Long time lurker, first time poster ;-_)

And of course that's the bad news. The first time you post often or not something's gone wrong.

In my case, my 2005 has started buzzing just underneath and behind the engine (or as close as I can tell without a rack). It's variable; only happens after the engine has gotten warm, and doesn't require the car to be driving or turning.

It doesn't seem to be associated with the compressor as I believe I can hear that coming in and going out, so this one's a mystery.

I'll probably take it to the repair shop regardless, however it's at least a full day commitment for me as it's an hour away. Anything I can do to determine if it's something that needs fixed now, or can wait 2-3 months for my 30k check up?

Thanks!

--jim

 

I'm interested to know what you find out. My wifes car just started making a similar noise recently. I originally thought it was the AC compressor, but it does it without the AC on as well. It happens both at idle and while driving.

 

No luck so far, and it seems to be coming and going. I've got an appointment for something else, I'll ask and see if they have any ideas if it's not reproducing.

 

PS fan?

 

Record it. YouTube it. Post it.

 

are due to the heat shielding back around the exhaust manifold/exhaust systems. As the car ages, a lot of the rubber that holds the engine in place gets worn and you get more movement. When it's doing it, open up the hood and listen to where it's coming from. a piece of rubber hose can help locate it.

Matt

 

I know this is not in the place you are describing but on my friends Cooper S he had a buzzing noise when engine was warm. It turned out to be a hose (I think it was on the right side when looking at the engine and it was up top where you could reach it) that would almost flatten itself when the engine got hot and would produce a buzzing noise. you may check that out. If it is it we used a zip tie to fix it.

 

Lacking car ramps, blocks and lift............

1) Find the 5 amp fuse for your power steering fan, it is inside drivers side kick panel.
2) Turn on car - warm it up until you hear the noise.
3) using your MINI supplied fuse puller, pull the fuse straight out.

If the buzzing noises stop, it means your power steering fan has got some debris inside the fan housing and the bearings are gritty.

It is real easy to remove the fan and housing, ( 1 on scale of 1-5 ) and get this stuff out. It's a real bad design.....

I clean mine out every time at oil change intervals. Had to blow in some high pressure air at the bearings and alot of WD 40 as mine was hanging up, blowing the 5 amp fuses and making buzzing noises....