MINI2

baha · Jul 25th, 2005, 08:01 AM

Hi all!

I am a newbie 2005 MCS owner (280 miles). My car is screaching like crazy! The first time I took it in, they told me that it was the A/C compressor and they replaced it. Still screaching! I took it in today and am relieved to find that nothing is seriously wrong with my car (engine, transmission, etc.). Apparently the culprit is the belt that runs the alternator and air conditioner. I am told that changing the belt does not solve the problem. The mechanic told me that sometimes this screaching stops as the car is broken in. BMW inspector is aware of the problem, and I am awaiting an answer about a solution. Meanwhile, the mechanic sprinkled talcum powder on the belt, and the screaching ceased, but he told me that if the car gets wet the powder will wear off and the screaching may be heard again. Has anyone else had this problem? I really love my car, but definitely am not willing to live with the screaching if a solution can not be found. Any advice?

IML337 · Jul 25th, 2005, 12:23 PM

I don't understand how swapping the belt out could not fix the problem? Something must be out of alignment (the a/c compressor they replaced, perhaps?) or the tensioner is stuffed or something?

baha · Jul 25th, 2005, 01:49 PM

After doing some more research on this topic, it seems that I am not alone in experiencing this unfortunate problem. Owners have reported some success when the supercharger, the belt and the tensioner have been replaced. I hope that BMW can fix it for me so I can finally enjoy my new car.

HarryHBMCC · Jul 25th, 2005, 04:59 PM

Is it the serpentine belt (engine, alternator, etc.) or the supercharger (water pump) belt that is screeching? It definitely WILL NOT go away on its own, in fact as the belt squeals it gets shined up and gets smoother and noisier. The real problem is not the belt on a new car, it sounds like one or more tensioners or tensioning setups is wrong. They need adjustment, no new parts unless the tensioner is broken.

Good luck,
Harry

baha · Jul 25th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Hi Harry!

Forgive my lack of technical expertise, but I will try to explain what they showed me today. When standing facing the front of the car (leaning over and looking in toward the engine, this belt was clearly visible and located on the left-hand side. The mechanics told me that it was the belt that ran the alternator, the a/c, etc. So which belt is this? Thanks.

HarryHBMCC · Jul 25th, 2005, 05:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by baha

Hi Harry!

Forgive my lack of technical expertise, but I will try to explain what they showed me today. When standing facing the front of the car (leaning over and looking in toward the engine, this belt was clearly visible and located on the left-hand side. The mechanics told me that it was the belt that ran the alternator, the a/c, etc. So which belt is this? Thanks.

That's the serpentine/accessory belt which is not, to my knowledge, shared with the supercharger/water pump assembly though I don't own an S so I could be wrong. If the belt isn't shined up too badly at this point, adjusting the tensioner should sort it out unless there is some other problem (something not spinning freely enough, etc).

Harry

allythom · Jul 26th, 2005, 03:04 AM

I picked up my MCS a week ago it took less than 100 miles for the car to start making a fanbelt-slipping-type-of-squealing noise, accompanied by an intermittent 'chirrup'. Dropped it off at my dealer last night. Only for them to tell me that a belt tensioner needs to be replaced and that the part is on national back order (possibly 2-3weeks before it becomes available). Apparently this is the 4th vehicle my service advisor has seen with the problem in the last few weeks, so I guess its fairly common -which would also explain the scarcity of parts.

Anyhow, I was told that its OK to drive, no harm will come, it's just annoyingly noisy and very disappointing on a 1 week old car.

I also just discovered that one of the keys has somehow lost its remote capabilities... joy !

Other than that, the thing is a hoot !

Alun

GrilleGuy · Jul 26th, 2005, 04:50 AM

Mine went in @ 240 miles for "THE SQUEAL". Service guy said they hadn't seen that before, but I assured him there are numerous 05's with the same symptoms. They diagnosed as belt tensioner issue. Said pick it up next day, but then called the next day to tell me it would be 7 - 10 days due to back ordered part. This was last Friday 7.22.05. I asked for a nicer loaner since I am making a monthly payment I should at least drive something as nice as what I am paying for, especially in the first month! I'm driving a 530i. I still want my Mini out of the shop! I didn't even get to get acquainted. I refuse to drive with the squeal as it sounds like a piece of junk. Service also didn't feel comfortable with me driving it. ALSO, the CD player wouldn't play a CD, so they are replacing that as well. This is my first car purchase in 11 years, I hope things start making a turn for the better or someone can buy my Hot Orange MCSC, I'll go drive a 350Z or S2000.

baha · Jul 26th, 2005, 05:28 AM

allythom,

I feel your pain! The mechanics working on my squealer dusted some talcum powder on the belt and the hellacious screaching ceased. They told me that if it rained that the powder would wash off and the sound would become evident again. So, for the sake of sanity, I am off to buy some baby powder! Keep me posted on how things work out on your new MCS!

baha

Threat · Jul 26th, 2005, 04:00 PM

I've been waiting for my parts for this since July 8 (the day after I picked up my MCSC). 720 squealing miles so far. I was told it takes about 1.5 hours to fix, once they get the parts.

