Driveline vibration and noise 328xi

jadams161 · 12-08-2022, 09:37 AM

I recently bought a 2011 328i xdrive. I did all services and fluids. New tires and balanced. I have noticed a slight resonance or vibration in the car at speeds above 50mph. It is more apparent while sitting in the passenger front seat. Searching reveals many posts about various vibrations in the xdrive. But none seem to ever post a fix. Has anyone narrowed it down? I plan to do the 2 flex discs in the driveshaft soon. But I am not expecting it to resolve the issue based on old posts. Vibration is constant whether coasting in drive or neutral and is in the floor/seat of the car. I am tempted to put it on the lift and run up the speed to feel how it is with wheels off the ground.

Brian86 · 12-08-2022, 03:41 PM

Driveline vibration issues have all been solved. Only so many parts that are likely to cause it.

Guibo(s)
Rear driveshaft U-joint(s)
Carrier bearing
Front driveshaft
T-case front output yoke

If all those things are in order, the driveline will be smooth.

Don't forget front strut rods, brakes, and possible shoddy wheel balancing (static only?)

Every e90 has bent wheels unless you've gone out of the way to replace or straighten them.

jadams161 · 12-08-2022, 05:05 PM

New front driveshaft. Rear driveshaft ujoints are good. Carrier bearing is good. Doing Giubos soon. Rear diff and front diff smooth. New brakes all around. Original rear axles (could be bad but no noise)

dougbert · 02-07-2023, 11:12 AM

I am trying to solve the same issue on my 328xi. Did you ever solve this problem?

jadams161 · 02-07-2023, 11:26 AM

I replaced the rear driveshaft too.. unfortunately I think it's the transfer case.. not sure I want to mess with it or just deal with the vibration.
It's weird because sometimes it drives smooth.

dougbert · 02-07-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadams161

I replaced the rear driveshaft too.. unfortunately I think it's the transfer case.. not sure I want to mess with it or just deal with the vibration.
It's weird because some drives it is smooth.

I was afraid to start throwing parts at my car without a better idea of what it might be. I thought it was one of the driveshafts, but they seem good. I guess I may be getting one from a junkyard.

jadams161 · 02-09-2023, 06:32 AM

The new noise my transfer case is making while cold. It goes away after a mile or 2 and only does it between 30-39 mph.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OwMd8sgFzxI

Saico · 02-17-2023, 03:18 AM

jadams161, I have exactly the same buzzing noise that you recorded!
And exactly in the same speed, and goes away after 1-2 miles :P

This started after my xdrive transfer box was regenerated (new bearings + new clutch kit). While doing this I also replaced the rear guibo and center bearing. First I thought it was a faulty center bearing so I replaced it once again to no avail. Then I thought if might be a little center bushing that is pushed in the driveshaft - no, this was not it.
Also replaced the front driveshaft - still not the case.

This noise is driving me crazy. Looking for some advice here.

PS. In the BMW repair manuals there's an instruction that:

To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:
1. The flexible disc connection (1) on the front and back at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal.
2. During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.
3. Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Of course I did not mark the connection, also did not replace the bolts/nuts. But I already changed the position of driveshaft vs. output flange two times and it did not help. Could this be the bolts/nuts?

jadams161 · 02-17-2023, 07:53 AM

Mine started with a completely new rear driveshaft.. the Guibos have an arrow on them for proper installation. The driveshaft I bought has them already installed, I just bolted it up. I've been trying to stop a drive line vibration and thought I had a bad u joint or driveshaft. Still have the vibration and now that noise.
I'm actually picking up a used low mileage transfer case today to install. If that doesn't work then I guess I'll just live with it.

jadams161 · 02-17-2023, 07:55 AM

The BMW instructions sound like they want the old flex discs marked with flanges if you plan to reuse them , if replacing with new flex disc then marking would be irrelevant

Saico · 02-17-2023, 08:43 AM

Ok, please let me know if changing transfer box will help. I am close to that too, even though I refurbished mine already and 4x4 is working fine.

For the bmw instructions I guess they want you to mark the position of flanges in relation to each other. Flex disk position is I guess irrelevant, as you said. Maybe the flanges are balanced or something.

jadams161 · 02-19-2023, 02:49 PM

Today's update. Took out the old T case and broke it open. No metal or broken parts inside but the bearings are definitely on the way out. The 2 main roller bearings are pretty loose and the the main race is heat scored from when it was low on fluid. I'll rebuild it and keepnas a spare.

