The Getrag is considered a noisy transmission in that they have been noted in the past to make rattling noises due to poor dampening characteristics.

In general, when engines run at a certain rpm, they don't really stay at an exact rpm rate - there are continual small fluctuations where the engine speeds up slightly past that rpm point and slows down below that rpm point. These changes are most noticeable at low rpms (eg idle), especially if the AC is running at idle. The design of the R53 OEM dual-mass flywheel was to absorb these normally-occuring small rpm fluctuations. As a result, those small rpm changes don't ever get transmitted through to the transmission.

On the other hand, with a lightweight (non dual-mass) flywheel, all those small rpm fluctuations/changes are transmitted directly through to the transmission, which makes the transmission gears lightly slap against each other (within the proper clearance for the gears) on each and every small rpm change. This light zero-load gear-slapping doesn't hurt the hard/thick, oil-coated transmisson gears, but the sound can be annoying to some people.

That's why sometimes these noises can only be heard when the car is fully warmed up and the tranny fluid is a little thinner.

MiniUSA had specifically outfitted these with a dual mass flywheel in order to reduce the NVH of the car. In the past, the friction damper in these units did not perform up to snuff or were ineffective and that prompted the TSB.

I do not know whether a DMF is utilized in the R56 6 speed - if it's not, this noise may be considered normal.

With some marques, these noises are considered within the normal operating range for the transmission. However, they should still be checked out to make sure there are no other issues or to build a service history in the case that the noise gets louder, or if other issues do arise.

 

Got my car back today from the dealer...they acted like they didnt understand what I was talking about as far as this noise goes. They had the car for three whole days working on rattles and such...only fixed half of them...and told me I was ready to go. At least I have it documented. I'm starting to lean towards the clutch springs...After playing with it today..it only takes pushing the clutch in maybe 1/2inch to make the sound go away?? It is a faint knocking sound and could be mistaken for the ticking direct injection.... only hear it at idle

 

That is exactly how I would describe it.

 

ditto

 

I listened closely, and didn't hear a thing in neutral. On the other hand, I am getting a grind sound about every 20th time I downshift from 3rd to 2nd at higher RPMS. If it becomes more frequent, into the shop we go (ugh!)

 

I've had the tapping noise in neutral with clutch engaged (pedal out) in my 05 MCS since new. Let the clutch pedal out SLOWLY when in neutral - no noise!!

In the end, none of the multitude of NAM and Mini2 posts on this issue ever gave me a satisfactory answer - normal sound or not? Despite the service bulletin, and some folks replacing flywheel/clutch, the noise sometimes returned.

My MINI has driven perfectly for two years, never a problem, and I'm not letting anyone near my clutch/transmission for a minor "tapping" noise that is only there if I let the clutch pedal out too fast!!

 

Again, there were reports that the replacement part(s) failed also.

My 2003 MCS never had this problem but I heard others that did. That in itself tells me that the sound was not normal. The fact that upon replacement of the flywheel that the noise went away for some people (albeit temporarily) tells me that the sound is probably not normal. The fact that Mini put out a TSB authorizing an expensive repair for people who complained about the noise also indicates that this may be an issue.

Will it hurt your car to leave it be? Well, if it was a light single disk setup, I would hazard that it would probably be OK. However, the R53 setup (and I presume the R56) is a dual mass unit specifically designed to dampen out the noise. Simply put, something is not preforming the way it was designed to. The fact that many people aren't reporting noises means that some component of the dampening system is either faulty or has failed. Who knows what the consequences (long term of that failure may be).

The fact is that if the R56 tranny is the same basic design as the R53 and is also a dual mass unit means that the old problem still exists and there is no adequate fix for it.

Even though the noise was normal for the Evo, it drove me bonkers. I decided I could live with that rattling in a track car with a relatively light flywheel direct from the factory.

I however would not tolerate that noise in a car whose clutch may have been specifically designed not to rattle like a coffee can full of ball bearings.

http://www.murmini.com/articles/2007/04/01/dmf

I recommend the above link tor ead more about the operation of the DMF, the unit specified for the R53 and some issues people have had with it. Pay particular attention to the post where the gentlemen has his DMF replaced, only to have the sounds come back the next day.

 

No noise in neutral with the clutch out.

 

Long story short....the dealer has had my 3week old MCS for over a week fixing a rear main seal that leaked from the factory. Prior to that I didnt have the "tick" sound in neutral. Yesterday, I picked up my car and drove to work and discovered the "tick". The dealer claims that it made the noise after they put it back together, but then it stopped so they gave it back to me. They know it's some sort of issue with the flywheel, but exactly what they dont know. They are to get back to me later today, and I will keep you all posted.

 

had mine looked at last week...the dealer said it is really common..."transmission backlash"..we compared it to another new 07 and it did it also. It has a dual mass unit as the old ones did.... They said they see it in many BMW's as well. I at least have it documented and have backup it something happens. Right now the tranny performs as it should with no problems.

 

update: the dealer has now ordered a new flywheel and will be installing it tomorrow

 

another update: after the dealer replaced the flywheel, it still continued the "tick". they are now replacing the transmission.

 

Welcome to the 2nd tranny club

 

I was there when the tech started it up. DARN!! Ill keep an eye on your baby!

 

Well I don't know if mine fits...but I have a rattle ling sound, not a knocking sound...but the sound is produce when the car is idle,the sound is coming from the engine. Now when I turn off the car and turn back on the rattle sounds is gone. I'm just curious if this type of sound fits with this thread?
Plus I want to know if the tick sound faded for you guys?

 

Mine has the ticking sound when in neutral. When I push the clutch pedal about an inch down the ticking stops. It was loud enough for my wife to hear from outside the car last week.

It doesn't happen all the time... yet. I guess I'll wait until I can reproduce it for sure at the service department.

Trinity & XRay'dit, So what was causing the sound in your case: clutch, flywheel or transmission??

 

They replaced all three, the tranny last, and the sound didn't stop until all three were replaced. so......no one really knows, but probably the tranny.

I do have a new problem though. When they replaced the clutch, they replaced it with a remanufactured clutch.....don't let them do it!!!!
i now have the 3rd to 2nd gear squeal!!!!

 

I only have 600 miles on her so far. I think I'll wait until after the 1200 break-in before taking the car in for this. I still have to have the radio off and the air blower off to hear it after warmed up. Popping the bonnet open allows it to be heard better.

Was yours making the noise hot and cold?

 

it would do it both warm and cold...but more so warm after the tranny oil heated up and thinned a bit.

 

OK, thank. I'll keep an ear open for it. If it gets worse, it's going in for service.

 

hey guys so my car makes the noise after i drive it and stop at stoplights or im in my driveway. im pretty sure its the same noise you guys are talking about(direct injectors) but i just wanted to post a video to make sure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leyhZ1OvLDY can never be too safe