If it helps anyone my 03 Cooper S has been making a strange noise which is noticable as soon as I turn off the engine. I was imagining supercharger bearings water pump etc etc. I took it in to my local garage in Datchworth and immediately Darren said "it's moosing".

He's spot on as it does sound exactly like a moose.

It's caused by the 90 degree breather pipe on the top left hand side of the engine having collpased. If you squeeze it back into shape the noise stops.

I've taped it up for now but will pick up a new hose tomorrow.

There was a recall regarding the breather pipe for MCS models built from late June 2002 up to late July 2003. For the most recent thread on this subject ...

:readme: 2002 Cooper S noise from engine bay (http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-generation-faults-fixes/184820-2002-cooper-s-noise-engine-bay.html)