Hi all. I had a 2017 F55S since new, traded it in Feb for a 2023 F56S. Loving the new car (even though it's the same other than new DSG and nicer screen).

1. The 2023 makes lots of whirring/buzzing sounds you can hear from OUTSIDE the car. This happens when you lock or unlock, or even open a door or the hatch. They only last 1-2 seconds, but you would think the mirrors were folding or an old school antenna was going up or down. My old 2017 was an S model, but pretty basic otherwise. The 23s have more stuff, for sure, but do those whirring/buzzing sounds seem normal for 1-2 seconds for other new MINI owners? Way more pronounced when parked in the garage (of course). Some of my old cars would make noise when I unlocked the door, but I was always told that was the fuel pump priming since it thinks you are going somewhere. Was also thinking since my 2017 was a 4 door with no window adjustments, and the 2 door raises and lowers windows, maybe it some solenoid getting things ready?
2. I also notice, when I shut the car down, the rear of the car makes all sorts of small pops, for about 15 minutes. Many at first, and slowing down over time. To me, it is very clearly metal contracting and expanding. I guess it makes sense that the hot exhaust is cooling, but would it cool literally within 5 seconds of shutting down? Does anyone else notice that?

Thanks!!

 

Must just be me hearing the sounds. Hate to take a new car to the dealer, but might be needed just to be sure nothing too sinister is going on.

 

I have a 2023 Cooper S and it makes a lot of noises too.

 

Don't recall my 2022 S making noises. But my 2023 JCW manifests similar noise output as you describe. (My 2023 BMW M2 likewise.)

Hot exhaust can make noise for a while after engine shut off. There's a good amount of metal that has to shed heat and as it does the various pieces/lengths of exhaust tubing shrink/contract and the various joints will eventually slip and you hear that.

You might (might) be able to reduce the exhaust related noise if you drive the car easy a mile or two before you park it. This gives the engine/exhaust time to shed some of the heat load. Both will still be hot just not as hot as if they would be if you parked the car immediately after leaving the highway.

My usage of my vehicles and where I live has me driving 5+ miles on surface streets after the leaving the freeway before I reach the garage. To be honest while this might help I can't say it does in my case since I don't hang around in the garage after I shut off the engine. I exit the car then lock it and I'm out of the garage with the door closing behind me in about as much time as it takes to read this sentence.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Based on this and another thread, it appears my noises are just updated "features" my 2017 didn't have. All good!

 

Keep in mind when talking about exhausts cooling: it has 1100+ degree hot air being forced through it one moment when on, then the second the airflow stops on shutdown, it goes to 700-800 degrees and then gradually drops from there. Definitely some heating/cooling contraction.

 

The buzzing sounds are your headlights adjusting up and down. This will happen when you unlock the doors or trunk. This is normal. Stand in front of your car and unlock the doors to see your lights in action.