'05 330xi Noise at 60 MPH

[Christie]

I purchased a 2004 330xi last spring. Every time I reached 60mph there was a humming or whine noise in the engine that abated when I took my foot off the accelerator or went over 70mph. BMW technicians could not figure out what it was. They replaced the transmission but that didn't help. They then said it was probably the transfer case having to do with the AWD and the shifting of torque. I wasn't happy keeping the car with a new transmission and, after negotiating with BMW, they ordered me a new car. It came in as a 2005 model - the exact car.

As I drove it away all was well until it reached 70mph - then the exact same high pitched squeal or whirring noise started and kept going until I reached 80mph or took my foot off the accelerator.

Now I am in the process of having BMW personnel drive it. They hear it but say it is a "normal" noise for an AWD vehicle and tell me to PLAY THE RADIO and I won't hear it. This is not acceptable for a $46,000 purchase - agree? I have even tried the radio but I can't play it loud enough to drown out the noise!

Have you ever heard of this transfer case problem in AWD cars? Why can't it be fixed? Am I the only BMW 330xi owner having this problem? HELP!

PS I just heard from BMW. They claim it might be a drivetrain vibration problem and want to replace the differential with specially designed gear set.

 

[Unit74]

Sounds like BMW for sure......


We have 27k on 03 330i and around 22k on cold start-ups, it stazrted to make a horrendous high pitched vibration sound from the front end.....BMW Techs answer....Oh, it's normal. Thats a pump that comes on when the car is cold. It turns off after a minute or two....


Funny how for the first 22k miles it didn't do that.......I think BMW is full of schit regarding there service practices.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Christie my best advice to you is to sell that new 2005 330xi worth 46k and take a small hit, and don't buy another... I'd replace it with an X3 3.0, an Audi quattro, or a G35x. You can give the repairs a try, but my experience is the less they play around with the car, the better off you are. If the sound is really unbearable.. just sell it and be over with it.

 

[TJ Hart]

I bought a 2002 330XI with 26K miles. Had the same problems. The dealer changed tires, balanced them, changed wheels, same problem. We argured, they bought the car back. I drove seveal new 2004 330xi's and bought one. I love the car, however at 27K miles same issue. Another dealer looked at it. They changed tire pressure and told me it is the way these cars are. With 34lbs of air in the front it is better, but still there. Seems like they could solve it. Maybe sv joints?