The engine compartment makes a ratcheting/grinding noise on cold start up and continues until after a warm operating temperature shut down. On the hot shutdown it continues after the engine has stopped, giving the impression that it might be the electric radiator fan that is failing, since that is the only thing thought to be spinning after engine shutdown. The only other possibility that comes to mind is it could be the supercharger, if in fact, it has residual rotation/spin down when shutting the engine off. Could it actually be the supercharger? If it is the fan, why the noises on cold start up? Does the fan come on when the car is started with a cold engine? Anyone else had this happen. My unmodified 2005 Mini Cooper S only has 13,000 miles on it and has been without a single problem till now.

 

Get thee hence to the dealer!

 

Second that- have that checked ASAP- it's NOT normal.

Question: do you run the AC? Sometimes my AC motor runs for a few seconds after shutdown. it does NOT make a grinding noise, however...

 

In response to ImagoX reply: "AC motor runs for a few seconds after shutdown". Is the AC compressor electric or belt driven? If it is belt driven, I don't see how it could continue to run with the engine stopped.The engine compartment is so compact, I can't see much to make a determination.

 

Took the car in to the dealer. They changed the power steering fan. Although the wife forgot to ask why the sound continued after shutdown, the repair has eliminated the noise and apparently the problem was diagnosed correctly.