My car broke its motor at 180,000 miles and so I was desperate for a new car and picked up a 2011 MCS. It has a couple of small problems, the boost gauge doesn't work and the right rear suspension has a rattle. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix either of those? The car also has a bunch of JCW parts on it. When I look at the motor cover the there is a tag with JCW package and a serial number. Does anyone know what that means? It is quick and a lot of fun to drive, so far pleased with the purchase. I made a small intro post here if anyone is interested <http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/1st-gear/244444-accidental-mini-owner.html>
Since you just bought it I'd let the dealer look at it. Could be a simple rear strut mount in the back. Can you tell if it is all stock suspension? Coilovers? Lowering springs? For the boost gauge it should have an electric sender somewhere. Could be as simple as a faulty ground somewhere. Depends what gauge setup it is. Any pics?
I don't know how many miles are on your car; but, it it may still be under warranty. Either take it to a dealer, for the boost guage, and have them check your VIN in their computer; they should be able to pull up all selling and service records on your car. I suspect it was sold as a Mini Cooper S and someone did the after sale JCW package upgrades. Are you sure the rattle is in the suspension? There are little storage areas, access panels to the tail lights, someone may have left something inside and it's rolling around.:idea:
Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net... Let the dealer check the gauge and rattle if you are still under factory warranty...rear rattle could be rear sway bar bushings going bad....depending on where the noise is coming from......POST UP SOME PICS ...We all want to see your NEW ride!!!
Here are some pictures. The suspension seems to be stock as ride height is normal and they are not coil overs. THe car has 50K miles so no warranty. THe guages look like they are stock. I paid short enough money for it, so hopefully nothing big is wrong with it. From the way it sound I would guess the rattle is sway bar bushings, but how do I check the strut mount? The gauges look factory, so I would be amazed if it was a wiring problem that makes the boost gauge not work. If they are not factory then I would agree that the boost gauge failure is probably a wiring problem.
Those gauges are the JCW accessory gauges....might just be a simple plug in issue make sure the connector is plugged in.....The rear sway bar bushings go bad and cause a rattle squeak type of noise.
After the hint that the gauges are JCW gauges, a little research showed the left gauge is a lateral g-meter. I guess it makes sense that it hasn't moved much since it is winter and the car is on snows, so not much grip. I will tighten the upper strut mount and look at the drop links and sway bar. Thanks for all the suggestions and the warm welcome.
Ah yeah. That thing came pretty loaded!. Even has the awesome Alcantara steering wheel. Is a bummer they did not have it be a boost gauge... would be worlds more informative than lat. Gs. Oh well!