Has anyone come across this: After the engine is started and a few seconds after take off in 1st gear, a short (about 1 second) grinding noise is audible and can also be felt in the clutch pedal. This does not occur everytime in 1st gear, but only after the engine has been restarted. Any suggestions where to start looking?

Also, the driver's seat (sports seat version) squeeks and the backrest has a loose spring. Is this easily fixable?

Any comments would be welcome. I talked to the local Mini service centre, but they don't seem to have an answer either.

 

I do not think is the first gear or a problem, check the manual about the ABS self check, that is done avery time you start your car and you will feel it more in the brake pedal.

 

Yes, if you feel it happening at about 12 mph, then the ABS system is going a self-test.

 

Yeh, I have also noticed that noise but don't have a clue what it is?!!

 

Alright folks, had it back in the workshop and it was confirmed that the noise is definitely the selfcheck of the ABS system. Interesting that it is reasonably loud though. I never notive it with my BMW. Still sounds a excessively loud to me, but hey, maybe it's sporty ! In terms of the seat, The dealer has fixed the squeek and inserted an extra hardfoam layer in the backrest. Feels good now.