One problem related to engine grinding noise has been reported for the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The driver side window motor died and needed to be replaced. The transfer case and drive shaft both needed to be replaced after only 14000 miles on a 2012 vehicle. The vehicle has been making a terrible grinding noise and rusting out from the axles but was told it was safe to drive until they could fit me in for an appointment. The grinding continuously got worse until when they took in the car today realized the problem was much worse than anticipated. It seems I am not the first individual to have such a problem with the vehicle as well.