[JeffHou73]

Originally Posted by Loderunner

I experienced a rattling sound at the passenger side while driving. However, I discovered it was due to the seat belt hitting the side wall( which is hard plastic) when driving on uneven road.

That's not the problem. I've experienced what you are describing with the seatbelt on both of my previous BMW's. But, that's not the noise we're trying to hunt down. Thanks regardless!

[JayDub]

March 2018 build
M40i with adaptive suspension
19" Bridgestone Dueler run flats

SO glad to hear that others have noticed this noise! I moved from an E83 X3 to the G01, and everything about the new car is more quiet except the start up exhaust note and this low pitched perolating rumble.

To me, it sounds like its road noise from the front tires, except as others have noted, it starts at low speed and doesn't increase proportionately with higher speeds. Better on smoother roads, but never gone.

I was swapping out wheels to test for fit (BTW, the 647M off the front of the 640i fit perfectly) and noted that there is a duct opening in the front of the wheel well that appears to direct air from the front cowling right onto the brake discs

Certainly could be a factor. I'm mounting up some NON run flats for a track day next week (Michelin A/S 3+) and will compare relative sound noise level, the report back to y'all. If I have opportunity today, while running errands, I'll see if I can get some duct tape over those wheel well openings without having to remove the wheels. High speed should certainly "blow off" the duct tape, but if this is the culprit, sound should be gone or different at 20-30 mph

[freitz]

Originally Posted by JayDub

March 2018 build
M40i with adaptive suspension
19" Bridgestone Dueler run flats

SO glad to hear that others have noticed this noise! I moved from an E83 X3 to the G01, and everything about the new car is more quiet except the start up exhaust note and this low pitched perolating rumble.

To me, it sounds like its road noise from the front tires, except as others have noted, it starts at low speed and doesn't increase proportionately with higher speeds. Better on smoother roads, but never gone.

I was swapping out wheels to test for fit (BTW, the 647M off the front of the 640i fit perfectly) and noted that there is a duct opening in the front of the wheel well that appears to direct air from the front cowling right onto the brake discs

Certainly could be a factor. I'm mounting up some NON run flats for a track day next week (Michelin A/S 3+) and will compare relative sound noise level, the report back to y'all. If I have opportunity today, while running errands, I'll see if I can get some duct tape over those wheel well openings without having to remove the wheels. High speed should certainly "blow off" the duct tape, but if this is the culprit, sound should be gone or different at 20-30 mph

Can you describe the noise. I think i have this noise everyone is talking about but it sounds like really tired crickets. I have been choking it up to be wind noise or

Does that sound about the same?

[JeffHou73]

Hi JayDub - To me, it sounds like you have the same issue we are talking about - you've described it perfectly. I can save you time of worrying about whether or not non RFT will make a difference. PFDnorthills, whose posted in this thread several times also has 19-inch non-RFT I believe and has the very same issue as well.

[freitz]

no update on this?

[freitz]

I took the x1 out today an noticed something.

I hear this noise. Only on certain roads. The noise is the same noise that the X1 makes on those roads even though tires are different. The only thing that is the same is the road and the fact that they are run flats.

So both X3 and X1 make this noise... X1 is from 2014.

[freitz]

This thread dead?

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by freitz

no update on this?

Bad wheel bearing?

[PFDnorthhills]

BMWZ4, thanks for input, the noise however does not appear to be a wheel bearing. My X3 has been looked at several times by a Field Representative with nothing concrete for solving the noise issue. It still is being pursued and if there is any resolution I will post the results.
Freitz, I'm just curious what you have done to identify, solve this problem. Visited your dealer, called customer relations, anything?

[ando]

1. 2018 X3 xDrive30i (4 cylinder)

2. October 2017 production date at SC plant location

3. No noise described above

4. N/A

[freitz]

Originally Posted by PFDnorthhills

BMWZ4, thanks for input, the noise however does not appear to be a wheel bearing. My X3 has been looked at several times by a Field Representative with nothing concrete for solving the noise issue. It still is being pursued and if there is any resolution I will post the results.
Freitz, I'm just curious what you have done to identify, solve this problem. Visited your dealer, called customer relations, anything?

Visited local dealer, was told the noise is normal. I have tried to record the noise with no luck, wife thinks I am crazy. Just sounds like excessive road noise on certain roads.

Is the noise apparent for everyone on all roads or only on certain roads. I only hear it on certain roads.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by freitz

Visited local dealer, was told the noise is normal. I have tried to record the noise with no luck, wife thinks I am crazy. Just sounds like excessive road noise on certain roads.

Is the noise apparent for everyone on all roads or only on certain roads. I only hear it on certain roads.

Mine is just on rough roads especially chip seal roads.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by freitz

I took the x1 out today an noticed something.

I hear this noise. Only on certain roads. The noise is the same noise that the X1 makes on those roads even though tires are different. The only thing that is the same is the road and the fact that they are run flats.

So both X3 and X1 make this noise... X1 is from 2014.

That’s not a good sign, the road noise on the X1 is unacceptable for a BMW.

[freitz]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

Mine is just on rough roads especially chip seal roads.

I will try and record this noise. I set this up and drove around about an hour to help the group.

Go Pro X3 M40i by Fred Reitz, on Flickr

[freitz]

I recorded the sound. Can be heard from the first 2 seconds on. Let me know if the noise can be heard.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by freitz

I recorded the sound. Can be heard from the first 2 seconds on. Let me know if the noise can be heard.

That's the same sound mine makes.

[freitz]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

That's the same sound mine makes.

So that sound is not normal? Or it is normal?

Is this the sound everyone has been trying to record?

[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) 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.

Jeff please check the video I posted above and confirm the sound.

Thanks,

[freitz]

Originally Posted by JeffHou73

Thanks for you input.

I have tried putting car in neutral while moving and the noise doesn't change. I've also, as I've stated above, switched the engine off completely while moving and the noise is unchanged.

One trend may be playing out that units built in January may be more noticeable than some units produced in the fall or in March...but can't imagine what might be causing that. Not really enough data.

Can confirm my unit was built in January.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by freitz

So that sound is not normal? Or it is normal?

Is this the sound everyone has been trying to record?

Doesn't seem like it should be normal.

[jakhlyki]

Yep, that’s it. It’s a hollow sounding background rumble.I know a few posts back someone had said that they tried 19th, 20th, and 21s and the sound never went away. We’re all those tires run flats or were some of them non-run flats? Thanks

[jakhlyki]

I have no experience with dyno machines, but I wonder if putting an X3 on a dyno is possible and seeing if the sound could be recorded or observed from the outside of the car.