Mini Cooper Idling Vibration

[ziggy73]

My Sep 2001 Mini Cooper has a problem when the engine is idling between 1200 - 1500rpm where there is a vibration which seems to be possibly coming from the exhaust underneath the floorpan but is difficult to pin point? The problem seems to be worse when the air conditioning is switched on and when the cooling fan kicks in.

Anybody else had any issues like this with the earlier Minis? Everything appears to be as it as it should underneath the car, mounting brackets etc . When you rev the engine past around1500 rpm the vibration goes but it is almost like you have to over rev the engine to get a smooth start in first gear?

Only had the car for about 2 weeks and absoloutely love it apart from this so any advise is much appreciated

[jazzoniq]

I have the same problem In think. Does the sound come drom around the gearbox area?
My local garge have looked at this several times. Its now booked in again. They think its something rubbing on the heatsheald, so complete removal of exhaust is required.

This has been driving me mad for ages, has blended in with the other many rattles and squeaks I have.

[R53Fan]

I have the same issue. Looking for the resolution.

[aussie11]

My one does it too

[Darthbladerni]

Could well be the exhaust vibrating off the underneath of the car.

When I got my milltek fitted I had to change the brackets for the backbox section of the exhaust because it hung too low, so when I went to pull the exhaust up the brackets that were connecting the centre section to the front silencer were hitting the floor.

I took it apart myself and refitted the exhaust with the brackets Lohen sent me and it was perfect.

Check this first as it may have moved itself or possibly the heat shield has moved.

[WHITEY_]

I get this problem too its soo annoying. I think its my exhaust being fitted craply aswell by my local garage, as well as the back box vibrating.

[CaioCK]

Mine has the same problem ('02 MCS)

But I don't believe it's any problem with the exhaust system.

Happens when I'm driving and I stop at the signal and after a second the car start to vibrate. It feels like it's going to stall.

Asked some mechanic, He said probably cleaning the injection system will fix. Or maybe change the spark plugs, but my car just has 38.000 miles.

Any solution already?

[oldmots]

I agree, a rough idle is an engine problem. It can be caused by many things. First check for any OBDII codes to see if all the sensors are up to snuff. Then look at the intake system for vacuum leaks, especially between the throttle body and the intake manifold. Look at the spark plugs and wires, then look in the throttle body for crud, look for a dirty air filter, look for a weak battery (very common), worn auxilliary drive belt. After this, it gets down to running a real time scan on th eengine looking at O2 sensor valvues, long and short term fuel trims and such to find a bad sensor. Also scan around the engine compartment for disconnected wires or hoses.