I've had my mini for a couple of months now - 1800 miles, and I've noticed a click, click, clacking sound coming from the driver's side. It's noticable with the window rolled down and especially when driving next to a wall or curb, where the sound can reflect and come back to you. At first I thought it might be coming from the wheels, almost as if a branch or something was stuck in there, but nothing. Now I'm thinking it could be from the drivetrain or in the engine, because I hear it when the car is sitting, idling as well.

Coincidently (or not), I just changed my oil, without any incident. I used Mobil 1, 0W-40 European, and the car seems to be running fine otherwise. Anyone have any thoughts or similar experience?

I need to take my car in, but I'm waiting for Mini of Mountain View's service department to open up again. East Bay Mini is just too far away from me.

Thanks,
Tony

 

If it's Click and Clack, you must be listening to Car Talk on NPR.

 

A ticking sound from the engine is normal. The car has bigger injectors or something that causes this. take it in to the dealer and have it checked out just to be sure.

 

Hi tonyro.

See if this discussion helps:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=146414

Chinq6t even posted a video of the engine noises. Mine was the same but without the higher pitched whistling.

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t=DSCF0376.flv

I may be stating the obvious but if it's happening when you're not moving you can rule out transmission, clutch (?), wheels, brakes, etc. Can you get a better idea with the hood open?

Check the water pump area (passenger side of the engine in the middle).

 

I noticed this sound as well one day and it did seem to be coming from the wheel/underbody, rather than the drivetrain, and it was gone the next day so I too suspected some debris. I'll see about investigating it if it does come back.

 

I drove a loaner R56 with less than 10K miles & it made the same noise...

 

Just wanted to follow up - the noises have mysteriously gone away

I'll still mention it to the service guy/gal when I take my car in. Sounds like others have experienced similar sounds. Maybe there's actually something going on deep in there somewhere?

Anyway, thanks for the responses, all.

Tony