Hello! First post here - and first time Mini owner. So far, it's been an adventure in money-spending, and I haven't even owned it a week but it's also a blast to drive, of course.

I thought I would ask here, amongst potential experts - I've noticed a metallic hissing or almost whining sound (sounds almost like a combo of a supercharger & turbo) that only happens when in gear and moving - more hissing than whining, to be sure. Wondering if anyone else has had this and if so if they know what it is/if it is something that needs attention or is just a noise. Asking because I bought this in large part so that I could drive myself to northern Wisconsin to help my family with something important (was carless for a brief period), and I need to be able to do that this coming weekend.

I had a shop do a "thorough" pre-purchase inspection, and I had heard this sound beforehand (but forgot to mention it) - and they did not mention it at all. I asked several times if there was anything else they thought to be wrong and they said no.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Take it back to the shop that did the inspection, and or post a video.

 

Diagnosis of a noise over the internet is the worst. Your description is too vague, also. When does it make the noise? Is it repeatable? Where is it coming from? Can you post a video?

 

Check the friction wheel's bearing by manually lifting it from the crank pulley.

In case the friction wheel is the culprit: I wouldn't worry too much about it, if it still turns easily and smoothly and the noise hasn't gotten distinctively worse lately. I changed mine (for a different reason) and the new one sounds similar to the old one (albeit a bit lower in volume).

Try to place load on the bearing when testing the friction wheel, many worn out bearings still turn smoothly without load.

Here's the first of three videos of my car. The first video is with the factory friction wheel assembly (ignore the clacking noise), the second and third ones are with the replacement (factory fitted and replacement are both made by DAYCO).