[Kether]

Well summer is here and it is about 97 degrees F according to my tach display. So my auto AC is in over-achiever mode and has started to make a high pitched whining sound whenever I go over 3000 RPM. When I turn the AC off everything sounds fine. I called the dealership to have them look at it but they claim it is just an auxiliary fan. Has anyone else noticed this noise in their Mini?

[photon]

i have also heard the "whining" noise as you've described it. i would more describe the noise in my MINI as a ghostly "ERRRRR" kind of noise, which occurs over 3000rpm and when the A/C is on, about 80% of the time. sometimes it remains quiet.

i'm having general A/C problems though (the auxiliary fan doesn't reliably stay on and the compressor overheats, giving me hot air and a blinking A/C lamp), so, i don't know if the noise is normal or not =)

-john
Cooper indi blue/black roof

[warp]

I am currently at the end of my 4th day with my Mini. She is red with the race flag on the roof with all ground effects & striped bonnet. Today when I came home I heard a loud whining noise as I got out to check the mail. Can't wait to hear about this one. (though I LOVE this car)!!!!

[jmardy]

I had a similar experience. It sounded like a distant air raid siren.
It is the electric fan (not sure if it's the one behind the radiator or the pancake fan on the underside of the engine).
Consensus is not to worry about it but if you really care, take it to your dealer and have them take a listen.
Cheers
-John

[jbkone]

I feel I need to revive this thread.

I have the problem. Auto A/C with recirc on and set to LO for max cool in hoht weather. Dealer said once they couldn't hear the noise. Then the next time customer service person DID hear it, but couldn't replay it for the tech guy. The tech guy said to bring it back if it ever showed up again, but it's been winter since. I can start to hear a tinge of that sound again as the weather heats up, but am not sure if it's loud and unmistakable enough for them to admit it exists. Taking it in Fri. Will hopefully get it sorted.

Anyone got a fix yet?

[jbkone]

Didn't get it done then. Took it in yesterday and they said it was low on freon. WHAT?? "Well, it does have over 20,000 miles" came the reply. When I mentioned that it is a closed system and shouldn't be low, he said "uh, well we didn't find any leaks." Of course when I got the paperwork (and he'd gone home already) there wasn't any mention of a leak test.

Indi still makes the same noise and will go back as soon as he returns my call (if).

[BrentD]

Hit the same problem with AC. Was working fine but during summer (back in January) drove 1400km in two days and the problem started. The outside temp was 40C +

Did the same thing and took it in and couldn't reproduce the problem (I took it in first thing in the morning and it wasn't hot enough). BMW said it might be the power steering! But they did pull the dash apart for a look... the fan was clear.

I agree it occurs over 3000rpm and outside temp needs to be at least 37C.

Very annoying!