faint humming sound while coasting on freeway

ES_TRADER · 06-24-2011, 09:24 AM

so i just got a 335i e90 and sometimes i hear this humming sound coming from what sounds like the area in front of the passenger area...it definitely sounds like its coming from the outside of the car and can only be heard if the windows are closed and music off. car is 2011 and has 1200 mi on it.

i hear it on some parts of the freeway at around 75-85mph, just coasting..no hard acceleration. Im suspecting this is the 18in RFTs making contact on various road surfaces but not sure...i also did a search and some have said it is the wheel bearings...but its not that loud...but its got a high pitch to it so can be heard if no other sounds are in the car.

what could it be? am i suspecting the RFTs correctly? or is there another issue? thanks for ur help

ES_TRADER · 06-26-2011, 11:40 AM

anyone? im taking it in next week because this is a bit irritating but im 99% sure it will not appear when i go on a test drive with the tech..so im at least looking to point a few items out

apc3libras · 06-26-2011, 12:38 PM

For the last few days I have heard a electronic humming sound. Kinda high pitch. It's really quiet though. I can't figure it out. Maybe the same sound?

fdriller9 · 06-26-2011, 09:54 PM

I get a whurring sound from my tires. They're BF Goodrich g-force T/A KDW tires though. They're known to have alot of road noise.....it kinda sucks. I bought my wheels used and they were wrapped with them. :/

I can't wait till they wear out....

I thought failing wheel bearings click? At least that's what my bentley manual says.

Terp335 · 06-26-2011, 10:06 PM

I've got a 2011 335 and hear this noise on the highway as well. For what its worth, I also hear this when accelerating prior to shifting to 2nd gear (as soon as I hit second - note I have step - it goes away). Seems to be tied to RPMS, maybe?

I took my car to two different dealers. One offered to start pulling things apart to figure it out (I declined), the other said it sounded like a wheel bearing issue but couldn't be sure. He told me if it was a wheel bearing issue it would get more pronounced (confirming the issue) and they'd fix it. Its been 3k miles since then and it hasn't gotten any worse, so I'm starting to believe its normal.

ES_TRADER · 06-28-2011, 10:30 PM

ok so im going in for this on thurs...today while driving with slight acceleration all the way up to 80mph, i heard the humming/buzzing..it came when i let up off the gas...only with speeds above 75mph ..just coasting...even louder than the previous times...whats funny is that i drove pretty much all day long running errands and finally on my last trip to head home, i heard nothing, while all the previous attempts to duplicated the noise happened like clockwork....i just know with 99.9999% certainty that when i go in for it this week, the sound will not produce itself for the test drive with the shop foreman...ugh...why is life such a pain?

Gazapo · 07-24-2011, 10:27 AM

Did you get this issue resolved? I think mine does the same thing, when letting off the gas and coasting at highway speeds...

Nyc_BK_335I · 07-24-2011, 11:06 AM

hey I got 11' e90 also and I hear a minor sound of what you describe also when coasting on the highway.

ES_TRADER · 07-24-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazapo

Did you get this issue resolved? I think mine does the same thing, when letting off the gas and coasting at highway speeds...

Nope. The shop foreman said he would not risk getting a ticket to drive test drive my car at 80mph. He said to me, you do know it's illegal to driven that speed right... So basically they never attempted that issue..I did a search and found an old thread a few years back saying you cab plug the rain gutter hole with chewing gum or tape. I did that buy i still heard the sound. Now I just turn the music up to drown out any sounds.

Some have also said it's the wheel bearings but if it is the case, it will get worse over time to where any speed can reproduce it but I'm sure it's not that

Tom K. · 07-24-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richpuer

Some have also said it's the wheel bearings but if it is the case, it will get worse over time to where any speed can reproduce it but I'm sure it's not that

When I had a wheel bearing go at 85k miles on my E46, the noise was only heard at speeds from about 5 to 40 mph.

Tom

ES_TRADER · 07-24-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Quote:

Originally Posted by richpuer

Some have also said it's the wheel bearings but if it is the case, it will get worse over time to where any speed can reproduce it but I'm sure it's not that

When I had a wheel bearing go at 85k miles on my E46, the noise was only heard at speeds from about 5 to 40 mph.

Tom

I suspect it's not the wheel bearings as the low speed u mentioned will produce the sound. I think it has something to do with wind noise.

