[JeffHou73]

This is related to an earlier post where I described a "nuisance noise" heard in the M40, not related to wind or tires or exhaust or engine. This noise begins at speeds above 25 mph, sounds like a rattle or gurgle (like an old coffee pot sitting on the stove when its percolating). The noise does not seem to vary with speed once it begins.

I am aware of three owners (including myself) experiencing this noise and am trying to determine how wide spread this might be. Is it possible there are only 3 M40's that make this noise or do all M40's make this noise and just consider it normal?

Please respond if you have the interest and time.

1. Do you have a 2018 X3 xDrive30i (4 cylinder) or X3 M40 (6 cylinder)?

2. What is your production date (found on the tag inside the driver's door) and plant location?

3. Are you experiencing this nuisance noise described above (not wind or tires)?
If so, please provide a description (its somewhat difficult to describe if it is what I am hearing!).

4. Have you attempted to have the noise identified - on your own? at the dealer?

Any information would be helpful.


- My M40i was produced 01/2018 - Spartenburg
- I am working thru BMW Customer Relations, was assigned a Case Manager (who has since left BMW so starting over!) and I've also met with a BMW field engineer for my area. Nothing resolved yet. BMW is still actively pursuing the case, but until the sound can be identified, seem to be dumbfounded as to what to do.

[PFDnorthhills]

1.2018 X3 M40
2. Production date 1/18/2018
3. Yes, sound as you describe, low rumble gurgle, sound near footwell
4. Working with BMW Customer Relations and Regional Engineer Support Group. No resolution at this time.

[Ragnarkov]

Is it possible to record the noise (either via video or an audio recording)?

That would go a long way to others realizing it's the same noise they think is normal, as well as others helping to diagnose.

If it's even recordable. If it's not very loud, it might get drowned out.

[PFDnorthhills]

Tried to record could not be done.

[freitz]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

This is related to an earlier post where I described a "nuisance noise" heard in the M40, not related to wind or tires or exhaust or engine. This noise begins at speeds above 25 mph, sounds like a rattle or gurgle (like an old coffee pot sitting on the stove when its percolating). The noise does not seem to vary with speed once it begins.

I am aware of three owners (including myself) experiencing this noise and am trying to determine how wide spread this might be. Is it possible there are only 3 M40's that make this noise or do all M40's make this noise and just consider it normal?

Please respond if you have the interest and time.

1. Do you have a 2018 X3 xDrive30i (4 cylinder) or X3 M40 (6 cylinder)?

2. What is your production date (found on the tag inside the driver's door)?

3. Are you experiencing this nuisance noise described above (not wind or tires)?
If so, please provide a description (its somewhat difficult to describe if it is what I am hearing!).

4. Have you attempted to have the noise identified - on your own? at the dealer?

Any information would be helpful.


- My M40i was produced 01/2018
- I am working thru BMW Customer Relations, was assigned a Case Manager (who has since left BMW so starting over!) and I've also met with a BMW field engineer for my area. Nothing resolved yet. BMW is still actively pursuing the case, but until the sound can be identified, seem to be dumbfounded as to what to do.

Not sure if I am hearing what you are hearing. I hear loud road noise only present on some roads.

I do hear a rattle around 40-45 mph and up. Almost like something is lose on the rear passenger side. Sound is more towards the exhaust, shook the exhaust no noise present. Noise is not present on all roads.

I just listened to a coffee percolator sound since it's been years. Mine sounds more like a metal rattle... it is very faint.

Can you post a video for what you are hearing. I purchased mine M40i last Friday.

[JeffHou73]

Originally Posted by freitz

Not sure if I am hearing what you are hearing. I hear loud road noise only present on some roads.

I do hear a rattle around 40-45 mph and up. Almost like something is lose on the rear passenger side. Sound is more towards the exhaust, shook the exhaust no noise present. Noise is not present on all roads.

I just listened to a coffee percolator sound since it's been years. Mine sounds more like a metal rattle... it is very faint.

Can you post a video for what you are hearing. I purchased mine M40i last Friday.

Not sure if this rules out the exhaust system, but you can turn the engine off when you are moving (by hitting the start/stop button 3-4 times) and you still hear the noise. So, its not the exhaust per se, but doesn't rule out a flap in the exhaust or hanger, etc. associated with the exhaust system. Te restart the engine while moving, just hit the start/stop button again...no need to touch the brake to restart.

[j1980mac]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

This is related to an earlier post where I described a "nuisance noise" heard in the M40, not related to wind or tires or exhaust or engine. This noise begins at speeds above 25 mph, sounds like a rattle or gurgle (like an old coffee pot sitting on the stove when its percolating). The noise does not seem to vary with speed once it begins.

