Do any of you notice noises from your limited slip at low speeds when turning tightly? Is it normal?

I seem to get a bit of a "groaning" noise when I'm pulling out of my driveway - at the point when I'm turning onto the street. It's not loud but it is more noticeable when it's cold. I'm sure it's not the transmission synchros.

TIA.

 

Hello:
I've never heard anything on mine. Does it stop the noise if you turn it off?
**Thought I wrote something so your post stays on top and you can get more useful feedback**

 

YES! I have been wondering what this noise was. I have exactly the same experience as you described (tighter turns, low speeds, more when cold, etc.)

I thought maybe something was just rubbing somewhere (for reasons unkown), but I haven't been able to take the time to investigate.

I will ask a technician about this next week to see what their thoughts are.

...I also happen to have a vibration/noise seemingly coming from the flywheel/clutch area that is driving me nuts.

 

This has been a well documented problem. When was your mini built? Apparently changing the type of oil used on the LSD has fixed this for a number of people. The LSD should make a little noise, but not an overpoweringly loud one. The newer cars apparently haven't had as much of an issue with the noise, since apparently they've been using a different oil on the LSD. I'd definitely take it into your dealer if it's bothering you.

 

Mine was a very late build '05 (week 32) - I've only had it for roughly one month.

I'll check in with the Service Department this week.

 

Yes, I've noticed a slight noise. Nothing that had worried me. Does anyone know what oil the factory is now using in the newer cars? Or what is a good after market oil to use with the LSD?
JS

 

Hey All:

Yes mine does the same thing it was built in May 05. It's really ugly feeling in a parking garage.

However, I took it to the dealer and they said that it was the power steering. They have since replaced the power steering pump, which did nothing to help. I did talk to the tech and he said that this is a problem with 05's. Seems Mini made a change to the power steering / rack and it has caused some issues. The tech also said that they are told to replace the pump first. If that doesn't work then it is in the Rack. He said that it would probably be a while on the rack because they haven't got them fixed yet.

When they replaced my power steering pump it did nothing for the noise. I have to call the dealer back and let them know so that I can have it noted and when they get the rack solution (not holding breath) I can get it taken care of.

Who knows, maybe they are just blowing smoke.

If someone has this and changes the oil (aftermarket) in their LSD let me
know. It's very irritating to take a day off work, 4hrs roundtrip to the dealer, wait for the work to be done and the problem not fixed.

Later,
Ray

 

I have a mid-jan 05 build car w/LSD and I've never noticed anything out of the ordinary. I'll have to pay attention now. I this something you can feel too, or is it only noise?

 

Yes.. it seems to be normal for these diffs to be noisy. It's nothing to worry about, but it is more noticeable at low speeds during turns, especially when cold.
It has nothing to do with the power steering.... sounds like the dealer doesn't have a clue.

 

Hi, I'm from the DEA, and I'm here to help you...:smile:
Your thread title just has that Woodstock kinda feel to it...

 

August build w/ LSD. I knew of the reported noise before I placed the order for the car. Wanted it anyway... benefits had to outweigh the noise.
850mi and no noise so far... now where is some wood to knock on.

 

01/05 build with no noise. Is the orginal poster SURE it is not the power steering pump he is hearing?

 

Aug '05 build and I have the noise too. "Groaning" is the perfect way to describe the sound versus the power steering's "whirrring" sound. Mine came up just recently...at around 600miles. Not too worried about it since I was reading about this before my order arrived. It seems to happen whether you're moving forward or backward. It also seems to happen more when the temps are cold AND/OR when the car has not warmed up yet (or when I just start driving it after sitting for awhile) - perhaps the LSD "oil" needs to circulate (at least that's what I tell myself) .

 

I've got a May 05 build and I believe I may have had that noise when the car was new....but with over 9,000 miles now I don't hear it any more. Might be just a case of breaking in

 

Very informative thread here . I am thinking of swapping out my 02 tranny with Quaiffe for the 05 tranny with factorey LSD. From what I have read the Quaiffe is a better LSD in some respects but I really want the lower ratio gear box. Decisions , decisions

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I have it and only hear it when the music is off and I'm turning out of my driveway. Sharp low speed turns. February 05 build. It's not that loud on my car.

