Dropped my countryman off Tuesday AM for installation of a set of Mini Driving Lights along with mud flaps I never had time for. Also asked them to give the mini a test drive at highway speeds to reinact the vibration which recently started on the steering wheel as well on the floor where your feet/pedals are. (12000 miles/9 months young). They did the obvious, re-balanced and rotated the tires. No changes…so now a Case has been submitted to Mini USA. Guess thats protocal when inhouse answers can't be found..especially due to the newness and low mileage. So now we wait for feedback from Mr. Mini.
Anyone else experience same symptons ?

 

You describe it as a high-speed vibration. Does your experience match
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...per-s-fwd.html
?

 

It does somewhat…yes thanks for the link. Did not even realize there were issues.
It started a few months back..end of September…early October with 19" Nuespeeds & Conti's. I thought perhaps the cold mornings and performance tires had something to do with it. Then swapped them out early than expected due to the early winter storm here in the NE. Seemed a bit better…but the more I paid attention..the more it was there. up to 50 mph..fine. 50-70 terrible..over 70 disappears. It's the slightest of vibrations..has nothing to do with the control of the vehicle..that's fine. Hard to describe other than it tingles the fingers/hands depending how you hold the wheel. Even through the floor..you can feel on your feet, thats how high and fast of a vibrate it is. MA just sent an email…still waiting to hear from Mini.

 

Ok, not a Countryman but my had a vibration at 58 6 mph. Turned out to be two defective contis. Replaced the two tyres an all is well

 

Seeing it was happening with both the summer tires and now with the all season R/flats,
you would not think it would be the tires.

 

It seems it can be a combination of lack of concentricity and inconsistent tire stiffness as the tire rotates. Some of this can be fixed with the latest balancing/grinding machines - my dealer has those.

 

I just sent them an email asking that they try a swap out..and if they have the latest equipment…waiting for a reply

 

High speed vibration can just be modal alignement of a particular component (gearbox . Transfer case etc) and a particular tire rotational speed that sets of another body panel or customer contact point.
Certain tires may make it worse but the wheel and other driveline components may be more is a factor

I worked with one a major OEM and they had hideous trouble with rotational vibration that on fist look was thought to be tires but ended up being something entirely different.

I do notice some vibration but my fix is to go faster :p)

Not to alarm you but I know of one cm that has already had a transfer case go bad so worth checking this out

Maybe related I got a follow up JD powers survey request and there was a ton of question on tires - the run flats really are toss so happy to provide some customer input on these

 

Latest Update: MA/SA called, they did all the obvious checks, rotated & re-balanced the wheels & tires. Actually swapped all four from another countryman running fine and vibration was still evident. They did diagnose that the electric clutch for the rear differential is locked in 4 wheel, does not dis-engage. Parts are being overnited and I should have my Countryman by day's end Monday
Not much of a car guy…when it comes to all that mimble/jumble. Wonder if thats why my gas mileage has been…pretty poor ?
On the Upside..I'm not much for the looks of the Clubman…but I'm pretty impressed on the handling, performance and the get up and go it has.
It is a manual S like my countryman, But has more spunk…than I thought.
Nice to cruise on the highway at 60 + mph and not have the virbration run up your arms Looking forward to Monday