Mini One D 05 - Weird pump noise & hello

[Jacqs]

Firstly hello, I am new to this forum.

I have been hankering after a mini ever since they came out. I used to have a lovely classic black mini (my first car) and have missed him ever since moving onto bigger cars.

Thanks to my lovely OH I now have a much loved red Mini One D (05). She arrived just in time for Christmas. OH now has many brownie points and is in my eternal good books, well for now anyway

I am not sure if she has a bit of a problem, basically when cold, on start up and for the 1st couple of miles or so she makes this weird noise. It sounds like some sort of pump whining. It does disappear with speed.

It makes the noise when driving and when idling.

She has a full BMW service history and has been very well looked after. The only downside I can see is that she has a very high mileage at 125k. Given that she is a diesel and I am only going to put minimal miles on her I did not see the current mileage as an issue.

Any ideas on what the noise could be and if I need to get her back to the garage we brought her from, it is a good 80 miles away so don't fancy the trek if not needed? Thankfully I have got 6 months warranty though.

Thanks for your help
Jacqs

[Jacqs]

Well thanks for all the advice guess it's a bit of a closed group here then.

Just an update lovely other half is not a lovely other half, turns out the mini was to brought to ease his concience bevcause he's having an affair hence the mini is up for sale as soon as the V5 comes back.

I am now a single parent with 2 small kids and no money, no job etc

Hey ho doesn't life suck!

[Jinkster]

If you still have the MINI was it like a twittering noise that disapeared when the engine warmed.

If that is the case mine is doing the same - similar mileage.

I'm off to get it checked out. Someone did mention it could be the pully where the belt goes around.

[dieselcooperman]

Hi all, mine had exactly same issue:

Alternator belt tension. From factory these are set INCREDIBLE tight leading to premature alternator failure as happened on my own car. Replacement fitted by aftermarket specialist who referred to Mini who told him to tightedn to a STUPID torque: he advised that felt that was probably why the bearings failed on the alternator so suggested slightly less tension which would lead to a little squeel from cold. Within 5mns its always gone!

Incidentally alternator is a different higher output to those used on standard Yaris so cannot cut costs by going to Toyota if ever needed.