E90 320i excessive road noise

BM321 · 06-22-2012, 04:48 PM

Hi Guru's
I have recently noticed an increase of road noise/resonance coming from the front end (I think) of my E90 320i (110K km). The intensity varies depending on road surface and increases under brakes. I have non standard (non-RFT) 19" wheels and tyres (Kumho 235/35ZR19). The BMW dealer service department said the differential needed replacing at a cost of $2920 (parts only) which I am very sceptical about. I'm thinking maybe the front wheel bearings maybe on the way out. What do you guys think?

Cheers

pavo335 · 06-22-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM321

Hi Guru's
I have recently noticed an increase of road noise/resonance coming from the front end (I think) of my E90 320i (110K km). The intensity varies depending on road surface and increases under brakes. I have non standard (non-RFT) 19" wheels and tyres (Kumho 235/35ZR19). The BMW dealer service department said the differential needed replacing at a cost of $2920 (parts only) which I am very sceptical about. I'm thinking maybe the front wheel bearings maybe on the way out. What do you guys think?

Cheers

Save half and get a Quaife LSD

Ethanderall · 06-23-2012, 12:22 AM

I just had to replace my partners RHF wheel bearing ASM at 60,000kms as it completely failed. Does the noise get worse turning one way or another and quiter in a straight line?.

Bearing replacement inc parts was around $340.00

Kiwi Peter · 06-23-2012, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM321

Hi Guru's
I have recently noticed an increase of road noise/resonance coming from the front end (I think) of my E90 320i (110K km). The intensity varies depending on road surface and increases under brakes. I have non standard (non-RFT) 19" wheels and tyres (Kumho 235/35ZR19). The BMW dealer service department said the differential needed replacing at a cost of $2920 (parts only) which I am very sceptical about. I'm thinking maybe the front wheel bearings maybe on the way out. What do you guys think?

Cheers

Next time your in Sydney drop in and i will check it out for you
regards Peter

ABC99G · 06-23-2012, 04:50 AM

I had the same problem with my E92 323. I also had Kumho tyres.
The noise was almost gone when I put the standard runflats back on.
I think the problem is the Kumhos. Before you spend a lot of money on wheel bearings and diffs, I suggest you borrow some different wheels and see if the noise disappears.

Ethanderall · 06-23-2012, 05:23 AM

Simply jacking up the front and turn each wheel by hand will tell you if there's a grumble in the bearings.

Pistonslap · 06-23-2012, 07:40 AM

I would be trying to fit a donar set of wheels/tyres to test first, as tyres definitely could be your issue if the noise does not change through turns.
Wheel bearings are more likely if your noise changes through turns, but do not rule out the rear differential though as this was the issue on my car.

BM321 · 06-24-2012, 06:29 AM

Thanks for the replys everyone.

I jacked the front end up and rotated the wheels and didn't notice any abnormal noises or grinding. The noise is louder in a straight line and not so loud when turning. I guess this would suggest it's not bearings as lateral load (ie turning) would make it louder.
I suspect that the tyres maybe the problem, and tried to put the old wheels and RFT's back on today but couldn't loosen the wheel nuts (the knuckle draggers at BMW service department must have set the rattle gun to super tight). I'll take it to a tyre place and get them to swap the wheels and I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers

Jeef Beef · 06-24-2012, 08:36 AM

I'm guessing you have KU31s. They are pretty loud

KUSH · 06-24-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

I'm guessing you have KU31s. They are pretty loud

I have had the same problems sounds like a wheel bearing but its normally just tyres that are feathered It seems like the toe is out & the car tyres that are toeing in it seems to be common on E90 s especially with sport suspension like mine I just replaced the tyres in the end & it was worth every cent

we are trying to sort out the alignment issues now.

BM321 · 06-25-2012, 05:51 AM

Yes, the Kumho's are KU31's and agree with KUSH, so I think I'll replace the front tyres and see what happens. Can anyone recommend what tyres I should get. I'm happy to pay a little extra to get good quality and a quiet ride.

