I love my car, but I need to figure out this rumbling noise...

"sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
03/04/2019 at 07:57 • Filed to: e46, E46 things, BMW

So, had the E46 back in the shop a week or so ago to hopefully (finally) diagnose the “subwoofer-esque” noise I’m heading at 55-60 MPH. It’s not a vibration, it’s a deep HMMMMMMMM, which is what’s making it difficult.

Here’s a quick pic I got over the weekend driving around with a friend -

The shop took a look and said it’s likely the other 2 bent wheels. At this point, I’ve had all 4 wheels re-rounded & repaired. It drives smooooth for sure, but this noise is still there.

After getting it back, and on the highway, the noise appeared to be GONE! But then came back 10 or so miles later, so I’m stumped.

It’s not really affected by power on, so I’m thinking that maybe it’s the tires. they ARE 8 years old, with very little mileage, so it’s possible they become de-rounded when not driven for a while... Right?

Either that, or I know the front rotors are a little warped and should probably be replaced. The shop said they checked the guibo & that it’s not the CSB, but I have a feeling there’s no way they actually removed the exhaust & heat shield to check the CSB. I bought a jack and jack stands to do this myself, but it’s cold & snowy here in NYC.

Maybe suspension? It’s got 80k on it, and has seen a few potholes, so maybe it’s time to replace?

I’m only hoping it’s not the rear U-Joint, because in these cars that means replacing the entire driveshaft, which from what I’ve found looks like a hell of an expensive part.

I love driving this car, I just need to figure this issue out.

Thoughts?

DISCUSSION (14)

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 08:30

Cv joints?

CalzoneGolem > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 08:33

Do you have the rubber damper o n the driveshaft?

Kinja'd!!!

66P1800inpieces > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 08:41

I would say replace the tires as they need to be done for safety reasons. Also, if not rotated often enough, or if you have worn parts like control arm bushings, the tires will wear into their placement. W hen rotated into another position you might get odd road contact that could make that noise. 8 yrs is getting up there.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > 66P1800inpieces
03/04/2019 at 10:06

Yeah, agreed. Looking to do them in the next 2 weeks - Control arm bushings were already done, by the P/O at a BMW dealer, so there’s not a ton of mileage on them

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > CalzoneGolem
03/04/2019 at 10:06

Yessir - I got under the car to check it out, but couldn’t get the car high enough to see a ton. From what I COULD see, it looked ok, but I’ll have to check again.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/04/2019 at 10:07

Don’t think so - it’s not a clunking really, and only occurs at / above a very specific speed. Maybe rear diff bushings?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 10:19

Wheels bearings?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 10:36

The’s noises are annoying. I had to replace a torn CV anyway when I got a wierd rumble and after changing both it didn't go away. It has new tires and balanced when I switched them. I am so busy I don't have time to do anything else. I'm thinking a damper. Mine is worse going uphill and will do it more on a steep hill accelerating through 20mph.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
03/04/2019 at 10:43

Doesn’t change w/ load on either side, and no play

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
03/04/2019 at 10:44

Yeah, can’t agree more. May be a damper on my side too, we’ll see- I’d like to replace when it’s warmer

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 11:56

I’ve had wheels bearings go bad with no play and no noise change depending on load. Just constant noise, no noticeable play.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
03/04/2019 at 14:19

Touche, it’s possible

Dogsatemypants > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 16:02

Try rotating the tires, see if the noise moves. While rotating the tires, if you can lift it off the ground, check for play and noise in the wheel bearings, give the driveshaft a shake too

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/04/2019 at 16:09

Be something worth checking. Also had bad axles cause humming without the usual clunk/click, so that’s something else to check.