hi everyone.

2006 MCSC. 31k miles. just replaced the top, bought new wheels. totally spiffied it up, instead of buying a new one. i went and looked at the new convertibles, but i would've ordered an almost identical one, so decided against it.

anyway, about to exit warranty so tying up loose ends. i have a noise coming from the driver's side door. almost sounds like a hollow knocking rattle. seems to be only when the top is down, and windows are down. if i open the door and hold it slightly ajar over bumps, the noise disappears.

has anyone experienced this before? tried to have it sorted by the dealer once, but would like to give them a bit more info.

thanks.
sean

 

You aren't alone. I have the same rattle on my 2005 convertible. I heard it when my top is down. My rattle seems to come from the seat buckle seat belt mecanism on the driver side from what I expected.

I went to my BMW/MINI dealer and said to me rattle problems can't be fix without fees after 20000km (12500miles) on our MINI. The BMW technician didn't help very much. I have the MINI NEXT warranty and seems useless each time I go to my BMW/MINI dealer: "Your extended warranty doesn't include this kind of issues"

 

I've got an '05 with the same noise. Anyone know what it might be?

 

We have it in our 06 and it squeeks at times too, almost like a bushing sound...

 

Squeeks and rattles have the properties of a ventriloquist, the noise is over here but originates from there.

Here is what you will need to start troubleshooting the problem;

A good looking assistant
Notepad
Business cards
Napkins
Blue masking tape

While driving with your troubleshooting assistant cruise over different bumps and roads at different speeds and RPM's. Hit manhole covers first with the left wheels then with the right. When the noise starts you and the assistant should place your hands on any suspect part to dampen the noise. Try panels and objects that are to left, right or in back of the rattle. The use of soft wedges and tape can help narrow down the search, identify the problem. Write down speed, RPM, weather, temperature, sunshine, etc....

Rattles are tough to find and the mechanics at the garage are paid by the repair. Your aid will reduce the out of pocket bill or increase the chances of the item being covered by warrenty.

Warning; Tape should be used with caution. It can have negative results on any surface. Test tape in an area that is not visible. Remove the tape after the troubleshooting ride.

 

Bump. Has anyone been able to track down this door/seat belt rattle? I currently have the rear side walls out but still cant tell what's rattling.

 

I had this exact same problem (squeak/bushing sound) with my 08. Took it to the dealer (MoGR) a couple of weeks ago and they knew right away to lubricate the door latch/post. Problem is GONE completely! However, I'm not sure how long the fix will last...

 

MINI Convertibles are notorious for flexing, rattle, and roll in their chassis...I'm putting a lower brace under the car to tighten it up.

 

I'm considering an undercarriage brace for my 'vert as well. Which one are you getting?

 

I just got the Ultra Racing 4PT Brace and will be installing it next week.

I wanted the IE Lower Horizontal Brace and the GTT Mid Brace...The GTT Mid Brace pound conversion was $125 dollars and $73 for shipping.

I got my brace for $179 and free shipping and it covers the same areas.

Ultra Racing Braces are well known with the Drifters.

 

Have had the M7 Understrut Brace for 3 years. Highly recommend it. But still have nasty door and window rattles.

 

By saying this, I would assume you mean the latch part in the door? I'd like to give this a try.

I have a thicker type grease that goes into bearings...and a white lithium that sprays in...I'll try the lithium first and see how it goes.

 

I'm assuming you mean the latch mechanism in the door and the post on the outer door frame were both lubricated? Do you know whether they used white lithium or something else?

In my case I have a low speed only rattle that seems to come from the door latch area. It happens only when I start from a stop, or slow to a stop, or reverse direction (like after backing out of a driveway). It's like something is loose enough to be affected by the momentum of the car and will always shift just once based on the direction the car is traveling. If I hold the door open an inch it doesn't happen.

 

After spraying a large amount of white lithium grease in the latch mechanism my low speed rattle/groan/creak seems to be gone. Plenty of other annoying noises left however. Taking them on one at a time...

 

lubricate the door latch/post, thats it all the time. They use a sticky lube, not wd-40

 

YOU NEEDED A NEW TOP?? At 31K miles???

 

I have an 05 MCS with 12k on it. Makes the same sound, though its intermittent. Not too annoying, but I just assumed that it was the back seat buckle.

 

I think mine is the glass when down. I jammed my fingers down the window slot and the sound vanished. I will try the latch lube like you guys say and see which it is. Thanks for posting your thoughts. Cheers mates!