Jeef Beef · 06-25-2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM321

Yes, the Kumho's are KU31's and agree with KUSH, so I think I'll replace the front tyres and see what happens. Can anyone recommend what tyres I should get. I'm happy to pay a little extra to get good quality and a quiet ride.

Michelin Pilot Super Sports off tirerack.com. Shipping is around $250. You'll soon see it's still much cheaper than anything local. That's where I get all my tyres.

QLD · 06-25-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM321

The BMW dealer service department said the differential needed replacing....

So given that your dealer said that was the problem... before you race out and buy new tyres, wouldn't the logical step be to get a BMW Indy to verify that diagnosis??

Why when you have been told its your diff thats the problem, you're immediately going out to buy a new set of tyres???

BMBALLER · 06-25-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QLD

So given that your dealer said that was the problem... before you race out and buy new tyres, wouldn't the logical step be to get a BMW Indy to verify that diagnosis??

Why when you have been told its your diff thats the problem, you're immediately going out to buy a new set of tyres???

I think the easiest diagnosis will be to swap on a new set of wheels. Im hoping my car doesn't run into this problem

BM321 · 06-27-2012, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QLD

So given that your dealer said that was the problem... before you race out and buy new tyres, wouldn't the logical step be to get a BMW Indy to verify that diagnosis??

Why when you have been told its your diff thats the problem, you're immediately going out to buy a new set of tyres???

The mechanic (read apprentice) noticed the noise on a road test after a service, did no other investigation and assumed it was the diff. As the noise is definately coming from the front end of the car I'm pretty sure its the front tyres. Before I do anything else, I'm getting a wheel alignment and balance and put on some borrowed wheels to either eliminate or confirm the problem.

BM321 · 06-27-2012, 02:14 AM

On the tyre front......has anyone had any experience with Falken FK 452's? I can get some 235/35/19 for $220 each and 265/30/19 for $250 each delivered to Canberra from Tempe tyres, which is reasonably cheap compared to some other brands.

BMBALLER · 06-27-2012, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM321

On the tyre front......has anyone had any experience with Falken FK 452's? I can get some 235/35/19 for $220 each and 265/30/19 for $250 each delivered to Canberra from Tempe tyres, which is reasonably cheap compared to some other brands.

They are cheap for a reason. if youre willing to go cheap then why not nankang ns2s? they'll be like 100 a corner.

ricko177 · 07-03-2012, 09:32 PM

Falken 452s have rated very highly in Wheels tyre tests in the last few years. I have them on my Golf (225-45-17) and I'm very pleased with them. I also had them on my V6 4WD Passat and they performed well, including during a skidpan session with Rick Bates driver training at Sutton Rd.

cruvon · 07-03-2012, 09:38 PM

Am almost sure it's your tyres, if that's the issue you wouldn't get better than Michelin Pilot S.Sport non runflats on 19"s for comfort and low noise!

Ninjaoz · 07-03-2012, 10:15 PM

doubt it is the tyres, given the noise increases under brake, i'd say worn bushes or CV joints - a common problem for older BMWs.

DUI Elite · 07-03-2012, 10:23 PM

Front tire irregular wear. I had to have mine replaced when thr car only had 20k miles on it. Terribly loud road noise from them.

KUSH · 07-09-2012, 07:51 PM

How did you go with it ?

