I've had my 2003 r50 mini (108k miles) for 6 months now and I have the infamous midland 5 speed. It shifts great and operates fine, but once it's warmed up there's a intermittent clacking/chattering sound that happens at 3k rpm in 2nd and 3rd. Rarely it will do it in neutral. The fluid is the good stuff. I'm not afraid to rebuild if needed, but not sure what parts or area would need to be replaced. Is this a known problem? Any suggestions on what kit would be good?

Thanks, David

 

Is the rattle coming from the engine bay? It should be worst between around 2k rpm, but still audible at idle.

I'm assuming R50's have a timing chain tensioner similar to the R53's..I'd start there. It's like a $50 part when I went to my local MINI dealership's parts department, but we've got some great vendors here on NAM (see: PelicanParts and WayMotorWorks) who would have it too.

 

I understand what you are saying, but I don't think that's it. I can control the clatter with the clutch and it sounds like it's coming from the driver's of engine bay. I can rev the engine with no problem, just a few times dows sound appear when rolling in neutral.

Thanks.

 

Clutch chatter/Glazed flywheel issue?