Hey there-
New owner here, trying to get accustomed to the quirks and sounds of my 11 MCS.

Couple of questions:

1. Would you describe the 6spd. as notchy; do you find 1st/2nd to seem to take a bit more effort to get into?
2. With the windows down, is it normal to hear the transmission engage when shifting (never heard this with an auto.)?
3. On startup, do you find that your engine sounds a bit metallic, almost loud like a diesel?

Any help would be great. Just trying to figure if everything is normal.

Thanks,
~kyle~

 

1. Yes it is. It's to prevent an accidental downshift into 3rd i feel.
2. Yes it is. It's physically changing the gears when you shift and the lever arm makes noises, no worries.
3.Not positive on this. Mine is a JCW and i never heard something like this

 

Thanks. 1 & 2 are actually what I was somewhat worried about; 3 I think is normal.

I remember the first time I got into my VW Jetta GLI and heard the distinctive "tick" of the 1.8t - I took it straight to the dealership to confirm that this was normal.

The MCS has already been driven around by mechanics twice with no concerns, so I'd say it's probably just me being overly cautious.


Thanks!

 

The diesel like noise you may be hearing could be something which is commonly known as the cold start clatter....or death rattle. Look it up on the forum, and take it to the dealership to het it fixed.

 

Here's a movie with sound. It was a cold start; hadn't been ran since yesterday. At about the 40 second mark it goes away: http://kyleandliz.info/movies/engine_bay.mov

It doesn't seem to be nearly as bad as the videos here.


Thoughts? And thanks in advance...

 

The 11s make different noises than earlier. Ours will sound funny for the first 10-30s of run time, depending on the weather. There is a document that explains this is normal, SIM 18-01-10.

 

Thanks!

For those interested in the doc, SIM 18-01-10 is here.

 

2011s are not supposed to suffer from the death rattle. MINI has stated since they corrected the problem last year that there should be no more concern other then us with 07-early 2010.

 

I asked the service manager about that startup noise and he said it's the vacuum pump on the turbo. I suppose he's half right.

Maybe I'll forward him that document.

/love this forum for answers to questions the dealership doesn't have.