Do the people who are experiencing this noise also have the m sport bumper?

WWONG · 07-24-2011, 01:36 PM

In b4 knowing what a turbo sounds like

Gazapo · 07-24-2011, 01:39 PM

My 328xi is factory stock down to the Conti RFT's.. I also thought it could be a wheel bearing, but with some slight side to side steering (trying to stay in lane) the noise does not vary at all. It just kinda goes away as the car slows down to around 60.

ZTZ1010 · 07-24-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldasicex5

i have a 2011 car and i hear the SAME thing.. im convinced its normal

+1.

Same deal in my 09 335i. Convinced it's normal.

SomeRandomer123 · 07-24-2011, 07:05 PM

HPFP. Probably

mricorp · 07-24-2011, 07:44 PM

I have it too...............and yes I have the M-Sport front bumper.

davidmh47 · 07-24-2011, 08:10 PM

I have the same issue with my 2011 335 m sport. I heard it constantly when I lived in Germany driving 125+ mph to and from work. What I found was that the adhesive on the black weatherstrip of the windshield over the passenger side was not very sticky and if I pressed the seal down it would quit for a few days. I still hear it right at 80mph on the interstate. So every once in a while I press down on the weatherstripping to make it stop.

Gazapo · 08-03-2011, 05:19 PM

The noise that I hear sounds like its coming from the right front tire... I had my wheels road force balanced yesterday; no change, ugh.

onth · 08-03-2011, 07:44 PM

Could it be the turbo or the RFT or the intake silencer...?

ZTZ1010 · 08-03-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onth

Could it be the turbo or the RFT or the intake silencer...?

I don't have RFT and an aftermarket intake, and still hear it... so I doubt it.

dmatre · 08-03-2011, 08:03 PM

Here's another 2011 328i M-Sport with the same problem.

No noise < 70mph. Only noticable 75-80ish (that's about as fast as I go on local highways). Anything below 70mph and the sound is never there.

And I thought it was just my car......

Guess I'll have to start looking around the windshield - but it definitely sounds more like from further forward in the car (like at the bumper).

Definitely wind-related, as the noise disappears if I closely follow another vehicle.

ES_TRADER · 08-03-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZTZ1010

Quote:

Originally Posted by onth

Could it be the turbo or the RFT or the intake silencer...?

I don't have RFT and an aftermarket intake, and still hear it... so I doubt it.

Yes I dont think it's turbo either that's a separate whistling sound I hear but I kno it's the bov

