2006 mini cooper S 41k miles, Weird helicopter noise on idle it instantly goes away when you press the clutch pedal down but when you release you can hear it sounds like a distant helicopter.

is this normal op? Or is it an input shaft bearing or something? Could it be low trans oil?

 

Best guess is that it is the sound of the OE dual mass flywheel.

 

If it goes away when you depress the clutch pedal, it is often a bad transmission input shaft bearing.

 

Yeah, that's about what I'd say that sounds like. Cursed "non-serviceable" transmissions

 

This is the Getrag 6 speed, correct? From what I’ve read so far, you have the best trans of the bunch.

I’d look at the oil level in the trans, and replace it if you can. Save the old lubricant, it can be tested to see if there are metal particles and what they are. It’s like a blood test, and will tell you for sure if the trans is on it’s way out.

Just search the ‘net for a good lab, or your local parts store might be able to point you in the right direction.

The test would be cheap compared to the cost of R & R of the trans, if it doesn’t need it.

Mini Mania probably has a rebuild kit.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Dan