On my 2005 MCS I've noticed a new exhaust sound, a kind of raspy gurgle or back chatter sound between shifts, it is very cool sounding indeed!!

I've seen 1 other person post about this on another forum, but nothing mentioned in any reviews... thoughts?

 

Should the tailpipe move while at idle?

 

I'm glad you mentioned this--I just picked up my new MCS and noticed something similar; not sure if it's the same thing. On my car it's a light popping sound when I lift the throttle between shifts, almost like a series of tiny backfires. I was wondering if I should take it back for a checkup.

However, if it's normal, that's fine--it actually does sound cool, like one of the old British sports cars.

 

I saw a thread too about a young feller concerned about this. Next thing I read down the screen was a bunch a guys reacting like Tool Time Tim!!! It's a good thing to behold. Would'nt it be cool if a little flame shot out too?

Rick

 

I didn't know you had gone for a '05 MCS! Is this your third MINI, right?

 

Yeah the new exhaust does have a little pop gurgle.... all is well. I have had cars with aftermarket free flow exaust do this before, it is a performance thing. Has to do with the back pressure or lack there of. It is not a back fire that would sound like a gun shot and more than likely destroy the catalytic converter. Backfire is caused by the engine(fuel supply) running rich ie. not complete combustion within the chamber and the exhaust fumes acually exploding from the heat or the timing being off so that comustion occurs with the valves open. IMHO the new exhaust is great, between the exhaust and the new Super Charger is more than likey where the new increase in HP came from.

 

I wondered about this too. When I first pulled out of the dealership and got on the road, I was was like "what is that noise?!?" It took me a while to make sure it was the exhaust, but now I catch myself revving to hear the supercharger whine and then then letting off the gas to hear the pop and crackle. Needless to say, my mpg is sucking at the moment.

 

For current '05 owners or those in the know... what did they change in the exhaust for '05? Did they finally change it to a parallel 2 muffler system from the serial one?

Patrick

 

indeed it is
The trade in value for the 03 was excellent BTW..

it is so hard not to wind out the engine to see what it really sounds like... only 1050 miles to go....