So my '09 manual Cooper S is at the dealer for the third time in an attempt to fix a squeal from the engine. It happens when it drops below idle RPM's so usually if I'm searching for a parking spot or parallel parking (it loves to do it then!). It will only do it after warming up for a good 45 minutes. It's almost always reproducible when turning off the engine. Right before it goes off it goes "sqweeak." The dealer has already replaced the tensioner and wiped some oil from the belts he thought may be causing it. Any thoughts? Another weird thing is I've had two loaner cars a 2010 Clubman and 2010 JustACooper, and both have the engine squeak after warming up and then turning the engine off. Perhaps this aspect is normal, but I find it hard to believe that the rest is. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUMT7eTf8D0

 

Are yoru sure it is not the squirrel is saying let me keep running. LOL

I have never noticed it but will have to listen to see if i get it.

 

Seems like some people over on MINI2 are thinking more along the lines of the water pump. Now, how to convince the dealer? Though I'll keep the squirrel theory in mind.

 

yep - something dragging is causing belt squeal

I had an Audi that had the same problem and it turned out to be a bad air conditioning compressor. Even when it wasn't clutched in it was causing major drag and belt squeal at low rpms.

Dealer never figured it out until the entire compressor failed as a result but I 'lived with' the squeal for nearly 2 years.

 

I'll cast my vote for the water pump. I don't really know though.

 

Ash5, that's my squeal too . Thanks so much for posting the video. My (well, technically my wife's) 2010 MCSa with 1,600 miles just stated making the noise today and I thought I would search here to see what I could find out about it.

That sound is exactly the sound mine makes as is the "squeeeeek" it makes just as the engine slows to a stop on shutdown.

I am going to drive mine for a week or so to see if it changes at all, but I suspect I will be taking it back to the dealer soon.

Let us know what you find out and I will do the same if I get it resolved before you.

 

Appreciate it. Will do. Today was a rainy day here in DC, so poor conditions to reproduce the issue. The SA plans to try a good warm-up tomorrow and see if he can reproduce it then. He heard it when I first brought the car in this third time, but needs to be able to get it going while checking out the engine. I'll let you know.

 

So I got the car back, and as expected, it was the water pump . So far so good, I'll keep you posted if anything changes.

 

=)