I'm used to the little wind-down "sigh" that my car makes immediately after I shut it down, but lately I've been noticing a much louder, wheezy noise -- like he's sucking air. It soulds like he needs some Flovent.

The noise is noticeable in the cabin, but when my b/f was pulling him into the driveway the other day, it seemed REALLY loud from outside. Interestingly enough, he didn't notice anything odd sounding while inside the car.

So, like I said, it's like a heavy wheeze -- imagine being in really horrible shape then running a 6 minute mile marathon. If you survuved to take a large, gasping breath at the end of the race, your bronchial passages would be so inflamed that you'd make a strange sucking noise, trying to get air past the tissue fast enough to fill your body's O2 requirements.

Any thoughts?

 

Could it be that your PCV hose has broken down & become spongey? Lots of people have experienced this (accompanied by bizarre noises), though it's usually whilst driving that the noises are heard.
Anyways, the rubber becomes overly pliable, collapses under engine vacuum, and makes funky noises as it oscillates open & shut.
If the hose feels oily & squishy, it's likely the problem. The dealer will replace it free of charge, if needed.
Best - Bodinski

 

What grade of fuel do you use? Anything less than 91 may cause this.

 

Bodinski... You know, that crossed my mind shortly after I posted. I vaguely remembering hearing stories... I'll check on that tomorrow -- thanks

Nothing lower than 91 octane has ever been in my tank. And I don't understand how running a lower AKI fuel would cause a weird sucking noise...?

 

Well....lol..... I thought maybe the MINI wasnt pleased with what you was feeding it, kinda like me, if I eat crap food, I make funny noises.
Last week my MINI was very dirty, dirtiest its ever been, and everytime I wound the window down it would make a funny noise, and be all jerky, then I cleaned my car, and it was smooth. I dont think the MINI liked being dirty.