Has anybody experience this before: A new noise has developed @ 68,000 mls / 110,000km. At around 800-900rpm, there is a brief creaking noise (maybe even like a groaning noise?) when the engine is under load at low RPM, just off idle. Often heard when starting from a standstill in first gear, but possible to reproduce if I drive really slowly in a higher gear, say 6th. [I don't drive around at 900rpm lugging the engine - this is just to reproduce the new noises I hear... and as far as I know, my driving style/manual tranny style has not changed].

It seems to me that when the engine is probably physically moving around a lot at a lower frequency, if that makes any sense, it makes the noise. The noise is not present at idle, or at any higher RPM. If the car happens to be coasting along or under light load at low RPM, the noise is not present.

Weirdly, I found the ECM cover on the driver's side of the engine bay was cracked and loose - must have recently happened. I temporarily repaired the cover with gaffer tape and re-installed, but it was not the source of the noise.

Is this perhaps a sign that the engine mounts are wearing out? Any other suggestions to keep in mind when a mechanic takes a look?

 

Maybe rear main seal leaking and you're getting some oil on the flywheel? Just a guess - assuming its a manual.

 

Thank you. Would that kind of an oil leak be visible from below the car around transmission? I do have to regularly add oil, but the oil usage has been that way for years - and within what MINI consider "normal" oil usage.

I had a new clutch installed early last year. The flywheel was inspected and reused. Pretty sure a new rear main seal was not installed. Seems like checking that seal would require separating the engine and clutch?

EDIT: Checked under car and entire tranny area is completely dry from below side.