Buzzing in the gauges above 70 mph

[svencz]

Hi,

three weeks ago I got a 2011 E90 M3. It's been great so far (still only at 750 miles though ;-), but since the day one I have one problem. When I reach a certain speed (somewhere between 60 and 80 mph) I get a loud buzzing noise coming from the dashboard at the driver's size. It sounds like it comes from behind the gauges.

It doesn't depend on the road quality, gear and touching/holding any parts of the dashboard makes no difference.

Any idea what might be going on?

[elp_jc]

I have that too on my '08, now that you mentioned me. It doesn't do it all the time though. For the life of me, I have no freaking idea what the hell it could be. It sounds like if we had a cable-driven speedometer; remember those? First time I hear of that noise from somebody ehse, so glat I'm not the only one. But the car is so damn noisy, it quickly gets drown out by road noise, so it doesn't bother me that much anymore.

[Georgeair]

Originally Posted by svencz

Hi,

Buzzing in the gauges above 70mpg

No worries for me - I've never seen even remotely close to 20, let alone 70!!!

[svencz]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

It sounds like if we had a cable-driven speedometer

Exactly!

[svencz]

The service guys haven't figured out the problem by removing the gauges. If you have any idea/suggestion, please share it now otherwise my whole dashboard is getting dismantled tomorrow.

I'm really worried that if they take it apart something else will break, but unfortunately the buzzing is too noisy to bear ..

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by svencz

I'm really worried that if they take it apart something else will break, but unfortunately the buzzing is too noisy to bear ..

Please let me know what dealer found man; hope they find the issue. However, I wouldn't want my dash removed without identifying the noise first. It's incredible how some noises telegraph through. Once I was poking at the moonroof like crazy due to a very annoying buzzing sound, and I felt so stupid when by accident found out it was something on the passenger seat. I was thinking how the hell could I mistake the sound, but it happens. The hardest part of quieting a rattle is finding the source. Once you do, the rest is usually easy. And even if there's something behind the dash (likely), it could be quite elusive without driving the car. They'd have to tighten everything, zip-tie any possible harness causing the issue, etc. If they don't take the time to systematically check EVERYTHING, you're probably going to have more noises than before (hope I'm wrong on that). Good luck man.

[DailyDriver]

Originally Posted by svencz

The service guys haven't figured out the problem by removing the gauges. If you have any idea/suggestion, please share it now otherwise my whole dashboard is getting dismantled tomorrow.

I'm really worried that if they take it apart something else will break, but unfortunately the buzzing is too noisy to bear ..

Curious to know if you found the root cause for this buzzing noise. I have a 2009 E92 M3 and have had the exact same problem for a while now. A buzzing noise emanates from the dashboard usually starting at around 60mph and becomes very noticeable at 80mph. It happens regardless of engine speed or which gear I am in. My only guess is that it might be caused by wind vibrating something at speed.

I mentioned it to the dealer when I had my car in for service to replace the windshield a few months ago. When they had the windshield out of the car they put in some extra foam/insulation between the gap in the dash and windshield hoping that would fix it. Ultimately it didn’t and I can’t locate the exact source of the sound. I’ve put pressure on all the dash panels while driving to isolate it, but no luck. Any advice would be appreciated.

[svencz]

The reason was an insufficient sealing of the windshield. The dealer removed the windshield, replaced the sealing and the noise is all gone. Both me and their techs though the noise was coming from the dashboard, only after they removed the dashboard completely and were still able to reproduce the buzz they figured out it was the windshield.

[rockstarm3]

another reason could be the two screws right under through the steering wheel above the gauges - mine ended up becoming very loose and rattled and then funny story, i shifted from 1-2 and it popped out - yea i was running 98 octane, it's the shiznit

[DailyDriver]

Originally Posted by rockstarm3

another reason could be the two screws right under through the steering wheel above the gauges - mine ended up becoming very loose and rattled and then funny story, i shifted from 1-2 and it popped out - yea i was running 98 octane, it's the shiznit

Are those screws easy to access/check? I still have the buzzing and it does sound like it's coming from around the gauges.

[rockstarm3]

Originally Posted by DailyDriver

Are those screws easy to access/check? I still have the buzzing and it does sound like it's coming from around the gauges.

yes. easy.hex nuts. although

quick diagram below - sorry no images...x's are the screws arrows are pointing right above the gauges... 0's are the speedometer and rev gauge respectively...it is outside the plastic and right above the gauges.

x x
^ ^
0 0

[elp_jc]

Forgot about this noise. At least in my car, it's a winter noise .

And did you mean windshield gasket and/or sealant? Never seen or heard about windshield 'insulation' .

[cameltoes]

Daily and ELp did you get this noise sorted out?

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by cameltoes

Daily and ELp did you get this noise sorted out?

Nope, and never lost any sleep over it . It rarely made it, and wasn't constant. And it's been a while since I remember hearing it. Are you still hearing yours???

[DailyDriver]

Originally Posted by cameltoes

Daily and ELp did you get this noise sorted out?

Nope. Checked those speedo screws and they were tight and the windshield was replaced due to a rock chip, with the buzzing there before and after. So I'm still trying to figure it out.

[jml]

I have a buzzing/rattling the sounds like it comes from the dash or a-pillar, and I am pretty sure it's the mirrors. They creak when I open/close the door.