Good morning fellow MINIacs.

I had my 03 MCS in for some issues that needed sorting out, and thought I'd post an update.

I have a Dec 02 build 2003 MCS, since Jan of 03 I have logged about 22k miles. First service was done as scheduled at 12k mi.

Recently I brought my MINI to Momentum MINI in Houston to have them look at these issues:

1) Clacking noises from the tranny. This noise had first appeared at around 2.5 to 3k miles, and is a clacking audible at idling (clackety-clackety-clack...) that disappears when the clutch is depressed, typical signs of a problematic throwout bearing. At two dealers (first NW MINI in Tacoma, WA, and then Momentum), this was noticed and identified as a throwout bearing, but both times I was told that Getrags are inherently noisy, and to just keep an ear on it to see if it gets worse.
Well, it slowly got worse, so I made another appt. at Momentum, and they replaced the throwout bearing. BTW, two cars of friends of mine were being worked on at the same time for the same issue.
The clacking noise has disappeared, problem solved, thank you Momentum!

2) AC howl:
this has been posted before:
AC howling thread on MCO
basically, there is a pronounced howling sound at 3-3.5k rpm ONLY when the AC compressor is on. In my car this is associated with stronger vibrations from the engine. This was not present when I first got the car, it only started some time around 10-12k miles.
At a previous service visit I had pointed this noise out to the mechanic, who on a test drive noticed the howl as well. Then they only hooked up the computer, found no fault code and took no action. This time they promised to look into it.
The service report states that they replaced a hose that was collapsing, and that the problem was fixed.
Unfortunately, it is not fixed. The hose that was replaced was the right angle rubber hose piece to the PCV valve. This has been posted before by others, apparently the oil vapors affect the rubber, it becomes soft and the rubber collapses. However, this appears unrelated to AC operations, and it did not fix the howl. The howl is still there, and if anything is getting a bit more pronounced and now is apparent at lower rpms as well.
Will have to continue to attempt to sort this out.

3) Steering column popping.
The dealer told me that they had noticed the popping column on several other cars as well, but I was the first customer to bring it up and ask them to investigate.
Well, when they had the car they were unable to replicate the problem. They still took the column apart, cleaned, greased, and reassembled, and....
the popping is still there. It is becoming more frequent (it only appeared at about 20k mi), and I will have to take it in again at some point to have this sorted out. I will wait a bit more though until it is very apparent. This popping issue has also been reported by others.

The dealer also took the sunroof apart and greased it well to solve several squeaking and rattling issues with the roof, all of which are fixed. They also fixed a very annoying rear rattle, which apparently was a missing screw in a side panel.

My car was in the shop for 2 weeks, and I had a rental (the Dodge Neon Anti-MINI) for the time. Excellent service from Momentum MINIr, even though not all problems are fixed yet, but they tried hard and I appreciate that! Thank you Momentum MINI.


I will keep y'all posted on how work on these issues progresses.

I also want to point out that while I have had several issues with my MCS, they are being worked on, and I am positive we can sort them out. None of them have kept me from being able to drive my car, and it is still by far the most fun car I have ever driven. After 2 weeks in a rental, I could not wait to get back into my MINI, and it was almost as much of a revelation to step back inside and motor in Celeste, as the first test drive had been.

Motor on!
Markus

 

The "popping" or "Creaking" steering column problem is a well known issue among MINI dealers. The great majority of 2002 and some early 2003's will experience a condition known as "Failed bearings" in the upper steering column. The Rotary Coupler part (Which allows all the cables for the MSFW and airbag to be routed inside of the steering column assembly so you can freely turn the wheel) also collapses, causing a "creaking" sound that can be heard and gelt thru the steering wheel every 1/4 of a turn on either direction. These creaks are most often heard and felt at low speed parking situations.

Lubricating or greasing the upper steering column WILL NOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS. The only remedy is for the dealer to replace the entire steering column assembly (Upper and lower sections). There is a new and redesigned steering column part that cures and prevents the failed bearings and does not creak (It has improved steering feel also over the original factory column). Since the new upper steering column section is not backwards compatible with the older lower steering column and there fore the entire steering column needs to be replaced.

Assuming that your dealer has the entire steering column replacement part in stock, this should take the dealer 2 to 3 hours to properly replace and install.

Get it done, because this is a warranty covered defect. the new steering column feels fantastic. If your dealer is still clueless, you can have them call Mr. Franz Laman, MINI certified Tech at Lauderdale MINI, in Ft Lauderdale, FL at (954)763-4777.

Good luck!

 

>>The "popping" or "Creaking" steering column problem is a well known issue among MINI dealers. The great majority of 2002 and some early 2003's will experience a condition known as "Failed bearings" in the upper steering column. The Rotary Coupler part (Which allows all the cables for the MSFW and airbag to be routed inside of the steering column assembly so you can freely turn the wheel) also collapses, causing a "creaking" sound that can be heard and gelt thru the steering wheel every 1/4 of a turn on either direction. These creaks are most often heard and felt at low speed parking situations.
>>
>>Lubricating or greasing the upper steering column WILL NOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS. The only remedy is for the dealer to replace the entire steering column assembly (Upper and lower sections). There is a new and redesigned steering column part that cures and prevents the failed bearings and does not creak (It has improved steering feel also over the original factory column). Since the new upper steering column section is not backwards compatible with the older lower steering column and there fore the entire steering column needs to be replaced.
>>
>>Assuming that your dealer has the entire steering column replacement part in stock, this should take the dealer 2 to 3 hours to properly replace and install.
>>
>>Get it done, because this is a warranty covered defect. the new steering column feels fantastic. If your dealer is still clueless, you can have them call Mr. Franz Laman, MINI certified Tech at Lauderdale MINI, in Ft Lauderdale, FL at (954)763-4777.
>>
>>Good luck!

Thank you Cooper4us!!!!

This is one of many reasons why I love MCO, great advice from great folks!
I will make an appointment to have this done soon.

You wouldn't happen to know the fix for the AC howl as well?????


Thanks again!
M.

 

Hmmm, I am not experienced with te A/C howl problem but one thing I would have them check is the adjustment of the driving belts to make sure that clearence and tension are within spec. Also have them check the A/C compressor mounts to ensure that the unit is tightly held in there and there is no vibration or oscillations. This could also be an eraly warning sign that the A/C compresor is about to go bad.

I am sure this is not a MINI specific problem, so do a google.com search and see if other people have experienced a similar howling problem such as yours.


Glad to be of help.

 

Did you ever also develop a problem with there also being a clacking/rattling noise when you started up your MCS? I'm also narrowing down my conclusion that there's something wrong with my throwout bearing or clutch assembly

I'm coming up on my 10K service and I'll be really ticked if my dealer doesn't do something about my drivetrain rattle this time (I also developed it at around 3K miles and they wouldn't do anything about it).