Hey guys.

Just wanted to preface what I say with a general statement that I am not knowledgable in cars, but am eager to learn. You may say something and my head may spin but gimme some patience.

I just bought a beautiful 08 S before Christmas (non-dealer). The car ran great. The first thing I noticed about the car was the loud purring of the engine and the "wub wub wub" sound it would make. The car was bought with an intake and custom exhaust, and a turbo car was a serious upgrade from my Altima.

The car, when driving, was so loud it always drowned out the radio and conversation in general.

I brought the car to my closest Mini dealer for a general oil change and inspection. I got the oil changed and one and a half recalls done: the turbo heat shield and the tensioner. I'm going back on Wednesday to have the chain replaced, which the dealer recommended. I didn't do it the same day because it would take 5 hrs and I'm a full time college student.

Ever since that day I noticed a drastic change in the exhaust note. It sounds like a "normal" car during acceleration and idle. The car almost doesn't feel like, or sound like, it wants to be driven. Im confused what it could be and how in just a few days and a routine visit the car could feel so different. Literally night and day.

The car only has 18k miles on it.

Any ideas what could have changed? It has been cold in Jersey but the last time I drove the car and remember how it used to sound was New Year's Eve and it was cold then too.

I appreciate any insight. Thanks!

 

I could be way off but maybe the dealership updated your ECU which may be causing the difference in exhaust note?

Sent from cellular device.

 

Ask the dealer exactly what they did. There may have been an exhaust leak that they fixed for you, for instance.