I've almost learned to tune it out, almost.

baha · Jul 26th, 2005, 06:44 PM

It sure sounds like the MCS's delivered late this summer share this "squealing issue". I picked mine up July 12th...started squealing the very next day and was in the shop by the 14th. I sure hope BMW comes up with a satisfactory fix so we can all begin enjoying our cars. It is very disheartening to wait so long for a car to be delivered, and then have problems almost immediately affter driving it off the dealer's lot.

baha · Jul 26th, 2005, 08:30 PM

Thanks Max.

I need to wait and find out whether or not the issue is misaligment, faulty tensioner, ect, but your advice will definitely be filed for future reference!

Baha

GrilleGuy · Jul 27th, 2005, 02:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Threat

I've been waiting for my parts for this since July 8 (the day after I picked up my MCSC). 720 squealing miles so far. I was told it takes about 1.5 hours to fix, once they get the parts.

I've almost learned to tune it out, almost.

Tune it out??? I'm not driving mine. they gave me a MCa, but I asked to drive something a lkittle nicer since I ordered a MCSC with most of the options. I am driving their 530i. Its OK, but to be honest, I'd rather be driving my MINI. Well at least the A/C works great in the 530i as it was near 100° today.

OH YEAH... My CD player had to be replaced too (just didn't work). I don't know anyone who owns a Mini so my confidence in them is really on shaky ground right now.

Jul 25th, 2005, 08:01 AM	#1
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	belt troubles Hi all! I am a newbie 2005 MCS owner (280 miles). My car is screaching like crazy! The first time I took it in, they told me that it was the A/C compressor and they replaced it. Still screaching! I took it in today and am relieved to find that nothing is seriously wrong with my car (engine, transmission, etc.). Apparently the culprit is the belt that runs the alternator and air conditioner. I am told that changing the belt does not solve the problem. The mechanic told me that sometimes this screaching stops as the car is broken in. BMW inspector is aware of the problem, and I am awaiting an answer about a solution. Meanwhile, the mechanic sprinkled talcum powder on the belt, and the screaching ceased, but he told me that if the car gets wet the powder will wear off and the screaching may be heard again. Has anyone else had this problem? I really love my car, but definitely am not willing to live with the screaching if a solution can not be found. Any advice?

Jul 25th, 2005, 04:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 08:44 PM Posts: 2,686 Offline	Is it the serpentine belt (engine, alternator, etc.) or the supercharger (water pump) belt that is screeching? It definitely WILL NOT go away on its own, in fact as the belt squeals it gets shined up and gets smoother and noisier. The real problem is not the belt on a new car, it sounds like one or more tensioners or tensioning setups is wrong. They need adjustment, no new parts unless the tensioner is broken. Good luck, Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey

Jul 25th, 2005, 05:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 08:44 PM Posts: 2,686 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by baha Hi Harry! Forgive my lack of technical expertise, but I will try to explain what they showed me today. When standing facing the front of the car (leaning over and looking in toward the engine, this belt was clearly visible and located on the left-hand side. The mechanics told me that it was the belt that ran the alternator, the a/c, etc. So which belt is this? Thanks. That's the serpentine/accessory belt which is not, to my knowledge, shared with the supercharger/water pump assembly though I don't own an S so I could be wrong. If the belt isn't shined up too badly at this point, adjusting the tensioner should sort it out unless there is some other problem (something not spinning freely enough, etc). Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey Last edited by HarryHBMCC : Jul 25th, 2005 at 07:03 PM.

Jul 26th, 2005, 03:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
allythom Welsh bloke in NJ, USA Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 09:44 PM Posts: 1 Offline	Belt tensioner on national back-order I picked up my MCS a week ago it took less than 100 miles for the car to start making a fanbelt-slipping-type-of-squealing noise, accompanied by an intermittent 'chirrup'. Dropped it off at my dealer last night. Only for them to tell me that a belt tensioner needs to be replaced and that the part is on national back order (possibly 2-3weeks before it becomes available). Apparently this is the 4th vehicle my service advisor has seen with the problem in the last few weeks, so I guess its fairly common -which would also explain the scarcity of parts. Anyhow, I was told that its OK to drive, no harm will come, it's just annoyingly noisy and very disappointing on a 1 week old car. I also just discovered that one of the keys has somehow lost its remote capabilities... joy ! Other than that, the thing is a hoot ! Alun

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Got a problem with your MINI? Share it here, and maybe even find a solution

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Jul 25th, 2005, 12:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
IML337 saving the world Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sydney, Aus Local Time: 11:44 AM Posts: 3,063 Offline	I don't understand how swapping the belt out could not fix the problem? Something must be out of alignment (the a/c compressor they replaced, perhaps?) or the tensioner is stuffed or something?

