Hello- this looks like a great site. My Mini Cooper S is getting on in years (2006) and little and some not so little things are coming up. I heard a clicking sound in the engine compartment and dreaded it might be a piston problem. On closer look, there was a rod-type thing with a loop (ring) at the end hanging down. It actually looks like a small tailgate strut with the rod that goes in and out. This is well down into the engine compartment on the left-side when you are facing the engine. I placed the ring of this strut on a mount that looked like they went together. My question, what is this thing and what does it do? Thanks for any help you can send my way.

 

Welcome to MINI Cooper Forums! Can you post a picture of what you're describing? Is it the grounding strap (image below)? For the ticking noise, is your oil level low? What maintenance have you done on it?