I’m in my first Mini, a 2012 CMS4. I really appreciate this site for evaluating issues and have reviewed just about every post searching for a problem I’m having, but haven’t found anything. When I brake hard, especially when braking while simultaneously hitting dips in the pavement or small potholes, I hear what I can only describe as a “twang”. It literally sounds like a piece of metal being plucked like a guitar or a spring vibrating. Before anyone asks, yes I’ve been driving with ABS for well over 10 years and this isn’t ABS. Though to be fair, a couple times this sound has coincided with what feels like the ABS engaging in the brake pedal. My guess is it’s something vibrating in the suspension or shocks as they compresses during a stop (or something like exhaust), but was hoping to hear if others have experienced this before going back to the dealer. The sound comes from the driver’s side, seems mostly front the front but sometimes the rear too.

 

I too am experiencing the identical issue with my 2012 CMS4.
I can almost feel something going on under the brake pedal.

Have you determined the cause?

 

My 2011 does that too. Im having it checked out on wed while annual maint is due. I'll report the finding.

 

Thanks Kimsc321.
Good Luck on wed.
Hopefully it's nothing serious.

 

Hey guys and gals! I asked about our problem to my SA this morning while I was getting my annual maintenance service done. I'm sorry to report but, my SA says that this is normal for Mini vehicles and there is nothing they can do. I guess we just have to take off our feet -gently- transferring to the gas paddle. I trust my dealership (Prestige, NJ), SA and the tech. They are good at what they do so, I'll take it as is........

One thing- if you guys drive manual, ask for the SIM update (SIM 12-2-2011). Now my countryman does not jerk anymore when I let go the clutch between the 1st to second...

 

Thanks for the follow up.
At least I know now that my brakes aren't about to fail.
Strange design though.
I'm due for service in a few months. I bring it up with my guys, but I'm sure I'll get the same answer.

 

I have yet to notice anything like this sound, but I'm in break-in phase and have not used the brakes hard very often. One hypothesis: if it is restricted to ALL4 models, it could be something in the AWD system, when it disconnects drive to the rear wheels suddenly. Most AWD systems will disconnect drive to the rear axle when braking to remove engine braking torque affects which may cause the rear tires to loose traction.

 

DR61 - my countryman is not All4 it's an S.

 

Hi,
Has anyone else had this problem? I just purchased a mini countryman s all4, and I am having the same issue. I am bringing it in, but I have a feeling they are going to tell me that it is normal. I am so upset. I have had mini's ever since they came out, and I have never experienced this with any of them, nor any other cars that I have driven. It is not the normal ABS feel. It is the most God awful sound. It is so upsetting that you pay over $30,000 for a car, and it sounds like a tin can. It sounds like the brakes are going to fall apart.

 

Happens to me once in a while too when going over short quick bumps while braking. Good to know its not just me!

 

Thanks for the response. Like I said, I have had mini's ever since they came out. This is my 4th, but I have to say I find this very upsettng. For a car that costs this much( or any car for that matter) brakes should not do this. I love my mini, and put up with a lot quirky things like not being able to get to the window control when I have a cup in the cup holder, and other silly things, but I feel this is just too much to take. The last mini had the timing chain break at 12,000 miles. I have a BMW 3-series AWD, and have 77,000 miles on it without one problem. I guess I am just venting, but it is really upsetting to me that the quality of these cars has really gone down hill. Does anyone know the email address or phone number to contact Mini and let them know about the brakes. I know it won't make a difference, but at least I can let them know.

 

Hi All,
When I brought my Countryman in for this problem, I was able to reproduce the problem with a tech driving the car. He admitted that this was not "normal". They kept my car for 3 days while they tried to diagnose the problem. Eventually they said that Mini/BMW was aware of the issue and they claim that it is a software problem and that the car was perfectly safe to drive.
Eventually they totally reloaded the car's software and dropped my normal tire pressure to 32psi (I think the factory sets it to 38psi). This somewhat reduced the noise but it's not totally gone.
About once a month I send my dealer an email to see if there has been any progress.
So far nothing.

 

Hi,
I just brought my car in for this problem, and they were also able to reproduce this noise, but then came back and told me my brakes were perfectly fine, and the car was safe. I have since put in a call to Mini, and asked the service manager to send in a report as well. I am very upset that they just keep saying the car is fine, and the noise is normal. How is this normal. I drove my car today, and it made the noise at least 4-times. It is so frustrating that they can't at least admit this is not normal. I have had many cars in my day, and none of them with or without ABS brakes have ever made this noise. This is my 4th Mini, and none of them have ever made this noise.

 

Yes, I have the same problem from the start, not normal what ever they say. I do not think it will cause a safety issue.

 

Mine just started doing this yesterday (~2500 miles). I noticed that it was doing it over bumps, but didn't notice a correlation to braking. I'll try to pay closer attention next time I drive it. Fwiw, it's an All4 w/ automatic, non-sports suspension.

 

i have a 2012 s coupe mine twangs going slowly over speed bumps????

 

This is not a problem...it's normal...it's the ABS kicking in.

 

None of my other cars ABS brakes twang and clank and vibrate for about a 30 seconds after hitting a harsh bump or dip in the road. It is not "normal" in my book. I don't care what Mini says.

 

Hi guys. I'm based in the UK. Bought my second countryman in Sep 2012 - a 1.6 All4 diesel.

This is a known problem to Mini in the UK. After taking my car in 4 times to investigate, they found a technical alert which refers to the same issue. I was shown the alert, which isn't Countryman specific (I think deliberately), and it mentions something about brake related valves overreacting (sorry I can't remember the exact wording). A software update was then processed and this has helped reduce but not eliminate the problem. It now happens on more severe road dips or pot holes, but not moderate ones as before.

They are reluctant to do much more (because maybe it would mean a general recall). I road tested a 2011 All 4 last week and it doesn't have the same issue. Today I am road testing an identical make and year model (built August 2012 All 4 1.6). My guess is that something was changed to the manufacturing process/suppliers in the last 12 months causing the problem.

It's very annoying when you spend so much on a car. Worse still they tell me it's not a fault if it happens to similar models - it's a 'characteristic of the car'.....???? Right, so they built in a rattle deliberately because it's a good and obviously acceptable thing?

 

I've never had this happen in the Countryman but my Clubman does this sometimes. Based on the sound I assumed it was the pedal return spring vibrating and didn't really think much of it.

 

I brought my Countryman in for service because I was getting an indicator that the front pads need replacing(about 4,000 miles early).
Tech said brakes were fine and needed cleaning.
While I was there they installed the latest software.
Problem Solved.
Haven't heard the "twang" since I picked up the car about a month ago.
They told me all along that they believed the problem was software related.
The latest release seems to have fixed this issue.

 

Seems this is getting worse in my '12.. Arghhh it really seems like a problem and not what I would expect from ABS

 

bear in mind that ABS works by pulsing the brakes with a series of high speed valves that adjust brake pressure to each wheel when the system engages. stopping and starting the flow of a fluid like that can have inertial effects on the brake system that would result in vibrations or pulsations.

furthermore, if the brake liines are against something, the vibrations could cause a "twang" as the system activates.

I know mine does this. It starts with a twang and then pulses the brakes until I let off again.

 

I have an appt to "upgrade the software" Tuesday. Hopefully that solves that grinding feel.

 

Any update on the "upgrade"?