I picked up my 2012 MCS about 6 weeks ago and have been loving the drive. My wife mentioned that the engine sounds loud, compared to my old Volvo S40. She said it is particularly noticeable when I first start it. I don't notice the sound while in the car, so I had her start it for me and I believe what she is hearing is Mini's unique engine sound....almost diesel like.


while standing behind it though, I noticed a lot more steam / moisture coming from the exhaust. Is this normal for a MCS? OR does she have me a bit paranoid now?

 

it's not a mini unique sound... it's direct injection and we'll all be hearing more of it as the technology continues to find its way into more and more cars.

When the mini first starts up, and it's cold, a valve opens up and air is diverted, just think like a "choke"... this makes it a little noisier at first too.

when warming up the water vapor coming from the pipe is normal. it will go away when the exhaust system warms up.

you're fine.

 

Thanks for the information. I can shelve my paranoia for a while and enjoy the drive!

 

as someone who does the same, i'm glad to help!


now someone needs to take care of my paranoias heheh

 

You may get less steam and moisture from the exhaust of you stay away from fuel with ethanol in it. I only use ethanol free premium and don't notice any water coming from the exhaust in the summer months.

 

Direct injection is noisier, I get that. Especially on a cold start on my 2011 MCS with 23k on the clock. My car is in the local MINI shop for any warranty/recall issues right now, and I mentioned the cold-start "diesel-like" noise to my SA. He said "normal. direct injection noise". Well, the 2013 MCS loaner car they gave me has under 6k on the clock, and it does not sound anywhere near as loud as my 11 does on cold starts. The loaner is an auto (which I have come to HATE), and mine is a 6-speed manual. Engines should be the same, right? Does the direct injection get louder with age/miles, or is my SA blowing smoke up my butt? Is this instead another timing chain and/or tensioner/guide issue to be exposed at some later point in time with the N18 engine? I did buy an extended warranty, so, yeah...hoping that will help if some catastrophic things happen to my 11 N18. Can anyone confirm or deny the direct injection getting louder with age/miles?

 

is this only when it's cold? my 2013 is loud at cold startup as the wastegate stays open.. the "valve" i speak of in the previous post. It makes a bit of noise until it closes up for normal operation

 

It only occurred during cold startup, after sitting overnight. Lasted 30 seconds, maybe a bit more. The 2013 S auto did not sound anything like mine did...it was much quieter. But...my dealer replaced my main water pump and my leaking oil pump solenoid and the oil-soaked wiring harness under warranty. She actually sounds a LOT quiter now on cold starts. Maybe one of these two items was the culprit?

MINI of Escondido also replaced all of the "little" stuff I noted, such as the lower steering wheel spoke for flaking paint, the steering wheel and DSC OFF control buttons for discoloration, the door sill plates for warping, and the chrome trim on the front bumper for poor attachment. They replaced the right side fuel sender because it was reading improperly (had shown 1/2 tank, and she took 10 gallons to fill!). They also replaced my right door handle assembly for failing to unlock the door on the first pull. All at ZERO COST, and I got to drive a loaner 2013 MCS auto for FREE for 6 days/500 miles! Geez, you just CANNOT find that kind of service anymore! Or, maybe this is common with MINI dealers? I have no idea. This is the newest car I have ever owned, and the first time I have ever had ANYTHING with a warranty that was so meticulously addressed!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I bought this MINI USED, at a BMW dealer 20+ miles away from Escondido!

Anyways, kudos to MINI of Escondido, and my SA, Brandon Martinez! A CLASS ACT, all the way!