Just bought this '03 MCS with 107k on the clock from an older gentleman. Garage kept, always serviced on time, full records of every single thing ever done to it (including about $6,000 worth of preventative and common issue work), all done at the same shop. Got it for $8,300.

I didn't notice this sound when I purchased the car, but have begun to notice it. Does this hot or cold, some times alternates in pitch or frequency.

Here is a link to the video on dropbox.com.

 

sounds like the belt. spray it with something water soluble- if the noise changes, its the belt or possibly some debris stuck on one of the pullies.

OR

is the metal tab inside the spring on the tensioner still in tact? it should be attached to the tensioner and not moving. if its detached- its not going to affect driveability but it will affect your wallet

 

Oi. So that doesn't sound like my supercharger going out to you?

 

not really. they typically make a much different noise when they go out. I'd be willing to bet theres either some gunk on the idler or tensioner pulley or the belt is just had enough. did you try my advice?

 

Was putting on some front mud flaps earlier, and I think I may have found the source of that noise:


That stabilizer strut is obviously leaking, and probably not working well, or at all. Any advice? Quick search makes it seem like it's a hard part to get ahold of by itself without replacing the entire tensioner.

 

Found this yet to be posted link on our site's data base: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-damper.html. Hope it helps.

 

Just to let you know that almost all of these cars have a bit of a rattle. I have a 2003 with 40k on it and it has made a rattle since almost new. Every Mini S of that age I've ever been around makes that rattle. I don't hear it anymore unless someone points it out.

 

I'd have to respectfully disagree with the above diagnoses and remedies. The most common source of a rattling sound in the belt train is either the tensioner or the idler pulley. You can CAREFULLY use a stethoscope or equivalent (prybar, long screwdriver, etc) to localize the noise. It is clear that your tensioner dampener is shot, and it needs replacement, so maybe you'll get lucky and have it turn out that it's your tensioner bearing that's making the noise, and fix both in one shot.

If you're unlucky, you'll discover with your stethoscope that the noise is coming from your supercharger, but that's a post for another day.

A well-maintained R53 should run without rattles. Good luck.

 

While I agree with your next steps, we still don't know the condition of the belt as he has not yet reported on it.

Furthermore, all of these parts will "make noise." what you're listening for when using this method is a gritty, uneven rhythm caused by a failed bearing.