I have a 2007 justa Cooper, automatic trans, with about 70,000 miles on it and it is making a whirring/buzzing/humming noise when in motion. It starts at about 10 mph and gets louder and more pronouced the faster the car goes, but then drops off between 70-75 mph. Its really noticeable when I'm in 4th gear between 2,000 and 3,500 rpms.

The best way to describe the sound is that of a bad fan bearing on a computer. It is not quite a buzzing that a vibration makes but more of a raspy hum. It is kind of hard to describe to be honest. I thought it might be a wheel bearing but there is no clunking noise when I'm turning. The transmission shifts fine too so I don't think it's that. The tires are in good shape with nothing stuck in them.

There is also a ticking coming from the engine that has a clicking type sound. I know this is common on the Cooper S's but I'm not sure on the Justas.

Anyone have any thoughts? I apologize for the poor description and equally poor writing, I'm trying to do this on my phone.

Thanks in advanced,
Joe

 

Any chance it is just road noise from worn tires? My tires hum pretty good even though they are relatively new, especially over concrete.

 

Just throwing another idea out. My is buzzing from a vibration between the headliner and roof above the driver side sun visor.

I have no idea how to make it stop.

 

I took it in after work and the tires were under inflated by a few pounds. After they were airred up it was still making the noise though.

It sounds like it's coming from the front passenger side area of the car and does get loud when I left putting more weight on that corner of the car. Could it be a wheel bearing?

 

no chance its a ground loop from the stereo is it?

 

Nope, stereo is fine. Makes the noise even with the radio off too.

 

Joe,
It is likely that it is a bad wheel bearing. Wheel bearings don't make a click noise when turning. That is caused by a bad CV joint. A bad front wheel bearing will generally get louder when turning one direction or the other at speed.
HTH,
Mike

 

agreed w/ this poster, and O.P.'s added post about more noise when turning in one direction coupled with a general low, somewhat grindy/growl noise that inreases w speed would be the tip offs pointing to a wheel bearing.

 

Noise ended up being a bad transmission bearings which were failing causing the car to start slipping gears, the cost to fix? $9,300. I am now the owner of a 2012 Ford Focus. I doubt I'll ever return to the MINI brand, the repair costs are astronomical.

 

I may have the same problem. I'm trying to catch a good video recording of it and will post here soon. I'm also seeing the dealership this weekend. The big issue is my car has less that 15k on it :(