I am aware of three owners (including myself) experiencing this noise and am trying to determine how wide spread this might be. Is it possible there are only 3 M40's that make this noise or do all M40's make this noise and just consider it normal?

Please respond if you have the interest and time.

1. Do you have a 2018 X3 xDrive30i (4 cylinder) or X3 M40 (6 cylinder)?

2. What is your production date (found on the tag inside the driver's door)?

3. Are you experiencing this nuisance noise described above (not wind or tires)?
If so, please provide a description (its somewhat difficult to describe if it is what I am hearing!).

4. Have you attempted to have the noise identified - on your own? at the dealer?

Any information would be helpful.


- My M40i was produced 01/2018
- I am working thru BMW Customer Relations, was assigned a Case Manager (who has since left BMW so starting over!) and I've also met with a BMW field engineer for my area. Nothing resolved yet. BMW is still actively pursuing the case, but until the sound can be identified, seem to be dumbfounded as to what to do.

I'm going to go out on a limb here ... Could this be the fake engine noise? Have you coded it off?

[AndreG]

1. 2018 X3 M40i
2. 01/2018 Production Date
3. Sound as described by Jeff. Highly dependent on road surface but always there and speed independent (above 20-25 mph)
4. Worked with dealer and BMW Customer Relations but no resolution.
5. Tires: 245/50/R19 Run Flat Pirelli Cinturato P7

[JeffHou73]

Originally Posted by j1980mac

I'm going to go out on a limb here ... Could this be the fake engine noise? Have you coded it off?

Thanks for chiming in, j1980mac, and you are not going out on a limb by any means. Your suggestion was tried and the results summarized by Swampman on another thread (I also started) "2018 M40 - Distracting (non-tire) Noise at Speeds above 25mph".

Swampman's response:
"I used BimmerCode and the V-gate pro adapter to turn ASD off. Unfortunately it had no affect on the rumble or whine we hear at most speeds and road conditions. I turned ASD back on since there is absolutely no engine feedback, i.e shifting rpms, etc. I am an old manual transmission guy but love the 8 speed in these cars."

[Tchgrif]

not sure if this helps, but my Volvo xc60 a few years back had a low rumble noise but only once up to a certain speed and then continuous as you describe. took it back to dealer repeatedly and nothing helped. after it drove me mad for nearly three months I put it up on stands and went under it to find the plastic aerodynamic panels were loose. I had to push up all the little plastic trim panel plugs, about half of them were not set in all the way, voila problem solved. why the people who work on them could not find it I will never know but solving the problem let me enjoy the car finally.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

1. Do you have a 2018 X3 xDrive30i (4 cylinder) or X3 M40 (6 cylinder)?
X3 M40i

2. What is your production date (found on the tag inside the driver's door)?
Jan 2018

3. Are you experiencing this nuisance noise described above (not wind or tires)?
No

4. Have you attempted to have the noise identified - on your own? at the dealer?
N/A

You might also want to ask what tires and size wheels folks are running.
I have the 21" 718M (for summer) and 20" 699M (for winter)

[JeffHou73]

Originally Posted by Kief

You might also want to ask what tires and size wheels folks are running.
I have the 21" 718M (for summer) and 20" 699M (for winter)

Thanks, Kief.
The dealer has already tried swapping my 21 inch wheels/tires out for 19's for a test drive and there is no difference in the noise. In fact, I believe PFDNorthhills, who commented above also has 19's and has the same noise I am experiencing.

I also assume your car was not produced at the Spartenburg plant, based on your location, which could also be a distinguishing factor I had not considered.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

Thanks, Kief.
The dealer has already tried swapping my 21 inch wheels/tires out for 19's for a test drive and there is no difference in the noise. In fact, I believe PFDNorthhills, who commented above also has 19's and has the same noise I am experiencing.

I also assume your car was not produced at the Spartenburg plant, based on your location, which could also be a distinguishing factor I had not considered.

Nope, mine was a custom build in SC.
I'm in the Good Ol USA—it's written in German

[Swampman]

1. 2018 X3 M40
2. Production date 03/02/2018
3. Yes, sound as you describe, a rumble above 25 with 19 inch runflat AS. Now noticing similar sound on wife’s 428 coupe!
4. Coded ASD off as test with no affect and disliked lack of engine feedback so restored ASD. Dirt and grass surfaces and some smoother asphalt reduces noise. Not convinced this is all tire but may be an amplified drivetrain harmonic.

[j1980mac]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

Thanks for chiming in, j1980mac, and you are not going out on a limb by any means. Your suggestion was tried and the results summarized by Swampman on another thread (I also started) "2018 M40 - Distracting (non-tire) Noise at Speeds above 25mph".

