Just took a 12 hour interstate drive and noticed that around 3000 to maybe 3300 rpm there was a slowly pulsating deep hum. The kind of sound a rotating body makes.

If any of you are familiar with twin-engine prop airplanes, it is the kind of pulsating sound you get when the props aren't synched with each other. Kind of a waaaaa-waaaaa-waaaa.

Increases with rpm. Goes away when put in neutral, so I don't think it's tires.

May be present at other rpms, but most noticable at the rpm range indicated.

Ideas?

 

Does wind affect it? Like headwind verse crosswind. Try adjusting the climate controls (recirculate, etc). Does it happen in other gears?

Just throwing some random ideas down.

I know the kind of sound you are hearing, not that my Mini does this.

 

I had the same problem, turned out to be a bad wheel bearing on the front. I thought the problem was only happening while the car was in gear, but as time went on I noticed the same problem with the transmission in neutral.

 

First, what year is your vehicle, and what model?

When I first picked up my '07 MCS 6-speed (turbo version, by the way) in Germany, there was an odd rhythmic thrumming to it when I hit 55mph or higher that did NOT happen in my '04 MCS 6-speed. I could feel it through the floor and stickshift! I was getting ready to leave Germany, so the BMW mechanics (although they could feel it) couldn't fix it before I left (They were BMW, not MINI specific.) The German mechanics suspected it was the thrum of the turbo. When I had it checked out here in VA after shipping, nobody believed me on the thruming. I've had tires checked, engine checked, etc. You name it, I had it checked. Nothing.

So.........? I'll be interested to hear other folks' theories on your situation, too! That way I won't feel so crazy...

 

My dealer switched wheels, replaced the transmission and axle shafts before finding the problem was the wheel bearing.

 

Isn't there an easier way of diagnosing wheel bearing problems?

 

You would think so! The dealer said they have never seen a bad wheel bearing before.

 

Had a local tire mechanic diagnose a wheel bearing upon first hearing the noise. Twenty min later, determined it was right front. Dealer initially said there was no issue after trying their own set of wheels/tires, but after several more hours determined it was the right front wheel bearing. They replaced it under the warranty. Noise is gone.

 

i had it on my first cooper it was exhaused back box

 

Thanks for responses. I will be doing some in-depth observations over the next couple of days and will send them off to the dealer (2 hrs away) for an initial contact/opinion.

Of course, they'll tell me to bring it in and then will likely say it's normal, but I don't think so.

What I've noticed is that it varies with speed, but goes away (or becomes inaudible to my old Army ears) around 3400rpm. I can convince myself that I feel it, but am not ready to claim that isn't the power of suggestion, yet.

Will keep you posted (...Oops. I'm supposed to say y'all, now that I live in Alabama.) Hope y'all do the same with your thrummmmms. (I do like that description.)

r

 

i had the same problem and it was my front left wheel bearing...they covered it but if it happens again i gotta pay 500$

 

Our '07 mcs took us to Mo. & on the way back I thought I heard a rotational noise as well but wasn't sure why. Certain curves quiet it while the opposite curve amplifies it. It changes with speed & sometimes is hard to hear. I'll go along with the wheel bearing being the culprit & it's going to the dealer next tuesday. I'll post the results when they fix it.

 

After taking a tech for a short ride so he could hear the noise, they put on a new set of wheels & tires. Took the same route w/the same tech,but no noise was heard ! He also noticed a lot of wear on one tire as I did during the last tire rotation. He put all 4 of mine on the Hunter GSP road force measurement machine while I watched. They were all out of balance,even tho I felt nothing thru the steering wheel. It rides smoother but the noise is still there & very annoying since it's louder at 55 & up to 70 where it becomes less audible (different pitch ?) These are Kumho 205/50x16 ecsta asx w/a 30k+ mileage warrantee. They were quiet when new,until just under 29k miles.Needless to say I'll not be buyin' kumho tires again. Any comments about better tires will be appreciated.