Saico · 02-19-2023, 03:05 PM

I had my TC out and disassembled a few times. The roller bearings I replaced twice. Before you assemble everything make sure the middle wheel is rotating freely on new bearings - mine was stuck and I had to grind the race a little bit to gain some play.

dougbert · 02-21-2023, 03:24 PM

That transfer case looks very clean! Can you post photos of the parts you said are loose or heat scored?

jadams161 · 02-21-2023, 03:36 PM

I already closed it up to store it.. but it's the raced roller bearing on the center gear, one underneath too. When I rebuild it I will replace all bearings, clutch drum and the clutches. There are a bunch of small bearings that I can't believe are used inside..

jadams161 · 02-21-2023, 03:37 PM

This bearing and the one underneath

Suvorovo · 02-22-2023, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saico

I had my TC out and disassembled a few times. The roller bearings I replaced twice. Before you assemble everything make sure the middle wheel is rotating freely on new bearings - mine was stuck and I had to grind the race a little bit to gain some play.

Where'd you go for a transfercase rebuild? I would think parts are hard to come by.

Saico · 02-23-2023, 05:35 AM

Not really.. almost all of them you can buy here:

https://awd.tech/
https://maktrans.net/zaptchasti-akpp...Transfer-Boxes

The rebuild I did myself.

jadams161 · 02-23-2023, 07:07 PM

Well I got the new Tcase installed and drive the car. The noise is unfortunately still there. But the vibration is thankfully gone.
So it's either coming from the transmitter or the new china driveshaft I installed.. not how that would make the noise tho.

Going to double check the trans fluid levels again.. aside from that I guess I live with it.

Saico · 02-24-2023, 10:53 AM

Hmmm, did you put new bolts+nuts and torque them to the right spec? Or reused the old ones?

jadams161 · 02-24-2023, 10:58 AM

New shaft comes with flex joints mounted. Reused the bolts to flange as they are steel and replacement isn't required.
I'd put the old driveshaft in but I was a dummy and split the halves without marking them

So it's most likely a transmission noise. Happens when cold from 27-32 mph.. under or over that and no noise. I need to check fluid levels and maybe do a quick drain and refill.

I did find several old posts from years ago about the same noise . Most referenced transmission... But no one posted a solution

Saico · 02-24-2023, 12:50 PM

It might be the transmission but I am not that sure because:
1. My transmission was rebuilt 80kkm ago and it's been working great ever since
2. I changed transmission fluid AFTER the noise starter appearing and it had no effect on it
3. Both me and you started hearing this noise when the driveshaft was removed/replaced
4. BMW manual explicitly references this kind of noise when describing driveshaft replacement ("to avoid buzzing sound...")

