Okay, so I've narrowed down my oscillating whine to the power steering. When I turn the wheel at idle, it gets much louder.

Now I just called my dealer to set up a service appointment for that and a couple other problems, and they said it's "normal" and there is nothing you can do about it. And yet for something that's normal I've never noticed it before last night. It sounds like a siren when you really turn the wheel.

Is this the experience the rest of you have?

 

Have you checked the power steering fluid level?

 

Yep, it's normal, and seems to be most noticable with the windows down while maneuvering about in parking spaces, next to other cars or other objects which reflect the sound back towards the open windows. Nothing to be worried about, and is one of the 'idiosyncrasies' of the MINI.

Those with manual transmissions can have some fun by 'stalling' the engine, which leaves the power steering running. The only sound you will hear is the electric motor. You can convince people that the car is indeed electric!

 

gotta love the power steering whine Perfectly normal.

Fortunately once you get going it's drowned out by the other symphony of sounds this car is know for: creeks, squeeks, rattles, not to mention the supercharger whine (S), whaling aftermarket exhaust (stock is nice too) and tires squeeling.


click pic for better view :D
His, Chile RED over, Madness intake, Magnaflow exhaust, Helix 15% Pulley & RDR Swaybar
Hers, Electric Blue / Union Jack on top and BONE Stock

 

okay, thanks for putting my mind at ease guys. I don't know why I never noticed it before..it's annoying, mostly so because sitting in traffic the pitch modulation (the pitch varies as much as an octave) makes it sound like a far-off ambulance is approaching. I guess I just need to find more deserted roads, which is not easy in LA.

 

i was told that the electric motor is separate as not to take power away from anything else. (not by an expert, just another mini owner) i wondered about the sound also but it is definitely normal

 

The sound is normal on all MINIs excpt in the BRG jobs... with the BRG jobs the whine means you are about to experience total slowness for three days....then it goes away and your car is back to its slow normal self.....so don't be buying a BRG job.....