[Frasier]

Hi all,

I'm still a proud owner of a new mini Cooper SD (F55) since 25th February...

Just love the car, but during the last week an annoying rattle somewhere on passenger door is driving me crazy. It seems like something is loose... it's not that loud, but really boring. I only ear it at low speeds or bumpy roads...

My first visit to the dealer will be sooner than I expected.
It's my first MINI and first new car, and wasn't expecting problems only after three weeks...
I'm riding 18 wheels.
Another problem: a rattle from the speaker on the passenger side (only happened once - I've the HK).

It's such a great car, love the engine and tech, but I'm becoming less enthusiastic because those problems.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Shigaman]

Sorry to hear about that, Frasier. Just a thought, but if you notice the sound when you're driving alone in the car, check to see that it's not being caused by the passenger-side seatbelt. If the seatbelt is twisted the metal clip may be knocking against the side of the car. This turned out to be the explanation for a problem I was having. I have the stock audio system (not the HK upgrade) and am very happy with it, but during the first month I had the car I noticed some ugly rattling from the passenger door area whenever I played music with a heavy bass line (I listen to a lot of reggae, so this became very annoying). I first assumed it was caused by some loose trim, but I had a good prod around and everything felt very solid, so I then thought it must be due to my having gone for the cheaper sound system, and I began to have regrets. Then I noticed that the rattle stopped when my wife was riding in the car - and using the seatbelt - which helped me find and fix the problem. If, when it's not in use, the passenger seatbelt is stowed properly (metal clip flush against the belt rather than making contact with the side of the car), I get no rattle at all - no matter how loud I crank up the Steel Pulse - but if the belt gets twisted, the rattle returns. This may be of no use to you whatsoever, but worth checking as it's an easy fix! Good luck, anyway!

 

[kyleshelton]

I had a similar rattle in my driver's side by the speaker. It took two visits, but the tech said he found a cable (I think he said from the power windows) that a clip had come loose and it was up against the door panel and speaker area. Not sure if you have the same thing, but once they found it, took them 20 minutes to fix.

 

[Frasier]

Went to the dealer. They didn´t identify the rattle.
Afterwards I also went for a ride with the technician and guess what?! no rattle at all.

Probably something related to the passenger-side seatbelt as you've said. Now everything is fine again!

I'm happy!

By the way, I'm portuguese so... my english :nerd:

PS: love this forum, plenty of very useful information

 

[jeremybingham]

Your English is much better than my Portugese! Glad it is sorted; watch the rear seatbelts too-they can easily end up in a position that causes a rattle!

 

[Tiger]

The last time I had a boring rattle from the passenger side of a vehicle, I pulled over and made him get out. {rim shot}

Thank youuuu, I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

 

[radiocaf]

I know someone has said this but here's my experience in 6 days of ownership.

I noticed a rattle, but noticed it was only when my Mrs. wasn't in the passenger seat. I searched all over for it, and then just had the idea to check if the seat belt on the passenger side was adjustable, which it wasn't. Then I continued driving whilst holding the passenger seatbelt and it had stopped.

Definitely check your passenger seatbelt!