Hi all,

I have a 2013 JCW Countryman (Auto) with roughly 4000 kms on the clock. The JCW is going great so far.

I do have one question/ concern that I am hoping some one can help me with.

The problem:

I occasionally notice that when I let off the throttle from an average cruising speed, I hear what can only be described as a 'fluttering' sound for about 5 seconds. When I first heard it I thought it was the BOV/recirc valve releasing pressure, but when listening to videos online of other Minis, they seem to have the typical "Pssshhh" sound. Mine sounds very electronic if that makes sense.

The sound only ever happens with I let off the throttle, never under acceleration or during gear changes.

Does anyone else have a similar sound or am I the only one? Ill try to get a video clip if that would help.

Thanks in advance.

 

Are you sure you're not just hearing the much beloved exhaust burble on decel ?

 

it's turbo flutter. it's common on tubro cars. it's caused by back pressure inside the turbo after the throttle is closed. get a bov, it will get rid of the noise, which is a good thing as turbo flutter can cause premature failure of the turbo because the air is forced back through the blades and wears out the bearings.

 

if the JCW already has a blowoff valve, it may be defective.

 

Haha no this is definitely the engine. The exhaust burble is fantastic and it makes a completely different sound.

That is what I am thinking it may be. It goes away the second I touch the throttle, hence it has to be related to back pressure caused by the turbo.

Ill look into a replacement BOV.

Seeing as the car has a turbo, it has a stock BOV / recirc valve. I've heard a lot of cars with turbos but this just sounds weird.

Thanks for the help guys, if anyone else has any thoughts or comments please keep them coming.

 

The exhaust burble is idiotic and I wish I could get rid of it but the flutter IS the BoV and usually only happens to me letting off while under a light turbo load.

 

Thanks for the help guys. As you said Melangell it typically happens after letting off under light turbo load.

Would changing the BOV to say a Forge or Alta unit stop this flutter? It does not sound very nice.

 

No prob. At MotD, about 5 months after I picked up my Mini, I had the Forge installed. It made the problem even worse!. I was told that maybe I should try going to the harder spring included but since I had done little engine upgrades and no tune, I just went back to my factory diverter valve.

 

Wow! I won't be doing that then...

 

My JCW definitely does not do this. Sounds like a trip to the dealer is in order. Make sure they ride along with you so you can duplicate the sound for them.