My mini is whistling. From the second I start it. Whether AC is on or not. It whistles. It whistles while idling and gets louder the longer it runs. Oh, and it is not under warranty. It is an 03 base model. Any advice???

Is it possible that the whistle is actually the "whine" of the electric motor that runs your power steering?

would it still do that if idling?

Does it sound sort of like a little dolphin whistle? If so, that is the normal sound of the power steering motor on MINIs. Some are louder than others. Most of us kinda like it.

If this helps, It seems loudest if I lean over near the tires and listen on both sides. It seems to be coming from lower. It's not quite as loud from the top.

I did find it kind of cute. Sort of like the squeaky toy noise the windows make when you shut the doors.

That does sound like the power steering motor to me. I do belive its located on the bottom area of the engine bay which would make sense if its not as loud from the top. While the engine is running turn the steering wheel from side to side from outside of the car. If the noise you hear changes in tone than thats what it is. If not, then ??? Chris.