Jul 25th, 2005, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	After doing some more research on this topic, it seems that I am not alone in experiencing this unfortunate problem. Owners have reported some success when the supercharger, the belt and the tensioner have been replaced. I hope that BMW can fix it for me so I can finally enjoy my new car.

Jul 25th, 2005, 05:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	Hi Harry! Forgive my lack of technical expertise, but I will try to explain what they showed me today. When standing facing the front of the car (leaning over and looking in toward the engine, this belt was clearly visible and located on the left-hand side. The mechanics told me that it was the belt that ran the alternator, the a/c, etc. So which belt is this? Thanks.

Jul 26th, 2005, 04:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
GrilleGuy MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 08:44 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Mine went in @ 240 miles for "THE SQUEAL". Service guy said they hadn't seen that before, but I assured him there are numerous 05's with the same symptoms. They diagnosed as belt tensioner issue. Said pick it up next day, but then called the next day to tell me it would be 7 - 10 days due to back ordered part. This was last Friday 7.22.05. I asked for a nicer loaner since I am making a monthly payment I should at least drive something as nice as what I am paying for, especially in the first month! I'm driving a 530i. I still want my Mini out of the shop! I didn't even get to get acquainted. I refuse to drive with the squeal as it sounds like a piece of junk. Service also didn't feel comfortable with me driving it. ALSO, the CD player wouldn't play a CD, so they are replacing that as well. This is my first car purchase in 11 years, I hope things start making a turn for the better or someone can buy my Hot Orange MCSC, I'll go drive a 350Z or S2000.

Jul 26th, 2005, 05:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	allythom, I feel your pain! The mechanics working on my squealer dusted some talcum powder on the belt and the hellacious screaching ceased. They told me that if it rained that the powder would wash off and the sound would become evident again. So, for the sake of sanity, I am off to buy some baby powder! Keep me posted on how things work out on your new MCS! baha

Jul 26th, 2005, 04:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
Threat Vrooooooom Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NW Suburbs Chicago Local Time: 07:44 PM Posts: 82 Offline	I've been waiting for my parts for this since July 8 (the day after I picked up my MCSC). 720 squealing miles so far. I was told it takes about 1.5 hours to fix, once they get the parts. I've almost learned to tune it out, almost.

Jul 26th, 2005, 06:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	It sure sounds like the MCS's delivered late this summer share this "squealing issue". I picked mine up July 12th...started squealing the very next day and was in the shop by the 14th. I sure hope BMW comes up with a satisfactory fix so we can all begin enjoying our cars. It is very disheartening to wait so long for a car to be delivered, and then have problems almost immediately affter driving it off the dealer's lot.

Jul 26th, 2005, 08:30 PM	#12 (permalink)
baha MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 12 Offline	Thanks Max. I need to wait and find out whether or not the issue is misaligment, faulty tensioner, ect, but your advice will definitely be filed for future reference! Baha

Jul 27th, 2005, 02:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
GrilleGuy MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 08:44 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Threat I've been waiting for my parts for this since July 8 (the day after I picked up my MCSC). 720 squealing miles so far. I was told it takes about 1.5 hours to fix, once they get the parts. I've almost learned to tune it out, almost. Tune it out??? I'm not driving mine. they gave me a MCa, but I asked to drive something a lkittle nicer since I ordered a MCSC with most of the options. I am driving their 530i. Its OK, but to be honest, I'd rather be driving my MINI. Well at least the A/C works great in the 530i as it was near 100° today. OH YEAH... My CD player had to be replaced too (just didn't work). I don't know anyone who owns a Mini so my confidence in them is really on shaky ground right now.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
auxiliary drive belt / fan belt renewal	sramdeen	Maintenance & MINI Care	1	Jan 22nd, 2007 01:23 PM
EML Troubles	"Mouse"	Faults & Fixes	2	Apr 11th, 2005 07:31 AM
Troubles	Davislove3rd	Faults & Fixes	0	Feb 19th, 2005 06:59 PM
My Own Maintenance troubles	Yui	Maintenance & MINI Care	1	Dec 25th, 2003 01:36 PM
A Cake For My Troubles	supercuper	General Discussion	10	Feb 8th, 2003 03:55 PM