to have to.

 

Would the snapping happen only when the window in question is down? It's always from the passenger side, but it occurs when only the driver's side window is down.

Edit: It does also happen when only the passenger side window is down, to clarify. It seems to be dependent on 1 window being down, no matter which one. The popping never changes location though.

 

Thanks both of you for the input, by the by

 

old thread resurrection,
I have the same problem where a loud pop or crackle or static noise comes from the passenger side speaker under many circumstances:
One window rolled more than half way down while driving more than about 30 kmh (doesn't matter which window). Goes away with both windows down!
When closing the passenger door it makes a loud crack noise that is definitely coming from the speaker (taped a pillow to the speaker and it was muffled). Can't hear it outside the car but frickin loud inside when a passenger gets out and shuts their door (and i've even asked them to close the door gently to no avail)! Edit: does it even when the radio and car are "OFF"
Music more than about 1/3 volume will randomly make crackling noise from the speaker too.

edit: I've pulled the door panel off to investigate and there's no loose pieces or bad wire connections. Speaker looks intact...

Car is a very base model 02 non-S. (intentionally plain jane as it's also my auto-x car)

 

 

Can it make a loud crack noise even when not powered in that case? I'll take the door apart again and remove the speaker completely to inspect and probably replace...

THX.

FvS