I'm new here so hope this is in the right spot. 2009 clubman S started making drivers side front end klonking noises while going over bumps at low to med speeds. Was sent to dealer and tightened up everything. Noise back next day, plus noise on passenger side. Dealer has had it 8 days now, I think their lost on how to fix it. Only has about 20,000 miles on it.
Anybody have any suggestions ?

I wouldn't know what the problem is but if they try to repair it a certain number of times and they are unsuccessful depending on the laws where you live at and the warranty that you have a replacement vehicle may be issued if it exceeds 30 days. " a warrantor who is unable to conform a consumer product to its express warranty within a reasonable number of attempts is required to replace the goods or refund the purchase price less an amount attributable to the consumer's use. Unlike the special rules on new motor vehicles, however, there is no set formula for determining the charge for the consumer's use before the discovery of the defect" oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/lemon

I am not saying it may be a lemon and it's probably an easy fix but become familiar with your warranty and state/country's law:) if they can't fix it.

Spoke to mini main office today to document issues with Mini service dept in Washington state. They say they have rebuilt front end twice and still not fixed. Waiting for more parts to try. This is getting a bit ridiculous, time to look for a new car that's not mini........

Were you able to have a tech ride with you and hear the noise? Is it intermittent or does it make the noise every time you go over a bump?

Took tech for ride two different times. Noise is easy to hear. Only happens when going over bumps. Most noticeable at start to about 40 mph. Supposedly they are just swapping parts and it's not going away... Don't know what we will get back if they ever fix it.
Scott

Other forums are saying it could be a tranny mount (technical bulletin M22 01 08) that makes a clunking noise on the drivers side. There was a service bulletin for incorrect bushings installed at the factory (M31 01 07). Both of these can cause a clunking noise.

Thanks I will be checking with dealer to see if they have checked those two items...

From another forum. This shows everything they tried without fixing the problem! I got my R56 in early June of '07. After about 3 months, and only 1000 kms in the odometer, I noticed a cluncking noise coming from the front left. The noise appears on low speeds on bumpy or very uneven roads (like old roads made out of river stones). I did not bring the car to the dealer until about 7 weeks ago, with the odometer reading only 3500 kms. The car has been in the dealership ever since. They have changed the bushings in both front and rear swaybars (which is a factory recall), left steering arms, steering column, electronic steering aid box, all of the left suspension components (including the shock), and finally the gearbox and differential. Nothing has solved it! Any ideas? I am so frustrated. BMW nor the dealer want to do anything else to the car; they claim (after 7 weeks) that the noise is "normal" (complete BS).[:@]

Did you hit any really large pot holes or speed bumps before this started?

Seattle is a maze of pot holes. Has run flats on it that came with the car at purchase. Very harsh ride.

I know what you mean, I live in the Houston area. I saw you tube video about the strut tower cover and how easy they are to bend due to the short travel of the suspension. This too can cause the clunking noise.

I eventually rejected my 2 year old MCS after they were unable to identify this fault. It had been a problem car from day one but this was the final straw. I've still no idea what it was, sorry.

I eventually rejected my 2 year old MCS after they were unable to identify this fault. It had been a problem car from day one but this was the final straw. I've still no idea what it was, sorry.

What was wrong with it? Are they treating you fairly?

Sorry for the late reply.
They never got to the bottom of it (that was in Nov 2008). They replaced the car with a new one at minimal cost to me.

Hi, I had the exact same problem and new Bushings solved it.

Hope this helps. Helen.

Sorry for the late reply.
They never got to the bottom of it (that was in Nov 2008). They replaced the car with a new one at minimal cost to me.

And I bet they sold it straight on to someone else at a considerable mark up saying they all do that madam! with the typical wheeler dealer phrase, Sold As Seen etc so they make sure they never bring it back again to complain.

It's still on MID database so I guess they did. It never went into their stock though.
To be fair, the knocking was the last of a long catalogue of complaints; very long!

I have a 2012 with 12,500 miles on it and it too has started to make this clunking noise in the front end..mostly on the drivers side. It is mostly at low speeds over bumpy roads..I am getting very discouraged looking at all these posts. I will be calling Mini tomorrow to get it serviced..I love my car and want it to be perfect...