Excessive front end noise at highway speeds

SBX335 · 09-15-2015, 06:14 PM

I've got a 2012 X3 3.5 Sport Pkg, OEM Goodyear Runflats, CPO with 44k miles.... Looked clean and upgraded the maintenance to 100k as well. Have driven it 10K since purchase in Feb 2015... On last trip (1100mi) from Denver to CA, I noticed a low level metallic whirring or grinding in the front end, particularly at 70 mph and it seemed to vary when I changed lanes or on a curve to the left. It reminds me of the sound you hear in a taxi from the differential that has 300K miles. I have a 2003 530i with 120k that is still quiet as a tomb... so this is disturbing. I took a dealer shop manager for a ride recently and he "couldn't hear anything unusual".... I would expect this in a 4x Ford pickup, but not a $55k BMW -- What thoughts? Tranny, drive shaft, brake rotors, tires and road noise ?? Will take it to an independent for a 2nd opinion... but wondering if this is a general issue for anyone else that dealers don't want to acknowledge.... Thanks for whatever ---

DonC · 09-15-2015, 06:54 PM

I'd say tires. OEM Goodyears with 44K miles must be worn.

SBX335 · 09-15-2015, 11:39 PM

Didn't mention, actually the tires, Goodyear Eagle LS2's, were new at delivery, 34k -- still in great shape --- But someone on another site suggested wheel bearings... seems pretty early to consider, but maybe a defect..

09-15-2015, 06:14 PM	#1
SBX335 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 -3.5 MSport Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Excessive front end noise at highway speeds - transmission? I've got a 2012 X3 3.5 Sport Pkg, OEM Goodyear Runflats, CPO with 44k miles.... Looked clean and upgraded the maintenance to 100k as well. Have driven it 10K since purchase in Feb 2015... On last trip (1100mi) from Denver to CA, I noticed a low level metallic whirring or grinding in the front end, particularly at 70 mph and it seemed to vary when I changed lanes or on a curve to the left. It reminds me of the sound you hear in a taxi from the differential that has 300K miles. I have a 2003 530i with 120k that is still quiet as a tomb... so this is disturbing. I took a dealer shop manager for a ride recently and he "couldn't hear anything unusual".... I would expect this in a 4x Ford pickup, but not a $55k BMW -- What thoughts? Tranny, drive shaft, brake rotors, tires and road noise ?? Will take it to an independent for a 2nd opinion... but wondering if this is a general issue for anyone else that dealers don't want to acknowledge.... Thanks for whatever ---
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09-15-2015, 06:54 PM	#2
DonC Lieutenant 29 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 3.5i M sport, etc Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: near Seattle iTrader: (0)	I'd say tires. OEM Goodyears with 44K miles must be worn. __________________ 2013 X3 3.5i AW,Msprt,rear fogs,PS,CP, Tech, etc... Other cars 2005 S2000 2018 i3S
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09-15-2015, 11:39 PM	#3
SBX335 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 -3.5 MSport Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Didn't mention, actually the tires, Goodyear Eagle LS2's, were new at delivery, 34k -- still in great shape --- But someone on another site suggested wheel bearings... seems pretty early to consider, but maybe a defect..
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