My squeal is back. Car is going in for further diagnosis tomorrow. Will report back with details.

 

Had the squeal checked out on Monday. I drove three hours to get to the dealer, but it wasn't hot yet so it didn't start squealing until I did some quick starts from about three red lights. Then I drove into the service department. They "checked" the belt and found nothing wrong and couldn't duplicate the problem. I tried everything I could to cause the squeal, but couldn't. I've had two days without the squeal. I wonder what they "checked?" MINIUSA authorized them to change the belt and tensioner, but I will not have it done unless the problem resurfaces.

Steve

 

I called the dealership back to query the JCW Belt fix. I was told that the MINI factory rep had authorized and recommended this as the final fix. They were aware of the widespread issue and that this was the recommended fix. Hmm...

 

My dealership laughed at that suggestion. I suggest you call your regional Mini rep.

 

My wheels were clicking , they thought it was the brakes. My spider wheels had to be replaced at 5500 miles. today at dealer(4th trip was the charm ) I have 2005 mini s auto convert but no belt noise so far.

 

I think you might perhaps be looking for the Web-Spoke thread...?

 

I did, he backed them up. Called MINIUSA, they backed him up also. I must say MINIUSA is a complete waste of time. This is the second time I've called them and on both occasions they've done absolutely squat for me. Not only that but they have no clue what they are talking about.

I hope you are listening MINIUSA.

 

Dealer could not replicate the sound today, so no repairs performed. We'll see if I can get it to happen again.

 

Not happy at all. Picked up MCSC on Tuesday late, drove to work Wednesday and started squealing on the way home. EMBARASSING to drive into the neighborhood. Also discovered Wednesday night that the CD palyer didn't work. I was @ the dealer @ 7:00 am this morning when they opened. They ended up keeping the car, said "it is a bad belt tensioner bearing" and it had to be orderd. They did replace the stereo. Service guy said they haven't seen this before, I find hard to believe with all the posts on this site. I hope this is not what I have to look forward to wit hthis new purchase. My fingers will be crossed.

 

Dealer says they are going to replace the belt tensioner, they said the bearing was squealing. Has 250 miles and it was the 1st day I drove it to work. Also CD player doesn't play CDs. They are replacing. Hope my Mini experience gets better from here on out!

 

Service guy called today and said that the Belt tensioner is 7 - 10 days out (back ordered). The part has to come from UK. My only question is how are they shipping it by Mad Cow and row boat? I mean ever hear of FED EX? I did call back and ask for a nicer loaner since I'll be spending 1/2 of my first months car payment to drive their loaner. Going to pick up the new loaner tomorrow and wave to my MCSC while I'm there. Another update next week I guess.

 

Try to be patient. I know how you feel.. It took a week for me to be able to get an appointment at a dealership in the area and it's so frustrating to have this happen on a car that is brand new.

 

Hi all! I am a new owner of 2005 MCS. I am experiencing the same squeal, and the same frustration that my Mini has spent more time at the repair shop than in my driveway! Mine began squealing the day after I picked it up. I took it the the repair shop, and they replaced the air conditioner compressor. Six days later, I picked up my car. The first day I drove it again, the squeal was back with a vengeance. I took it back to the shop this morning and they told me that it is the belt that controls the alternator, A/C, etc. However, they told me that just replacing the belt will not solve the problem. We are waiting for a BMW rep to decide what they can do. I am so bummed! My car only has 281 miles on it (and most were put on by the repair shop). Anyone out there with the same problem...and a lasting fix?

 

Baha, I will not find out if Flow Mini's service dept. is correct with replacing the belt tensioner until next week it looks like. I questioned them on it and they said the tech had a stethoscope (sp?) on the bearing and determined that to be the root of the noise. I hope he is right. I can sympathize with you 100%. I check here 2x a day hoping someone will post that their dealer nailed it on the head so I can pass along the info to my service department.

 

What are the options that they think the BMW rep is going to offer?

Mine is going to Classic on Wednesday, so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible. Mine has been squealing since the day I brought it home and I'm starting to really get annoyed with it.

 

Keep me posted on your progress GrilleGuy. Someone is supposed to call me by Wednesday with an update from the BMW Inspector. Kev!n, how long have you owned your MCS? For what it is worth, the mechanic sprinkled talcum powder on my belt and it stopped squealing. He told me that if it rained, the powder would wash off and the noise would return...but might help keep you from going completely bonkers!

 

I've had it for about three weeks. The service department initially put some silicone on the belt which helped. I never thought of talcum powder. I keep visualizing a puff of white powder coming out of the air intake everytime I start the car.

They apparently ordered a pulley, at least that's what my service invoice says. We'll see what happens on Wednesday. I think I'll take our other car to work tomorrow. I'm sick of everyone looking at me in my new car when I come squealing into the development.

 

I recall reading on another forum that BMW did not want the service techs pressing on pulleys in the field and so rather than change the pulley they were changing supercharger units.

 

This Mini'er got a list of new parts and it stopped the squeal, I have requested that he update me.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95111

 

Thanks GrilleGuy.

I'm going to print all of this info out this evening and take it with me tomorrow afternoon.

 

I am still trying to figure out if I have the same problem as all of you...Grilleguy, kev!n, markbradford. Did your repair shops show you the belt in question? The mechanics working on my car think it is the belt that runs the alternator, A/C. A poster on another forum thinks that the belt they showed me is the serpentine belt NOT the supercharger belt. I sure hope they properly diagnose my Mini, so that I do not continue to play this in and out of service shop game.

 

They replaced the fan belt, SC belt, and tensioner on my car. The squeal came back for a day or two but has since gone away for over 500 miles.

 

markbradford,

Do you think that it came back for a few days because the parts just needed to be "broken in" or do you fear that perhaps the squeal will return when you least expect it? I suppose it is really good news that your car has been squeal-free for 500 miles! Keep us posted, please!

 

There is only one belt on our cars.

 

Just looked at the parts roster - looks like only one belt replaced. My bad.