In an earlier comment I described a "funny noise" in my 2007 R56 Mini Hatchback, possible timing chain.

Turns out that was it. Long story -- the timing chain has several sprockets, tensioners, etc., etc. -- that's where the noise was coming from. So, $1400 later -- new timing chain and components. There goes my tax refund.

I run standard Continental tires -- NOT run-flats. What tires are you running and what mileage are you getting? This is a somewhat daily driver, no hot-rodding; weekly TP checks; align about every 8 months -- drive on a lot of poorly-maintained rural roads.