 

yup, I got a 05 MCS with about 6000KM.

It does it when I get in the car and for the first 15-20 minutes of driving, but only when i am turning a sharp corner under power.

It has nothing to do with the power steering, that makes a high pitch whining noise.

I will tell the BMW techs when I bring it in for maintenance.

 

I have not yet driven a MINI with LSD, although my upcoming car will have it. The LSD on my rear-drive E46 M3 is notorious for its "clunking" noises at low speeds, especially in reverse. Extremely smooth foot on the clutch and warmup can help it, but it's pretty much a known feature of the car. I am not surprised to hear that the MINI LSD has noises too.

 

If the mini limited slip is truly a clutch-pack style differential (as people have been reporting), then it's normal for it to make noise - that's what they do.

If you're only barely hearing the noise, then they've dumbed it down to prevent owner complaints. Aftermarket clutch-pack lsd's have a noticable feel and sound to them.

I'd hate to think a bunch of people are out running up the price of our cars with needless service. Mini should just say it's expected rather than trying to "fix" it.

 

my 2005 with build date 1/2005, makes the slight groaning noise, when cold, during sharp turns... like when I leave work after car sat for at least 8 hours, and I am in the parking garage. It only does it for a turn or two, then stops. I thought this is normal, and just a challenge of having a LSD in a front wheel drive.. Do people think it is a mechanical problem? Should I add it to my warranty complaints/problem list to bring to the dealers attention for my 10k oil change and check-up?

 

This might be the *tire noise I've been hearing.. it's like grr-grr-grrr-grrr
Dealer said it was the tires(azenis), but I only notice it when I'm on the throttle, so this might be it.
The sound got a little better recently (i'm at 6,500miles) I'll see if it keeps bothering me at 10K service.

Anyone know what grade oil is used in the LSD? I have a bottle of left over Redline MT90(75w90)..

 

BMW has a notice out about it--some people are having more than the usual noise that you get with a clutch type LSD, I think there is an issue with a small number of cars with the LSD. I just drove a 2006 with LSD, and it made almost no noise at all--just a barely perceptible grind at low speeds with the wheel turned, which I could barely feel through the steering wheel--which I would consider normal in a clutch type LSD in a front wheel drive car. I went ahead and ordered the LSD.

But a number of people are complaining of a very loud groan/grind, which is above and beyond what the LSD should do. It should be perceptible, but relatively unobtrusive. When it's so loud you can't carry on a conversation, there is a problem. And a number of people have noted that the issue was fixed by the dealer, so while I think it's a minority of cars with the problem with the LSD, I believe that the problem does exist, and apparently so does BMW/Mini.

 

Just to clear up a couple of things.

It is not the power steering "whine" that I am hearing. I know what that is and actually think it is cool.

It does this all the time. Hot or cold doesn't matter. I had driven over an hour to another town and it was really nasty sounding/feeling while going up in a parking garage. If it wasn't warmed up by then, then it never will warm up.

I don't sweat it too much since I have a warranty. However, if there is anything that can reduce it a bit that would be nice.

I do agree that BMW/Mini should let us know about this kind of stuff, it would help them alleviate unnecessary warranty visits.

Ray

 

Yes, mine does groan (not sure it is from LSD or not).... happen on low speed turning, parking lot speed (under 15mph), not matter hot or cold, warm up or not. Got no time to bring it in to dealer yet, since they are 70 miles away. Oh.. btw mine is Jan 05 build, 2nd week with LSD.

 

I hav an Aug 05 build (Week 35) and have noticed the same thing. I park on the street a lot and I notice it when I have the wheels turned all the way to pull a U-turn and head off down the street.

Do you know what it reminds me of though? The same noise & feeling I have when I put my SUV in 4-wheel drive high and try making tight turns. I thought it must be related to having both the front wheels being driven under power...

Interesting about the oil - I'll mention it to the dealer next week since I have an appointment already.