Swampman's response:
"I used BimmerCode and the V-gate pro adapter to turn ASD off. Unfortunately it had no affect on the rumble or whine we hear at most speeds and road conditions. I turned ASD back on since there is absolutely no engine feedback, i.e shifting rpms, etc. I am an old manual transmission guy but love the 8 speed in these cars."

I actually think I know the noise you're referring to.

I have Adaptive M Suspension, and 20s.

I have been chalking this up to "road noise". But the sound is a gradual build up after about 20 mph, and it doesn't get a whole lot louder, so it makes me think it may not be 100% related to tires? idk

[JeffHou73]

Originally Posted by Swampman

1. 2018 X3 M40
2. Production date 03/02/2018
3. Yes, sound as you describe, a rumble above 25 with 19 inch runflat AS. Now noticing similar sound on wife’s 428 coupe!
4. Coded ASD off as test with no affect and disliked lack of engine feedback so restored ASD. Dirt and grass surfaces and some smoother asphalt reduces noise. Not convinced this is all tire but may be an amplified drivetrain harmonic.

Good feedback Swampman.
1. I also have the Adaptive M Suspension
2. Wouldn't a harmonic issue change with something that is either rotating or vibrating an different speeds? This seems to be "on" or "off" once you hit 20-25mph and then hovers with no change - except for changes in road surface. It's crazy because the sound is the same with either 19's or 21's on my car.

[octane71]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

Good feedback Swampman.
1. I also have the Adaptive M Suspension
2. Wouldn't a harmonic issue change with something that is either rotating or vibrating an different speeds? This seems to be "on" or "off" once you hit 20-25mph and then hovers with no change - except for changes in road surface. It's crazy because the sound is the same with either 19's or 21's on my car.

in france some people have the same problem ... and one solution for all , it's a problem with the seal of the windscreen.....

[AndreG]

Swampman has a very good point. Could be a combination of tires and suspension component(s). I drove the car last week for over a 1,000 miles on many different roads. The only time the car was absolutely quiet was on a short stretch of brand new ultra smooth asphalt: no noise!!
Do any of you guys have Michelin Latitude Sport 3 ZP tires factory installed? They are supposed to be very different in character from the Bridgestones and Pirellis.

[TxHornX3M40iGuy]

Originally Posted by freitz

Not sure if I am hearing what you are hearing. I hear loud road noise only present on some roads.

I do hear a rattle around 40-45 mph and up. Almost like something is lose on the rear passenger side. Sound is more towards the exhaust, shook the exhaust no noise present. Noise is not present on all roads.

I just listened to a coffee percolator sound since it's been years. Mine sounds more like a metal rattle... it is very faint.

Can you post a video for what you are hearing. I purchased mine M40i last Friday.

I have this same slight rattle sound coming from the rear passenger side too. I thought it was the seatbelt in front passenger seat, but it's further back. Maybe the rear cargo cover rattling? I haven't had a chance to investigate well...

[munna]

Originally Posted by TxHornX3M40iGuy

I have this same slight rattle sound coming from the rear passenger side too. I thought it was the seatbelt in front passenger seat, but it's further back. Maybe the rear cargo cover rattling? I haven't had a chance to investigate well...

I have a rattle in the rear, but it’s more evident when they body of the car is going up/down inclines. If I fold down the middle seat backrest, the rattle goes away. Probably something loose/rubbing in the connector

[PFDnorthhills]

So far it seems there is some consistency by some of the members in their observation of the issue of the nuisance noise. I wanted to agree to some observations, and add additional ones
1. Agree that the road service does effect the volume of this noise. Smooth surface low volume, rough surface louder.
2. It is most obvious from 20-25mph up to highway speed. From my experience 40-45mph is as loud as it gets
3. The noise is not towards the rear of the car. Seems to be heard best from footwell area. Can be heard by driver and passenger.
4. I might think as swampman has stated, tires may by interacting with suspension components to generate the sound.
5. I have had underbody panel removed. This was to check for loose components. Also drove with removed, did not lessen sound.
6. I have put tape over windshield and edges and moonroof to insure there was no harmonic generated inside the passenger cabin.
I would ask that any owners that agree with above, should talk to their service department to address this issue. From my experience so far it is just the beginning of a process to get a fix, if there is one. The service department will not solve this issue, it needs to go up several layers at BMW to have this looked at.

[Ragnarkov]

I was readying elsewhere that because of the suspension differences, bmws can tend to not go through a proper alignment at dealers. I know with old cars I had, if they weren't aligned properly, the would get vibrations at certain speeds and and bad roads.

like I've heard of people having to take their bmws in 2 or 3 times to finally get it right.

could that possibly be it?