2003 Cooper S, 138K miles. Owned since new.

Let me preface this by saying it's my wife's car and I seldom drive it. I drove it today and noticed a pretty significant vibration on initial startup when the rpms are higher (~1500). As the engine warms and the ECU drops the idle, the vibration goes away. Once the idle is under 1000 rpm, it's as smooth as glass.

Even so, after it's fully warm, I still notice the vibration as I pass through the 1200-1800 rpm range. The engine does pull strongly to redline.

Thoughts? I should mention that the harmonic damper failed a couple of years ago and is fairly new.

 

1. Is the crank pulley fully seated on the crank?

2. How does the engine mount look on the passenger side? If it's collapsed and torn it is failed and needs replaced.

3. Does it happen even when stationary if you rev the car?

4. Is it a vibration of the whole car, or just select components? Many of the early cars had rattles and squeaks & creaks.

5. Long shot, but how does the clutch pedal feel? A heavily worn dual mass flywheel could cause vibrations, but usually they get worse with engine speed not better.

 

1. Yep, I didn't notice this vibration after replacing the pulley a couple years ago.

2. I will need to check this evening. It's probably the original.

3. Yes, in fact it's most noticeable when stationary.

4. I can just describe it as a vibration of the entire car, causing various rattling components.

5. Clutch feels fine.

Thanks for the help. I'll check the mount later.