Hi all,

I'm getting a popping, kind of backfire, putt-putting sound sometimes when in 2nd gear. The engine has it's wonderful purr/roar, and then, "pop...burrburrburr" This only seems to happen in 2nd gear, maybe sometimes in 1st gear. I have a 2006 MCSc with 35,000 miles on it. It's new to me, so I don't know about mods, etc.

I just brought it to the dealer for a "check up" since I have a couple of months left on the warranty, and they said not to worry, it's the "fun sound" MINI apparently teaches their SA on a teaching video about this "fun sound" and it's completely normal.

it is kind of fun actually, but does something need to be adjusted? The car sat for almost a year I think with little/no driving.

 

Sounds like you've got the MCS burble. It's more noticeable on 05-06 MCS than 02-04's. My '04 will do it almost anytime it's revved up beyond 3000rpm. As the engine slows down from its revved up state, it will burble a little bit.

Check out youtube, lots of people (including myself) have posted vids of their MCS burbling.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AKJeeper

 

As the saying goes, "it's not a bug, it's a feature". This is actually programmed into the ECU to create the sound that classic Mini Coopers were famous for. SOme dont like the sound, some love it.

 

Now thats interesting. I think ill love it even more now.

 

Thanks for the info...how interesting! GreatBear, they actually program this? Why is it only 2nd gear then? I'll make a point to notice the RPMs when the "fun sound begins". So cool. Those engineers must have a lot of fun!

 

You should hear the 09 JCW -- I actually think it does backfire. The exhaust note is great on our cars....

 

That's just the sound of your MINI grumbling because you asked it to slow down...
6^)