I have been looking for a pre-owned 07-09 MCS lately, and in each and every one, when I grab the handle to close the door from the inside, the entire panel (including the handle) squeaks like cheap, thin plastic. This is on both doors! I have looked at brand new models and they are not squeaking like this. Is this something that happens to every mini over time, or model year specific; or just some yes, and some no?
aaron

 

i notice this when I got my 2009...

 

Yes, this has been a pet peeve of mine from day one with my R56. Mini/BMW try to ensure that all the parts and pieces we often put our hands on (steering wheel, shifter, door handle) are all made of high quality soft material. I think the door interior handle panel is a huge fail and should have been fixed on the 2011 update.
New, the handle feels somewhat solid with no creeks. But over time, heating up and cooling down of the interior plays hell on this cheap plastic.

 

Problem since day one on my 2010...

 

I have no squeaks or rattles anywhere, the door panels and handles on mine are just fine.

Dave

 

Mine are pretty squeaky as well, they got that way shortly after I took delivery. Asked the dealer about it and they just said that's the way they are unfortunately .. they tightened it up when I was there last but it didn't take long for them to go back to the way they were. I've just gotten used to the squeak. The one thing I HAVEN'T gotten used to is the damned door lock ***** rattling in their little openings on the door panels!

 

If you take your car to the dealership, they actually have a service manual devoted to squeeks and rattles.

Most of the cures rely on using felt strips placed between different parts.

Mark

 

My 2007 does it too, but every vehicle ive owned eventually develops rattles, creeks, pops or any other sound besides quiet. Its a fact of 100's of plastic pieces bolted together. Plastic swells and shrinks with temperature and parts wiggle to a certain extent. Doesnt mean its a design flaw. Every car has rattles.
Felt tape is the best thing to use. I havent worried about it because i plan on tracking down the rattles when the weather gets cooler with some felt tape.

 

I had a similar issue with my 2010, removed the panel and tightend the mounting screws and no more squeaks.

 

Hey!

Haha, you must have read my mind. I bought my car used but I noticed the same issue where the handles on the doors have a creaking to them. I haven't posted anything about it because...well I've been too busy customizing and enjoying

Yes, it's annoying but I don't carry passengers often and I just pull the handle furthest to the edge of the door. When I was in the dealership I pulled the handle on one of the new MINIs and they were solid...oohhh well. I'm OCD about things but I'm trying to over come some of the small irritations because in all honesty the car is sooo fun to drive and has been a gem to own.

 

mine were never loose but i had little squeaks, tightened the panel and they were resolved. just gotta narrow the sounds down.