today after work, I started my car 03 mini cooper s with 84k miles and turned on a/c, after a/c turned on, loud ticking noise every 3 seconds appeared and once it turned off, it sound fine. I turned a/c back on and when i tried to leave parking lot, smog on the right side came out and stopped the car right away and opened the hood and smelled like burning plastic.
I left my car at the parking lot at work and tow truck will transfer my car to mini specialist shop in North Hollywood (Minitek). any ideas with this noise?

 

My guess would be the harmonic balancer has separated and is spinning when the drag of the AC is applied. Try no ac to get it home and then inspect the balancer. Quick look would be to jack up right side remove wheel and inner splash shield to see the balancer. Look for rubber dust. I hope this helps.

 

the shop just called me and found out damper has been broken so it makes noise. Thanks for help. damn. i have to spend $400.