Hi All,

I picked up an 04 Mini Cooper S 6-speed on Nov. 5th in very good condition. I'm still getting used to it, as it is very different from my last car.(Nissan Altima)
I have noticed I can hear linkage noise and clutch release and engagement sounds while shifting. Not overly loud, but concerning as I do not hear these sounds while driving my wife's VW beetle.
Is this normal?

Thanks for any feedback

 

Also, when the car is idling, there is a knocking noise, but stops when I push the clutch in.

Is my clutch on the way out, or just needs adjustment?

 

How many miles ???
Confused , knocking noise when in idle ?? Car in Neutral ??? Sound goes away when clutch in ???

 

90,000 km (56,000 miles)

Yes, knocking noise when idling in neutral, clutch out. Stops when clutch depressed.

Are Mini's supposed to be kind of hard shifting and noisy? Not buttery smooth?

 

no they are pretty smooth and easy to shift ...
has this had a short shifter installed ???

 

Hey there,

I realize that I am new here but we specialize in gearboxes here. What you have what sounds to me like a throw out bearing going bad, or possibly a bearing internal to the gearbox that is failing. You may wish to check in with BMW, as I know they have seen this problem come up quite a bit.

Hope that this helps,


Erik Johnson
GBox Performance Transaxles
(303) 440-8899 work
(303) 895-4828 cell

 

Thanks for your reply Erik,

I have driven the car almost 5000km now and the noises don't seem to be getting any worse. In fact sometimes the knocking noise isn't even there. Function doesn't seem to be impeded although I've not driven another Cooper S to compare.
I do think I'll take it to BMW before my extended warranty runs out though, and have them assess it.

 

my fan got worse, i had a replacement fan sent to me for free, and replaced it myself, the noise is gone.now... any suggestions on tp fan control utility thresholds and settings? to prolong fan life? next year if/when this happens, i wont be under warranty, and will have to purchase the fan.thanks