12-08-2022, 09:37 AM	#1
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	Driveline vibration and noise 328xi I recently bought a 2011 328i xdrive. I did all services and fluids. New tires and balanced. I have noticed a slight resonance or vibration in the car at speeds above 50mph. It is more apparent while sitting in the passenger front seat. Searching reveals many posts about various vibrations in the xdrive. But none seem to ever post a fix. Has anyone narrowed it down? I plan to do the 2 flex discs in the driveshaft soon. But I am not expecting it to resolve the issue based on old posts. Vibration is constant whether coasting in drive or neutral and is in the floor/seat of the car. I am tempted to put it on the lift and run up the speed to feel how it is with wheels off the ground. Last edited by jadams161; 02-15-2023 at 06:29 AM..
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12-08-2022, 03:41 PM	#2
Brian86 Captain 638 Rep 766 Posts Drives: e36 M3, e91 325xi, N50 Xterra Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	Driveline vibration issues have all been solved. Only so many parts that are likely to cause it. Guibo(s) Rear driveshaft U-joint(s) Carrier bearing Front driveshaft T-case front output yoke If all those things are in order, the driveline will be smooth. Don't forget front strut rods, brakes, and possible shoddy wheel balancing (static only?) Every e90 has bent wheels unless you've gone out of the way to replace or straighten them. __________________ Sometimes a bolt is just a bolt.
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12-08-2022, 05:05 PM	#3
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	New front driveshaft. Rear driveshaft ujoints are good. Carrier bearing is good. Doing Giubos soon. Rear diff and front diff smooth. New brakes all around. Original rear axles (could be bad but no noise)
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02-07-2023, 11:12 AM	#4
dougbert Engineering dude 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA iTrader: (0)	I am trying to solve the same issue on my 328xi. Did you ever solve this problem? __________________ 2008 328xi - metallic gray 2002 330Ci - steel gray metallic The harder you work, the luckier you get.
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02-07-2023, 11:26 AM	#5
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	I replaced the rear driveshaft too.. unfortunately I think it's the transfer case.. not sure I want to mess with it or just deal with the vibration. It's weird because sometimes it drives smooth. Last edited by jadams161; 02-08-2023 at 06:57 AM..
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02-09-2023, 06:32 AM	#7
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	The new noise my transfer case is making while cold. It goes away after a mile or 2 and only does it between 30-39 mph. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OwMd8sgFzxI
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02-17-2023, 03:18 AM	#8
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	jadams161, I have exactly the same buzzing noise that you recorded! And exactly in the same speed, and goes away after 1-2 miles :P This started after my xdrive transfer box was regenerated (new bearings + new clutch kit). While doing this I also replaced the rear guibo and center bearing. First I thought it was a faulty center bearing so I replaced it once again to no avail. Then I thought if might be a little center bushing that is pushed in the driveshaft - no, this was not it. Also replaced the front driveshaft - still not the case. This noise is driving me crazy. Looking for some advice here. PS. In the BMW repair manuals there's an instruction that: To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft: 1. The flexible disc connection (1) on the front and back at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal. 2. During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position. 3. Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts. Of course I did not mark the connection, also did not replace the bolts/nuts. But I already changed the position of driveshaft vs. output flange two times and it did not help. Could this be the bolts/nuts? Last edited by Saico; 02-17-2023 at 03:27 AM..
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02-17-2023, 07:53 AM	#9
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	Mine started with a completely new rear driveshaft.. the Guibos have an arrow on them for proper installation. The driveshaft I bought has them already installed, I just bolted it up. I've been trying to stop a drive line vibration and thought I had a bad u joint or driveshaft. Still have the vibration and now that noise. I'm actually picking up a used low mileage transfer case today to install. If that doesn't work then I guess I'll just live with it.
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02-17-2023, 07:55 AM	#10
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	The BMW instructions sound like they want the old flex discs marked with flanges if you plan to reuse them , if replacing with new flex disc then marking would be irrelevant
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02-17-2023, 08:43 AM	#11
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	Ok, please let me know if changing transfer box will help. I am close to that too, even though I refurbished mine already and 4x4 is working fine. For the bmw instructions I guess they want you to mark the position of flanges in relation to each other. Flex disk position is I guess irrelevant, as you said. Maybe the flanges are balanced or something.
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02-19-2023, 02:49 PM	#12
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	Today's update. Took out the old T case and broke it open. No metal or broken parts inside but the bearings are definitely on the way out. The 2 main roller bearings are pretty loose and the the main race is heat scored from when it was low on fluid. I'll rebuild it and keepnas a spare. Attached Images
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02-19-2023, 03:05 PM	#13
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	I had my TC out and disassembled a few times. The roller bearings I replaced twice. Before you assemble everything make sure the middle wheel is rotating freely on new bearings - mine was stuck and I had to grind the race a little bit to gain some play.
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02-21-2023, 03:24 PM	#14
dougbert Engineering dude 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA iTrader: (0)	That transfer case looks very clean! Can you post photos of the parts you said are loose or heat scored? __________________ 2008 328xi - metallic gray 2002 330Ci - steel gray metallic The harder you work, the luckier you get.
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02-21-2023, 03:36 PM	#15
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	I already closed it up to store it.. but it's the raced roller bearing on the center gear, one underneath too. When I rebuild it I will replace all bearings, clutch drum and the clutches. There are a bunch of small bearings that I can't believe are used inside..
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02-21-2023, 03:37 PM	#16
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	This bearing and the one underneath Attached Images
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02-23-2023, 05:35 AM	#18
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	Not really.. almost all of them you can buy here: https://awd.tech/ https://maktrans.net/zaptchasti-akpp...Transfer-Boxes The rebuild I did myself.
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02-23-2023, 07:07 PM	#19
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	Well I got the new Tcase installed and drive the car. The noise is unfortunately still there. But the vibration is thankfully gone. So it's either coming from the transmitter or the new china driveshaft I installed.. not how that would make the noise tho. Going to double check the trans fluid levels again.. aside from that I guess I live with it.
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02-24-2023, 10:53 AM	#20
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	Hmmm, did you put new bolts+nuts and torque them to the right spec? Or reused the old ones?
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02-24-2023, 10:58 AM	#21
jadams161 First Lieutenant 171 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 335i. 2011 E90 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	New shaft comes with flex joints mounted. Reused the bolts to flange as they are steel and replacement isn't required. I'd put the old driveshaft in but I was a dummy and split the halves without marking them So it's most likely a transmission noise. Happens when cold from 27-32 mph.. under or over that and no noise. I need to check fluid levels and maybe do a quick drain and refill. I did find several old posts from years ago about the same noise . Most referenced transmission... But no one posted a solution
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02-24-2023, 12:50 PM	#22
Saico Private 30 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: May 2018 Location: PL iTrader: (0)	It might be the transmission but I am not that sure because: 1. My transmission was rebuilt 80kkm ago and it's been working great ever since 2. I changed transmission fluid AFTER the noise starter appearing and it had no effect on it 3. Both me and you started hearing this noise when the driveshaft was removed/replaced 4. BMW manual explicitly references this kind of noise when describing driveshaft replacement ("to avoid buzzing sound...")
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