Good afternoon,

I just did a ton of searching online but I realize that my problem may be that I'm not 100% sure how to search for my problem. I've had my mini for about a month now, and the first couple weeks everything sounded fine. In the last 2 weeks or so, I've noticed a strange noise when I'm running down the road.

The best way I can describe the noise is that sound you get when you turn on a skil saw and when you let go of the button that "ringing/grinding" sound. Or maybe just the sound a grinding wheel makes when it's spinning freely?

It's not a grinding like metal is hitting metal but more of a continuous ring, and my first instinct is that it's some sort of rubbing that is happening on some type of thin metal. I thought maybe the fins in the turbo, or the brakes rubbing, but it definitely speeds up and slows down with the engine, and it seems to go away once the car warms up. It also is much more apparent if I am driving next to something that can reflect the sound, and I primarily hear it from the passenger side.

Any thoughts? I took it to our local mini dealer, but because the car is hot they didn't hear anything and told me it's the injectors. This is not a "diesel" sound so I know they are off on that.

It may be completely normal and I'm just noticing it, but I'd love to hear if anyone has an idea what I can do to check it out? I even tried recording it on my phone but all I can hear is road noise.

Thanks in advance for anything you awesome peeps can share!

 

You you have a sound clip or video ? Is it only when moving ? Just not driving down the road.

I know what you mean when you turn off the electrical saw.

Possible its the friction wheel on the passenger side ? Can you try it again sitting still then listen to the passenger side.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-cooper-s.html

 

Thanks for the response! I did try recording it but you can't really hear it because of road noise in the car and when I put my hand out the window it make wind noise. I primarily only notice it when i'm moving, but I also have noticed that it speeds up and slows down as I speed the engine up and slow it down. That's partially what lead me to think it's only when the turbo was in use?

That link sounds very close, I will check that out as well.


Thanks so much!

BTW it's a 2013 S, in case that matters.

 

Welcome.

Turbo noise comes from the front left and from near the firewall if you have a open filter.

Only when moving , maybe a rock caught in between the rotor and caliper or maybe the brake dust shield bent of something ?

 

Since you're under warranty, I'd take it back to the dealer and let them keep it over night. They should be able to hear the problem in the morning..

 

+1 on AZdart and once you point out a closer location , they should be able to figure it out.

 

Hello everybody im new to this forum page i just bought 2003 mini cooper and when its cold it makes a strange noise kind of how the guy described it once i drive like 10 minutes it goes away, i can only hear in first and second gear third gear very low and nothing after that but once it warms up every gear is fine i know it has nothing to do with brakes i can here it on the driver side by the wheel if anybody can help me out i will post a link of the video thanks

 

Assuming this is an R50 with a Midland, you may be experiencing the death of a Midland, which is fairly common.

You need to get the car on a lift and have it properly inspected, maybe have someone take a look at the trans fluid, usually when they're dying there is a plethora of awesome looking metal shavings and bits in the fluid.