[S4NoMore]

2015 xDrive 28d, 66k miles.
Just replaced the tires with non-RFT pilot sport a/s 3+. The feeling improved a little but I think I'm ruling out a tire issue.

There's a noticeable vibration almost like a humming, particularly when mildly accelerating from about 35-45 mph through the lower rev range. In the case of the diesel this is about 1800-2200 rpm or so.

It's felt through the seat, to me it seems to be coming from middle or rear moreso than front end.

If driving more aggressively, with higher revs, the feeling isn't there.
If going downhill with very light to no throttle, lower or equal revs, the feeling isn't there.
On the highway around these revs, the car feels very smooth, no issues.
If going uphill and basically steady at around 40mph, the car wants to be right in this rev range and the vibration becomes more noticeable. I'll usually manually downshift to make it stop.

I'm not sure what to inspect or have a shop inspect - transfer case, driveline connectors like giubo or CVs, rear diff bushing? Any advice or experience with something like this is much appreciated.

[andreigbs]

FWIW, I have the same vibration. Mine happens in the 30-40mph window on anything beyond a light throttle.

It also happens around 75-85 on heavy throttle.

I'm thinking too much torque through the driveline, combined with diesel engine harmonics. Hopefully nothing serious, as it has always done it and is not getting worse with time or mileage.

Definitely subscribed!

[e30lover318i]

Check drive shaft center bearing and front and rear drive shaft U joints, they might need to remove the drive shaft/shafts for better inspection.

[S4NoMore]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

FWIW, I have the same vibration. Mine happens in the 30-40mph window on anything beyond a light throttle.

It also happens around 75-85 on heavy throttle.

I'm thinking too much torque through the driveline, combined with diesel engine harmonics. Hopefully nothing serious, as it has always done it and is not getting worse with time or mileage.

Definitely subscribed!

I was wondering if a fellow diesel owner would chime in...
We test drove a different one locally and I kind of noticed it then too, and at the time thought "this must be diesel life?" But now owning it I can't help but wonder if it could be solved, mainly because it doesn't seem so dependent on the engine but rather on the speed and loading of the drivetrain.

I agree it doesn't seem to be hurting anything, although I can't help a little BMW paranoia and worry about the transfer case.

[Msportdriver1]

Hi not sure if this will help or indeed is the same sort of issue, my 335D had a vibration through the steering wheel but was around 1300 rpm. Took it to my dealer whom i do trust and they checked everything from wheels through to engine mounts no issue's found. Then the Master tech, i think they are called in the states up loaded a new map which reduced the effects but did not remove it completely. i think it probably is in my case harmonics around that load and rev range but i would be interested if you identified another issue.

[EricD735i]

Same vibration in our 2016 with 67k. Hasn’t got any worse since we’ve had it. Seems to be a weird resonance. I’m planning on taking a closer look at the motor mounts one day but they appear to be ok.

[andreigbs]

Well, that makes 3 of us that notice the same issue. It has been consistent since 49K miles when I bought it, and as long as it's not getting worse I guess I'll worry less, drive more.

I will report back once I've had the driveline fluids replaced. The last time it went in for service (recall work) it came back with a clean bill of health.

[N55_X3]

Same thing with my 2013 35i with almost 60k. A bit of drivetrain vibration under load. Had the car since April. Same since then. I'm guessing drive shaft. Hate those vibrations…

[S4NoMore]

Originally Posted by N55_X3

Same thing with my 2013 35i with almost 60k. A bit of drivetrain vibration under load. Had the car since April. Same since then. I'm guessing drive shaft. Hate those vibrations…

I'm shocked that you'd have it on a 35i, that's pretty interesting and suggests it's not all down to the diesel harmonics.