| Hi there and first off all sorry about your dilema, it sure takes the shine off the new car.
Im in the same predicament.
I collected the car on Friday and then said to the Mrs that Im sure the thrust bearing (clutch/gearbox area) is on its way out and is making a noise.
I then read your post and listened to the noise in the recording. Yeap I got the same thing.
I just contacted BMW MINI UK and emailed them the problems with the car. They are contacting the dealer who Im waiting to contact me back with a plan of action.
The worst of it is...
The car has bags of character and it brings a smile to my face whenever i drive it.
(apart from when I pay £1.51 per litre here in Hamburg... Ouch!!!)
Good luck and I would certainly send a letter off to trading standards. I certainley will be doing so as soon as i get the trading standards address.)
Keep us all informed as to how you get on and I wish you all the luck.
Dirty Rotten *******s!!!!! | 
