I just test drove a 2002 MCS, and had a blast. Took the thing out for about half an hour, and was contemplating keeping it until the owner called the cops on me.

I didn't find anything wrong with the car at all. The engine sounded good, it shifted cleanly, the throttle was good, and the clutch engaged well. There were a few minor rattles, but nothing that you can't expect from a 4-5 year old car. What I did noticed tho, I opened the hood and turned the wheel to listen to the power steering pump. It did have a tiny whine, but nothing that I could hear from inside the car, even with the window open. Is this normal?

Also, does the supercharger whine ever so slightly at idle?

 

Yes, its the hydraulic power steering pump whining.

The supercharger is silent at idle even with a CAI.

 

yes, the power steering does whine under normal operation

 

So, what are some signs of a failing supercharger? I've heard that, at least the earlier minis anyway, are sometimes prone to saupercharger failure. Is it something I should be worried about on a 2002 with 45k on it?

 

I haven't heard anything of early SC's being prone to failure. The later models have a new generation SC so it seals a little better but shouldn't have anything to do with failure. I'd expect them all to last in the 150k+ mile range if not driven too hard.

 

The "tiny whine" was coming from you, when the hoods open the sound is reflected back at you.
You probably were whining because you had to give back the most fun car on the road!

 

Mine had a bit of a whine as well. Also, some of the '02's did have a problem with the head gasket that would fail. You might ask if this was replaced already.

 

check to make sure you dont hear any clicking noise from the tranny while idle.

 

Truer words were never spoken.

 

Head gasket on the steering pump?
Were, or are, steering pumps being replaced on warranty for 2002s?

I have a 2002 and the steering pump is really obnoxious in volume.

Paul

 

Nope no gaskets at least head gaskets on the PS motor and you're right Paul, the 02 motors are very loud. Mine failed at 97k and I replaced it with one of the OEM reman's and the sound level change is almost deafening.


A tiny whine? No it's not normal for an 02, my sounded like a transformer going through the change, sort of speak. The pump might have been changed as mentioned above. Get the VIN and call the "local" dealer, they should be able to help with the car's history.

Got a bunch of friends driving 02's and early 03's and the only recurring faults are the windshield being a POS, rear hatch rattle, Coolant tank seeping at seams, PVC valve recall, uneven rear brake pad wear and the clutch cable and door handles freezing (both have been addressed), but I haven't heard of any head gasket issues.

I'll be rolling through 120k on the way home tonight and I still grin a little hitting the back road curves!

Good luck with the decision Aeromax

 

I've made my decision, and I will be buying the car. I figure a power steering pump isn't too major, and I can probably fix it myself if it fails.

 

Congrats! And yes the repair is easy, 4 bolts, one hose clamp and 2 elec connections. Special fluid is required (Pentosin CHF 11S, Hydraulic fluid really) so don't buy the normal stuff if needed. Pumps a little high at approx $300, but it's a 2 wrencher on a 10 wrench scale.

Enjoy

 

Electric power steering (yes, electric) from the factory. Prolly not a problem. Scared my friends and my old man because of that sound. "You paid how much and the power steering is bad!?".

 

Electrohydraulic system: electric motor runs the hydraulic pump.

hemiheaded - got a model number for those American Racing wheels? I'd be interested in seeing a set

 

My 2006 whines. Totally normal. It's much quieter than my S10 was, although much higher pitched.

 

My 2006 also is a whiner. Once in the car & driving you can't here it. A great mechanic told me " hey they all do that".

 

It's the Silverstone, AR-40 or AR-40T. By the way, the Cooper and Cooper S are listed as models under BMW, not MINI.


http://www.americanracing.com/appgui...yle=40&id=1119

 

Thanks!

HighJack time




Off to do a little price checking vs the Panasports.

 

O only get on here once or twice a week, so its a little hard to reply quickly. But, there is one thing to say about those wheels. OOOH, YEAH!