Hey Mini fans:

I had a lot of mods done on my 2008 R56. See below. With the stiffer engine mount, having the dash off to put the snow controller in and the head liner off to fix a sunroof drain issue, I am left with a Mini that looks and runs great but has a lot of interior buzz and rattles. I know that it will never be like stock, but I can't find anyone in the Washington - Annapolis - Baltimore area that is into interior work like this... recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob Mc


R56 (2008 Mini S Hardtop) MODS to-date include:

Manual Trans - Ringer Racing Clutch Stage 3 and Flywheel

Milltek Performance downpipe High Flow Cat

- vibrant j spacer with their smallest size jetting

Wagner intercooler

Borla Sport Exhaust

K&N Cold Air Intake

ecu tune SPS Performance

- ( Stock, 18, 20 and 21.4 psi)

Brisk Spark plugs gapped at .025

Snow Performance Water Meth injection (controller on dash to left of wheel – washer fluid tank converted to Boost Juice reservoir)

Torque solutions lower engine mount

BC Racing coil overs

 

Engine is not torqueing like when I had OEM rear mount but getting noise on passenger side front. This noise is also different from the various cabin rattles I have gotten in the past (eg see my post of Feb 2020) much deeper, constant and u can feel vibration on passenger floor panel. No engine performance issue.

Didn't see the other mounts offered at TS website for Mini or at Mini Mania but will check. IF the video uploaded successfully can you let what it sounds like to you?

 

Now its getting clearer...

The combination of solid lower engine mount and having removed the dash panels will lead to extra buzzing. I would NOT take the car to a shop to fix, that will be like burning your cash. The way I see it, you have two options... (1) Replace the lower mount with an OEM mount, and live with the engine movement. (2) Take the dash all apart again, take note of all the plastic interfaces and mounting points, and insulate them with felt or foam tape. OK, three options... (3) Live with the vibrations and rattles because "Racecar" spelled backwards is "Racecar."

 

LOVE IT! Thanks

 

One trick I found in sound deadening projects is to use . It is mainly used to wrap wire and harnesses, but I also like to use it in the female side of the plastic trim fasteners. I just tear off a piece that covers the hole and poke the hole open with a screwdriver or cut it nicely with an Exacto knife. It is thin enough to create a cushion yet still allows the trim pieces to fit back like normal.

There are other three-layer methods (CLD, CCF, and MLV), but it is a lot of work and time-consuming. It will make your interior super quiet, but also add a lot of weight. I have done this in most of my cars. I don't think I'll do it ever again. Too much work.