We don’t have much information on this one yet but here what we do know. Several MF readers have been asked to return their newly bought Cooper D to the dealer due to an “acoustic audio” problem. This is unrelated to the Active Sound module since that’s only in the MCS. What this is referring […] (visit MotoringFile for the full article) More...
This has been all over the enthusiast press the past day or so. Surprised it was not up before. If you live in Europe and have the ability to distinguish between engines (and diesels in particular) based on the sound they make, you’ll know that most three-cylinder units sound very clattery both inside and out and are generally not refined at all. MINI has just switched to three cylinders for its new Cooper D’s 1.5-liter engine and this is causing problems that have reportedly pushed back customer deliveries of the vehicle. Apparently, an official company spokesperson confirmed that the unexpected loudness is a real issue and it’s currently being looked into – it needs to be addressed before deliveries can begin. UK publication AutoExpress even reports that one owner did receive his brand new Cooper D but was forced to “return it immediately.” He said “it was delivered on Friday morning and Friday evening they said bring it back. MINI said it was an audio acoustic problem which doesn't seem right. They said they've suspended all orders." We’re currently waiting for MINI to confirm this and explain to both the scene and buyers what it’s all about.
Something does not "sound right" about this story.... Return you car to the dealer cause its SOUND is not right....hmmmm....
The Mini information to UK dealers said that they should not exceed 1500 miles on their F56 diesel demonstrators, so I wonder if the 'acoustic issue' is the unwanted sound of the balancer shaft self-destructing after that mileage?
All the more reasons why cars makers do "phased" roll outs of new model/engines.... Being the early adopter can be fun...but sometimes it comes with a cost... Know a few folks who had r56 launch cars that ended up having new motors installed, and the old one getting "shipped back to Europe to be examined" during the early days of the gen2... 1500 miles max on a demonstrator while a fix is found is kinda sad on so many levels...:cryin:
I've always shied away from being a guinea pig for the auto makers. I'll let someone else do the real world R&D for them.
