I just bought my '03 MC and I thought it had a tire problem. I took it to a tire shop and they said those were new. I changed the motor mounts and a part that goes on each side that's called control (something) which I don't remember.
The problem is that when I accelerate the car vibrates and when I'm not tuching the gas it runs as smooth as new. When I get to about 35-70mph it is horrible. although, once I get to 80/90mph it calms down, but still vibrates.
Anyone ever heard of this problem? PLEASE HELP ME!!!
OTHERWISE I'M SELLING MY MC!!!!! I LOVE IT BUT I CAN'T STAND IT!

 

Sounds like you need a competent mechanic. I've never found anyone at a tire shop that knew much about cars beyond tires. To start changing motor mounts and other parts w/o first diagnosing and tracking down the problem is also not an effective strategy.

Most people don't want to pay for diagnostics and mechanics wind up swapping parts just to try to fix the situation but that rarely fixes things.

Where are you located? I'm sure a Mini owner in your area can direct you to someone competent.

Its hard to guess from your description but sounds like you either need a good wheel balance or a blown shock or something else altogether.

 

Steering wheel shakes also?

 

Do you have aftermarket wheels? If so have them check the hub centering rings, they may be loose or out of round.

 

sounds like an axle problem. in my experience usually the right side goes bad leading to a vibration when accelerating that goes away as soon as you let off the gas. but diagnosis things via internet is not the best way.

 

Bad CV joint is my guess. When something happens to a CV it manifests it's self as a pretty severe vibration under load. But without being there to test drive it, it's only a guess. But, I'm am in agreement with fullcolapse. It definatly sounds like something wrong with your axle or axle related component.

 

I would go with fullcollapse on this one...as with mine, I have a MCS. It started the vibration after I lowered it and at the same time the check engine light came on, telling me something is wrong..from what I can tell so far, without getting a diagnostic, its the MAP sensor..but won't know till later this week..then i will know 100%..good luck with your vibration..I know it can be annoying..

 

Reply. Have you change the brakes lately? If that is so it may be that your rotors we're not turned in our rough and need to be smooth. This is accomplished by putting it on a machine accolades is straightened out or smooth out or flattens out the grooves in your rotors.what is happening your new brake pads are not adjusting to your old rotors therefore you're getting your vibration.long story short check your rotors if they're rough get them fixed then you'll be riding smoothly again.

 

 

Apparently the search engine still works!

 

My Mini did that when I hit a bump and destroyed an axle. Was smooth as silk until I pressed the gas. A set of Autozone axles fixed the issue for me.

 

Having worked for MINI never heard of any aftermarket axles for an R53 lasting much longer than 20K miles....would not be my first choice unless selling the car..one gets what ya pay for.