Watcha Guys and Gals,

Just joined to say hello and also have a couple of questions.

I bought my wife a Mini Cooper S just before Christmas and it's started to develop a rattle (not unlike the exhaust note) but different from the gearbox/clutch which disappears as soon as I push the clutch pedal down - this is while idling in neutral. I’m think clutch-release bearing or something but I’m not familiar with the mechanics of these cars...?

The other more general issue which I’m sure the response will be "welcome to the club" ...is that the fuel consumption on the cooper S is insatiable!
I’m wondering whether the lambda sensor is knackered as I filled the tank up 3/4 the other day and it said range 167 miles. Um...last time I looked I wasn't driving a Sherman tank Is this the kind of fuel "efficiency" other people have experienced?

What is funny is my car is a VX220 and its actually more economical than the mini!

Having said all of this I must say that the cooper S is the most impressive little car I have ever driven. It is fantastic.

Thanks in advance and I hope at some point if people help me, I can help later on when I get some experience of being a mini owner!

Alex.

Welcome to the club. I'm assuming you are talking about the Supercharged S (r53). From what you describe it could well be the clutch-release bearing as this is a known problem.

With regards to fuel consumption it certainly does fluctuate. The On board Computer(OBC) calculates the range based on how you drive the car. You'll probably find that on long motorway trips your range will improve considerably... Town driving will see it plummet On my modded S I usually see on average about 300ish on the OBC when filling up.

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Black and blue all over
Full Aero Kit, Black II Tailgate release/Scoop, Orciari scuttle scoops, Dechromed Beltline, A-Panels, Door Handles in Black II, Black Fascia in Black II, Headlight rings and Aero grill surround in Hyper Blue, Stubby aerial, JCW CF Dash and Gearknob, JCW Sparcos and rear bench, GTT Strut Brace, 15% Reduced Pulley, Borla Race Catback, Janspeed Manifold, GP Intercooler, Newman Cam, 550cc Injectors, Colder plugs, Mynes Tune, Dave F Hybrid Airbox, KW V1 Coilovers, r56 Brakes

Hello and welcome I'm the same a sef when I fill up I normaly get 300 ish miles
but I have managed to get back from Cornwall on half a tank before

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With only a Dave.f and she puts out 200 bhp
And in 30 odd degree heat she is still putting out 200 bhp
Mods: omp strut brace, spax lowering springs, Dave.f, grs motorsport ic, full milltek exhaust system
Next mod 15% pulley

300 from and tank is not unusual for the original S, however, the newer R53 turbo model can easily get 400 to a tank. Hence the change by MINI from the supercharger whine to the turbo whistle. Oh an lower road tax ass a bonus too

Oh and welcome to the club, and I'm afraid I'd be no help with the noise - am as mechanically minded as a sardine.

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Welcome to the forum Alex, I don't think that any of the 1st Generation BMW Minis are very economical mainly due to the choice of engine (an obscure South American built Chrysler unit).

Also most owners tend to drive them like they stole them as they are so much fun

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i can second opinion for Sef, that is usual problem when noisey when clutch is released it happened on my saxo (Clutch Release Bearing / Thrust Bearing) that and sometimes you can a screech when pulling away which i have that tells its worn.

its easier just to replace the whole clutch.


and welcome to the site

Thank you all for responding.
I heard a little tweet from the gearbox when pulling away this morning so im certain its the CRB. It's under warranty so i will get the dealer to sort it.

That has been very helpful and in terms of the fuel economy...i can just about get it up to 30mpg driving around MK so i guess i will just have to live with it. It's a lot of fun nevertheless!

You wait until you start modifying it...

__________________
Black and blue all over
Full Aero Kit, Black II Tailgate release/Scoop, Orciari scuttle scoops, Dechromed Beltline, A-Panels, Door Handles in Black II, Black Fascia in Black II, Headlight rings and Aero grill surround in Hyper Blue, Stubby aerial, JCW CF Dash and Gearknob, JCW Sparcos and rear bench, GTT Strut Brace, 15% Reduced Pulley, Borla Race Catback, Janspeed Manifold, GP Intercooler, Newman Cam, 550cc Injectors, Colder plugs, Mynes Tune, Dave F Hybrid Airbox, KW V1 Coilovers, r56 Brakes

I'll agree it gets bad but only in waves
ie I don't have my car at the mo but I still got a full exaust system for her this week

__________________

With only a Dave.f and she puts out 200 bhp
And in 30 odd degree heat she is still putting out 200 bhp
Mods: omp strut brace, spax lowering springs, Dave.f, grs motorsport ic, full milltek exhaust system
Next mod 15% pulley