I posted about this a while back.
Problem is, when I'm traveling at freeway speeds (above 50mph) I notice a rushing air sound in the cabin. It's super loud! At first I thought this was the blower motor contains to run even when off. Matter some experimenting, I've determined that's not the case. It's actually air blowing in through the vents. I'm thinking that the flap letting in air from outside is not closing all the way?

Is this a normal function? Or do I indeed have a problem?

How loud is your mini in the cabin?

 

I noticed I had this problem once comming home from work, I hope you figured it out cause my mini more than likely has the same problem

 

One thing you will notice oin the MINI, it does not have a separate side vent for only fresh air...
If the climate comtrol system is OFF, air will still flow...
heck, I often set the temp....then turn the fan off...it is NORMAL.
If you do not want fresh air getting into the car, pres the resculate button in, then turn the fan off...
The WINDOWS will fog up FAST..the TINY interior volume of the MINI will not hold much moisture from your breathing...so it is not really much of an option...hense the fact it defaults to open to let a bit of fresh air in to prevent fogging!!

 

Thanks ZippyNH.
When you say "press the recirculate button in" should it be lighted up or not? Also, is it a single press, or a hold down?

 

Lighted. Just press.

 

I've actually been doing the same thing zippy , setting the temp than turning off the fans.