I own a 2003 Mini Cooper with a manual transmission and it "growls" when the clutch is disengaged. Mini says that it's caused by a "chatter" of internal parts and their GL4 grade gear oil will cure the problem, but my mechanic thinks it may be a bad bearing. Any thoughts....

 

No idea on your problem, but you'd probably get more help in the 1st gen Stock Problems area...seeing how you have a 2003 MC

Hope you find some ideas