This is my first Mini and first turbo charged car and I am not sure if the exhaust note is correct and normal or I should take in for service. If I drive the car very conservative all is quiet however once I start to push the car and bring the revs up I notice a series of backfire as I let off on the accelerator. Although this sounds kind of racey I am not sure this is the exhaust not the Mini S Hatchback is suppose to be making. Any opinions or suggestions would be helpful since the dealership is not around the corner.

 

Do a search for pop and burble. That is normal on these cars. At one point mini took this out of the stock tune and lots of people complained so they put it back.

 

Yes, I guess that is a good way to describe the exhaust note, and I do like it, just wanted to make sure this was a correct sound. Thanks so much.

 

Taking the opportunity, since when BMW put this mini feature back? Mine is a S 2010 and don't has this feature, dealer says they don't know how to turn it on, and inform that is related to software version that they don't have.
Thanks in advance

 

They brought it back for 2011.

 

My Mini is a 2012 "S" so I guess they have decided to keep it. Just out of curiosity does this also occur on the non-turbo models?

 

Nope

 

I love the "pop and burble". It sounds very cool and always brings a smile to my face. I try to make it happen as often as possible.

 

Try this: gun it for a short burst and let off the throttle as you're going under an overpass.

Without the resonator, it's even sweeter.

 

Ha or any downpipe. Pops every single shift hard accelerating or not.

 

Use your sport mode and enjoy the pops and crackles. Love how it echoes in tunnels and buildings.

 

Yep totally normal for a 2011 and 2012. This is one thing I will miss when I trade my 2011 in this week...

 

Here is my JCW. It is more pronounced than an S, but this is what Pop & Burble is all about.

 

. Anyone notice that while popping and burbling, the car doesn't engine brake as well as when done with the noises?
The only 'problem' with an otherwise great add on for the '11s and '12s...
Eric