Hi all,
I have a 2003 S, manual 6-speed, and I love it. Recently I started hearing what I can only describe as a rushing or running water sound coming from somewhere near the dash. This only happens when I accelerate in first gear, and it only lasts a second or two. I never hear the sound when the car is just idling or in any other gear but first.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

Air in the cooling system causing turbulance ? when it runs thru the heater core

 

Sounds like you need to "burp" the cooling system. Not sure how to do it on the Mini though. I'm sure somebody knows. It's not a big deal but if the air bubble gets near the water pump, the car can overheat.

On my truck, I just park it on a hill with the front higher than the back and open the radiator cap and let it run until a few minutes after it gets up to temp. Usually, that'll get the air bubbles.

 

Back in the early 80's we spent some time in Juneau, Ak. The rain can be measured in feet there! When we would drive our old Jeep up and down the hilles we would often hear water gushing as well as feel it on our feet. My solution was to drill a hole beneith the rear seat floor board, problem solved! When we drove up a hill the water would simply drain out. Sure hope that I never need to do that on our new Mini!