Noise after 43/45 MPH? Video attached

[ThatWhiteM3]

Well here is one of the other issues I've been having. When I drive and speed reaches about 43+ mph to around 60-70 I'm hearing this whining noise. If you watch the video you can hear it especially towards the end. Those periods when it comes and goes in the video is I let on / off the gas pedal. Any thoughts? Noise happens only when pressing on a gas pedal. I could put in neutral on 80 and let it slow down to that 40-60 bracket and it wouldn't make any noise. I was thinking maybe drive shaft? Something maybe with a flywheel? Any thoughts?

[ThatWhiteM3]

Anything?

[monterey]

wheel bearing?

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

My '08 E90 M3 makes the exact same noise under the same conditions. The only information I could find on it was either that it is a "normal //M sound," or possibly a differential input shaft bearing.

I'm going to flush the diff fluid first to see if that does anything.

-Anthony

[ThatWhiteM3]

Originally Posted by Fabspeed Motorsport

My '08 E90 M3 makes the exact same noise under the same conditions. The only information I could find on it was either that it is a "normal //M sound," or possibly a differential input shaft bearing.

I'm going to flush the diff fluid first to see if that does anything.

-Anthony

I have done that before it didn't fix the problem. I doubt it's a normal M sound lol. I can see Input shaft bearing tho

[squartus]

Almost sounds like the whine you get with solid rear diff mounts. Could be a bushing is shot in your drive line, will come and go at diff speeds and stop when you let off throttle.

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

Originally Posted by ThatWhiteM3

I have done that before it didn't fix the problem. I doubt it's a normal M sound lol. I can see Input shaft bearing tho

My M3 has similar mileage- at this point it would make sense for us to get underneath and inspect the differential mounts, as suggested it could simply just be a worn mount.

Wishing you the best of luck diagnosing your sound!

[chris88k]

I have the exact same sound on my 2012 M3 with only 33000 miles on the clock. Went on a testdrive with a bmw tech and he was pretty certain that sound came from a faulty wheel bearing, which they replaced. The noise still remained and after further inspection they came to the conclusion that its coming from the differential. I'm getting a new one on warranty and will report back if the noise is gone. Sure hope they are changing the mounts too, if not i might consider paying for them myself..

[ThatWhiteM3]

Originally Posted by chris88k

I have the exact same sound on my 2012 M3 with only 33000 miles on the clock. Went on a testdrive with a bmw tech and he was pretty certain that sound came from a faulty wheel bearing, which they replaced. The noise still remained and after further inspection they came to the conclusion that its coming from the differential. I'm getting a new one on warranty and will report back if the noise is gone. Sure hope they are changing the mounts too, if not i might consider paying for them myself..

I was thinking wheel bearing but i believe those get louder with time. Please keep me informed if whatever you replace makes a noise go away. Thank you!

[GSTE34]

Mine makes the same sound 85k on the clock and I'm sure it's diff related since it only does it under 3k so it being load related makes it sure it's going to be the diff

[chris88k]

Just a quick update, i'm still waiting on my new diff. My dealer had some staff issues and i've been rescheduled for the 18th. I also told my dealer to replace all diff related bushings as well. This will cost me about 250 in parts and labor but i think it just makes sense when replacing the whole differential. Will keep you guys updated!

[ThatWhiteM3]

Originally Posted by chris88k

Just a quick update, i'm still waiting on my new diff. My dealer had some staff issues and i've been rescheduled for the 18th. I also told my dealer to replace all diff related bushings as well. This will cost me about 250 in parts and labor but i think it just makes sense when replacing the whole differential. Will keep you guys updated!

Please let us know if that will fix the issue!

Thank you!

[chris88k]

Ok guys, new diff is in, noise still remains. My guess is the left hand side drive shaft or the joints are bad. I'm pretty sure because everytime i corner to the right the noise disappears while cornering to the left makes it louder. Its the only part that comes to mind that might react like that to axial movement .

[eyanez1230]

This might sound absurd but check power steering fluid. Mine made a similar whine and it was because the power steering fluid was low.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by chris88k

Ok guys, new diff is in, noise still remains. My guess is the left hand side drive shaft or the joints are bad. I'm pretty sure because everytime i corner to the right the noise disappears while cornering to the left makes it louder. Its the only part that comes to mind that might react like that to axial movement .

Put your car on a dyno . Let it roll and listen where the noise comes from...

[chris88k]

Got a new appointment at my dealership. They'll replace the passenger side wheelbearing as well now. God knows why they didnt consider replacing both at the same time. I shouldn't complain though, got a shiny new differential for free. Will report back when its done.

[ThatWhiteM3]

Originally Posted by chris88k

Got a new appointment at my dealership. They'll replace the passenger side wheelbearing as well now. God knows why they didnt consider replacing both at the same time. I shouldn't complain though, got a shiny new differential for free. Will report back when its done.

Any updates?

[chris88k]

Got my car back today. It was indeed a wheel bearing related issue! BMW and bearings...seems like a neverending story :-/