well, i've had my mcs for a week, and i'm starting to notice some 'things'...

1. lots of rattling and creaking noises from the dash and door panels (with and without the h-k stereo on). very annoying.

2. the shifter doesn't seem to be as smooth going from first to second gear.
there's no grinding, or anything like that, but it seems like it needs a little persuasion while shifting.

my mcs is bone stock. i live in nj, and the temp. is in the mid-high 30s right now. could the cold weather be contributing to this weirdness??

any thoughts, clues, or suggestions?

thanks.

brian

 

Tough to say. My 04 MC has leather and it seems leather doesn't dampen the sound the way cloth does. I've driven demos (cloth) when mine is in for service and they seem to be quieter.

I do think the cold weather causes the metal and plastic to contract and squeaks and noises are a little more obvious then.

If yours is very new, there may be noises that come and go while it breaks in. I would just keep track of them and have the service dept check them out when you bring it in.

I know what you mean though - it seems like the mini gives the driver a very clear sense of what is going on with the car. It doesn't "isolate" the driver like most cars. You feel every little engine tweak, you hear all the changes in noise and sounds. Maybe it has to do with the size of the car, but I think it more the design. Not to say its a poor design, just not a passive, quiet, ho hum pampering type of car. It is more raw and agressive - like a sports car. IMO.

:smile:
P.S. I put a Rogue exhaust on and now I don't too many squeaks (or even the radio) anymore

 

Melvyn,

Where in New Jersey do you live? Which dealer did you purchase from? I'm in Matawan and will buy a Mini in about 17 months... can't wait.. (but I do hate rattles and such)

Regards, Glenn :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

hey glenn,
i'm in south jersey. 10 minutes from phila.
i purchased mine from 'mini of the main line' in bala cynwood, pa.
they were the closest dealer. i did also check out princeton mini, which is a really beautiful dealership, but main line seemed a bit more relaxed, and seemed to offer better customer service overall. not that princeton did a bad job, because they were good, too. good luck to you when you get yours.

peace,
melvyn

 

hahaha.

 

Hi Melvyn,

I also purchased an 05 Mini from Mini of Main Line thru a broker. I haven't had any mechanical problems yet, but I do have a few rattles in the dash over the speedo, kinda like a wrench was left in there. It is bad sometimes and other times it doesn't make any noise at all. I am waiting to bring it in for my first service to get it corrected. Also, I did go up to Helix and got a 15% pulley and cold air intake. It makes a noticable difference. Eric does great work and is very knowledgeable about these cars.
Chuck

 

My '04 MCS gearbox was a little balky for the first 2,000 miles or so. It does "wear-in" and become smooth; except reverse--that is purposely somewhat difficult to engage! Also, there is also some "wear-in" on the driver's part as well. After 15,000 miles, I love the gearbox and my acquired "muscle memory" for it makes gear changes effortless!

The squeeks and creaks probably should be given a little time. I remember several squeaks from the dash; one to the left of the steering column and creak in the dash by the passenger's airbag panel. They both went away after a month or so.

As far as the DSC goes, phone the dealer and let them know about the issue right away. Get it "on the record". One of the sensor systems used by DSC is the ABS wheel speed sensor system. There is a possibility that the constant "on" condition may point to a faulty wheel speed sensor (or a mis-interpretation by the DSC system). Best bet: talk to the dealer...and make sure you can duplicate the problem at will.

Congratulations and Welcome!

Theo