06-24-2011, 09:24 AM	#1
ES_TRADER Colonel 344 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	faint humming sound while coasting on freeway so i just got a 335i e90 and sometimes i hear this humming sound coming from what sounds like the area in front of the passenger area...it definitely sounds like its coming from the outside of the car and can only be heard if the windows are closed and music off. car is 2011 and has 1200 mi on it. i hear it on some parts of the freeway at around 75-85mph, just coasting..no hard acceleration. Im suspecting this is the 18in RFTs making contact on various road surfaces but not sure...i also did a search and some have said it is the wheel bearings...but its not that loud...but its got a high pitch to it so can be heard if no other sounds are in the car. what could it be? am i suspecting the RFTs correctly? or is there another issue? thanks for ur help
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06-26-2011, 11:40 AM	#2
ES_TRADER Colonel 344 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	anyone? im taking it in next week because this is a bit irritating but im 99% sure it will not appear when i go on a test drive with the tech..so im at least looking to point a few items out
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06-26-2011, 12:38 PM	#3
apc3libras Lieutenant Colonel 35 Rep 1,691 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UTAH iTrader: (3) Garage List 1999 BMW M3 [4.00]	For the last few days I have heard a electronic humming sound. Kinda high pitch. It's really quiet though. I can't figure it out. Maybe the same sound? __________________ 2007 BMW 328I Monaco Blue /// 1999 BMW M3 Titanium Silver /// 2007 BMW 328I Sparkling Graphite (sold)
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06-26-2011, 09:54 PM	#4
fdriller9 Banned 253 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	I get a whurring sound from my tires. They're BF Goodrich g-force T/A KDW tires though. They're known to have alot of road noise.....it kinda sucks. I bought my wheels used and they were wrapped with them. :/ I can't wait till they wear out.... I thought failing wheel bearings click? At least that's what my bentley manual says.
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06-26-2011, 10:06 PM	#5
Terp335 First Lieutenant 116 Rep 381 Posts Drives: E90 2011 335i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: No VA iTrader: (0)	I've got a 2011 335 and hear this noise on the highway as well. For what its worth, I also hear this when accelerating prior to shifting to 2nd gear (as soon as I hit second - note I have step - it goes away). Seems to be tied to RPMS, maybe? I took my car to two different dealers. One offered to start pulling things apart to figure it out (I declined), the other said it sounded like a wheel bearing issue but couldn't be sure. He told me if it was a wheel bearing issue it would get more pronounced (confirming the issue) and they'd fix it. Its been 3k miles since then and it hasn't gotten any worse, so I'm starting to believe its normal.
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06-28-2011, 10:30 PM	#6
ES_TRADER Colonel 344 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	ok so im going in for this on thurs...today while driving with slight acceleration all the way up to 80mph, i heard the humming/buzzing..it came when i let up off the gas...only with speeds above 75mph ..just coasting...even louder than the previous times...whats funny is that i drove pretty much all day long running errands and finally on my last trip to head home, i heard nothing, while all the previous attempts to duplicated the noise happened like clockwork....i just know with 99.9999% certainty that when i go in for it this week, the sound will not produce itself for the test drive with the shop foreman...ugh...why is life such a pain?
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07-24-2011, 10:27 AM	#7
Gazapo Private 2 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toms River NJ iTrader: (2)	Did you get this issue resolved? I think mine does the same thing, when letting off the gas and coasting at highway speeds...
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07-24-2011, 11:06 AM	#8
Nyc_BK_335I Private First Class 20 Rep 106 Posts Drives: n55(sold), 2017 M3, 2017 x3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: brooklyn, ny iTrader: (0)	hey I got 11' e90 also and I hear a minor sound of what you describe also when coasting on the highway.
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07-24-2011, 01:36 PM	#12
WWONG Banned 109 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (14)	In b4 knowing what a turbo sounds like
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07-24-2011, 01:39 PM	#13
Gazapo Private 2 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toms River NJ iTrader: (2)	My 328xi is factory stock down to the Conti RFT's.. I also thought it could be a wheel bearing, but with some slight side to side steering (trying to stay in lane) the noise does not vary at all. It just kinda goes away as the car slows down to around 60.
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07-24-2011, 07:05 PM	#15
SomeRandomer123 Colonel 306 Rep 2,612 Posts Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK iTrader: (0)	HPFP. Probably __________________ Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!)
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07-24-2011, 07:44 PM	#16
mricorp New Member 3 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 335ix Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I have it too...............and yes I have the M-Sport front bumper.
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07-24-2011, 08:10 PM	#17
davidmh47 Give war a chance 8 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2011 335i M Sport Sedan Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Lacey, Wa iTrader: (1)	I have the same issue with my 2011 335 m sport. I heard it constantly when I lived in Germany driving 125+ mph to and from work. What I found was that the adhesive on the black weatherstrip of the windshield over the passenger side was not very sticky and if I pressed the seal down it would quit for a few days. I still hear it right at 80mph on the interstate. So every once in a while I press down on the weatherstripping to make it stop. __________________ 2011 Space Gray 335i M Sedan 2011 Alpine White X5 xDrive 35d JB4 Stage 2, BMS charge pipe, BMS downpipes, BMS intake
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08-03-2011, 05:19 PM	#18
Gazapo Private 2 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toms River NJ iTrader: (2)	The noise that I hear sounds like its coming from the right front tire... I had my wheels road force balanced yesterday; no change, ugh.
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08-03-2011, 07:44 PM	#19
onth Private 4 Rep 53 Posts Drives: '14 328xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: .... iTrader: (0)	Could it be the turbo or the RFT or the intake silencer...?
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08-03-2011, 08:03 PM	#21
dmatre Captain 665 Rep 740 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: The Carolinas iTrader: (0)	Here's another 2011 328i M-Sport with the same problem. No noise < 70mph. Only noticable 75-80ish (that's about as fast as I go on local highways). Anything below 70mph and the sound is never there. And I thought it was just my car...... Guess I'll have to start looking around the windshield - but it definitely sounds more like from further forward in the car (like at the bumper). Definitely wind-related, as the noise disappears if I closely follow another vehicle.
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