Hi I have a 02 mini cooper with only 50000 miles on the clock, (european mini RHD). recently it has developed some loud noise when accelerating. from 2000rpm onwards it is noticeable in first 3 gears. I know it is not the gearbox since it does this even in neutral.

everything is stock, i have checked the air intake pipe/filter and these are leak free. it is like a huge pressure increase noise and during gear change this pressure drops - as if air pressure is leaking through the oil lid on the engine if it was slightly open - but it isn't - everything seems leak free - there are no oil leaks on floor.

i have tried better fuel, shell v-power, which is a very good super unleaded gasoline fuel and this helped reduce the noise slightly. any suggestions?

thanks
Notay

 

Did you ever get this figured out?