06-22-2012, 04:48 PM	#1
BM321 New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 320i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canberra Aust iTrader: (0)	E90 320i excessive road noise Hi Guru's I have recently noticed an increase of road noise/resonance coming from the front end (I think) of my E90 320i (110K km). The intensity varies depending on road surface and increases under brakes. I have non standard (non-RFT) 19" wheels and tyres (Kumho 235/35ZR19). The BMW dealer service department said the differential needed replacing at a cost of $2920 (parts only) which I am very sceptical about. I'm thinking maybe the front wheel bearings maybe on the way out. What do you guys think? Cheers
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06-23-2012, 12:22 AM	#3
Ethanderall Private 1 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gold Coast, AU iTrader: (0)	I just had to replace my partners RHF wheel bearing ASM at 60,000kms as it completely failed. Does the noise get worse turning one way or another and quiter in a straight line?. Bearing replacement inc parts was around $340.00
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06-23-2012, 04:50 AM	#5
ABC99G Private First Class 16 Rep 192 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Port Macquarie iTrader: (2)	I had the same problem with my E92 323. I also had Kumho tyres. The noise was almost gone when I put the standard runflats back on. I think the problem is the Kumhos. Before you spend a lot of money on wheel bearings and diffs, I suggest you borrow some different wheels and see if the noise disappears.
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06-23-2012, 05:23 AM	#6
Ethanderall Private 1 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gold Coast, AU iTrader: (0)	Simply jacking up the front and turn each wheel by hand will tell you if there's a grumble in the bearings.
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06-23-2012, 07:40 AM	#7
Pistonslap New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: e91 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: melbourne iTrader: (0)	I would be trying to fit a donar set of wheels/tyres to test first, as tyres definitely could be your issue if the noise does not change through turns. Wheel bearings are more likely if your noise changes through turns, but do not rule out the rear differential though as this was the issue on my car.
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06-24-2012, 06:29 AM	#8
BM321 New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 320i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canberra Aust iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replys everyone. I jacked the front end up and rotated the wheels and didn't notice any abnormal noises or grinding. The noise is louder in a straight line and not so loud when turning. I guess this would suggest it's not bearings as lateral load (ie turning) would make it louder. I suspect that the tyres maybe the problem, and tried to put the old wheels and RFT's back on today but couldn't loosen the wheel nuts (the knuckle draggers at BMW service department must have set the rattle gun to super tight). I'll take it to a tyre place and get them to swap the wheels and I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers
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06-24-2012, 08:36 AM	#9
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 110 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I'm guessing you have KU31s. They are pretty loud __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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06-25-2012, 05:51 AM	#11
BM321 New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 320i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canberra Aust iTrader: (0)	Yes, the Kumho's are KU31's and agree with KUSH, so I think I'll replace the front tyres and see what happens. Can anyone recommend what tyres I should get. I'm happy to pay a little extra to get good quality and a quiet ride.
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06-27-2012, 02:14 AM	#16
BM321 New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 320i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canberra Aust iTrader: (0)	On the tyre front......has anyone had any experience with Falken FK 452's? I can get some 235/35/19 for $220 each and 265/30/19 for $250 each delivered to Canberra from Tempe tyres, which is reasonably cheap compared to some other brands.
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07-03-2012, 09:32 PM	#18
ricko177 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2005 E90 330i - Monaco blue Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Canberra iTrader: (0)	Falken 452s have rated very highly in Wheels tyre tests in the last few years. I have them on my Golf (225-45-17) and I'm very pleased with them. I also had them on my V6 4WD Passat and they performed well, including during a skidpan session with Rick Bates driver training at Sutton Rd.
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07-03-2012, 09:38 PM	#19
cruvon Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (1)	Am almost sure it's your tyres, if that's the issue you wouldn't get better than Michelin Pilot S.Sport non runflats on 19"s for comfort and low noise! __________________ Tiag E90 \| JBSPEED Spli t t ers \| JBSPEED ACS style Roof Spoiler \| JBSPEED M3 style Trunk spoiler \| Euro plates \| K&N Intake \| BMW OEM Performance Exhaust \| Debadged \| OEM Chromeline trim \|230 OEM rims \| 19" Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Non runflats \| OEM Burr Walnut Gear knob \| OEM Blacklines \| OEM Spacesaver \|
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07-03-2012, 10:15 PM	#20
Ninjaoz Major 79 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: E39 540i, E90 320d,F15 30d Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 320d [10.00]	doubt it is the tyres, given the noise increases under brake, i'd say worn bushes or CV joints - a common problem for older BMWs.
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07-03-2012, 10:23 PM	#21
DUI Elite ///M at Heart 90 Rep 1,954 Posts Drives: 06 SGM E90, 15 BSM E84 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (4)	Front tire irregular wear. I had to have mine replaced when thr car only had 20k miles on it. Terribly loud road noise from them.
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07-09-2012, 07:51 PM	#22
KUSH Enlisted Member 4 Rep 49 Posts Drives: MY 08 325i M Sport/Innovations Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	How did you go with it ?
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