got a 2005 mini, bought it used. Made a grinding sound took back to dealer and they said it was tire noise, rotated the tires and the noise was gone. three months later and about 10,000 miles had a oil change and moved the fronts to the back and the backs to the front...noise is back .I just got done moving the tires back before oil change, noise still there I know I need two new tires, i have run flats. May question is..is it the run flat tires that are making the noise. When i took it back to the mini dealer they said the run flats make all kinds of noise when it is time to replace. I only hear it when I am doing below 30.

 

I noticed that my runflats make a lot of noise when they are ready to be replaced. I am on my 2nd set of RF tires. They are noisy again and I know it is time to replace them. I bought my first replacement RF tires at about 48K. Now I just hit 100K. The best price on RF tires is Tire Rack. I was able to get Sears to price match them (Plus shipping of course). The prices of RF tires have come down significantly. You can get the continental 16" RF tires for about 600/set plus shipping. The Goodyear tires were about 800 for a set of 4. When I bought my last Goodyear RF tires, they were about 1200 for a set of 4.

 

I had the same problem with my run flats and it is a common issue with some sort of rubbing. I would suggest replacing them and go with non run flats as you will get better ride comfort and better performance out of the car.

 

Just say no to run flats........ Better ride........ Better MPG..........

 

Noise...one of the many reasons I ditched my run flats. Best move I ever made! Really a-w-f-u-l tires.

 

As you read more posts about the Run Flat tires you will find out why alot of NAM members have changed to Non Run Flat Tires.

I went to Non Run Flats after I bought my 06 MCS.

The 700 mile trip home helped me deside just because the noise was so bad.

Now I have normal quiet tires; an air pump and a bottle of slime in the Boot !

 

great thanks for the insight..I think I will say good by to the run flats..What brands do some of you like