I've looked at other posts concerning this. I am picking up a stethoscope this weekend. If the car sits idling at a stop light (we have looong lights) the engine starts making a grinding noise. Sometimes it stops after accelerating, sometimes not.

I cannot hear the noise from under the hood, just when I'm inside the car. The car recently had the cylinder head replaced (blew the spark plug out of #2 cylinder twice). New belt, valves and other parts. Same old water pump.

It does sound like a bearing problem, but as mentioned, I cannot hear it under the hood.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my Mini, but it's time to get a new car. Probably won't be a Mini - too many "known" issues, crappy stereo system (Harmon Kardon), parts too expensive (like any Beamer).

I'm curious as to what that grinding noise could possible be if I can hear it while in the car, but not hear it under the hood.

 

Check belt tensioner and supercharger