Hello NAM!

I have a 2006 MCS that has recently developed an exhaust leak near the engine that makes my favorite toy sound like a John Deere tractor. Not cool.

I'm having trouble tracking it down, and wondering if this has been a common problem for others here, and if there are any recommended starting places to check for the source of the leak.

When I open the hood, it's so loud, it just sounds like it comes from everywhere.

I did a quick search, but did not notice anything relevant to this problem.

Any suggestions? Is this a common issue?

 

The bad news - it's likely you've got a cracked exhaust manifold.
The good news - Because the catalytic converter is attached MINI warrantees it for 100,000 miles (in CA at least)

 

Oh, wow - I hope you're right! Thanks for the info. I'll have it checked out.

 

You can go to just about any shop and have them do a smoke test which will show where the leak is.

 

I took it to the dealer today to have this checked out. I then found out bad news on top of really bad news.

1 - If the manifold is cracked, that does not qualify for the emissions warranty on the catalytic converter.

2 - It was actually not an exhaust leak afterall, instead, it was a much worse problem: The timing chain guides had disintegrated, leaving my timing chain to flop around and guide pieces to float around the engine. The noise was insanely loud and scary. Estimated repair cost: $2000. I've heard this is a common problem on a 2nd gen Mini, but not the 1st gen. Mine is a 2006 MCS (R53). Why do I always seem to have that one car with the exception?

O U C H.

I love my Mini, but it's starting to seem like it's someone else's turn to repair this thing.