One month ago I bought a 2006 MCS with 36k miles. Since day three there has been a high pitched, metal on metal rattling squeak somewhere in the interior whenever I drive on anything but the smoothest roads. I started with the back seats, did all the fixes for the latches, lubed all the parts, and did the hatch too for good measure. Didn't work. Then I moved on to the front seats, lubed and adjusted them both. Didn't work either. Or rather, I should say, things seem to quiet down and I think they work until I fill the gas tank. When the tank is full, the squeak is at its loudest. I am completely stumped. I love the heck out of this car, but this squeak is the most annoying sound ever. And I'm disappointed that I've not even made my first car payment yet and am already having troubles. Please help me love my baby again!

 

Well, the gas tank is usually held in with metal straps (not sure about the MINI though) - you could check those.
Another thing to check is the rear sway bar. The stocker shouldn't squeak, but my aftermarket bar bushings started to squeak after a year or so. A (relatively) quick lube with antiseize shut them up.

 

Yes definetly check the rear swaybar. Alot of the aftermarket swaybars like the Alta's and a few other brands don't hold grease very well and will squeak driving you insane.

 

What's the likelihood of the stock bar squeaking? To my knowledge it's never been replaced.
And on a possibly unrelated note, now the airbag light is on. I'm wondering if it has something to do with me lubing the seats, or if my car is trying to give me an ulcer. Thoughts?
I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow, but I'd like to know what I'm talking about when I get there. You know. ;-)

 

I am having the EXACT same noise from my car! What is it?!?!?

 

Start looking at what he was when trying to track it down. Take a look at the sway bar (this article should help) and make sure the bushings are lubricated. Hopefully the OP will come in and say what the dealer found.

-Luccia