325iT Questions

[Atlantaphoto]

We've just purchased a used 2001 325iT (Our first BMW) and there are a couple of things I'm curious about-- was hoping someone here could help.

First, I'm noticing a strange sound coming from the back of the car. It sounds like a loud grunt. It happens intermittently, but when it happens it almost always happens at the start of a sudden acceleration. Two garages have looked at the car. One heard the sound but had no clue what was causing it, the other never heard the sound.

Second, I'm noticing a heavy build up of black powder on all 4 wheels of the car, but more so on the fronts. I'm hoping this is not debris from the brake pads or rotors.

Thanks in advance,
Michael
Atlanta

 

[Zchild]

On the second concern, I have to say welcome to the wonderful world of BMW... Yes you too will experience the pleasure of brake dust build-up on all of your wheels. It's a bimmer thing and unless you opt for the dust-free brake pads you too will be stuggling in vain to keep your nice rims dust free. Happy Motoring and welcome aboard the forum. Yes you are correct it is worse up front. I get my bimmer washed every two weeks whether it needs it or not...[driving2]

 

[richie the rocket]

The brake dust is a huge issue with my white 323iT. Wash the car all the time to get rid of it.

Does you car have steptronic? there are plenty of people that have had problems with it and you might want to search the sticky at the top of the posts to see if you car falls into that. Did you purcahase the car CPO or from an outside place?

Good luck

Rich

 

[bmwrocks]

The brake dust is a fact of BMW life,as long as you use BMW brake pads. Make sure to wash it off with soap and water often as it becomes acidic when it gets wet. That can lead to pitting and overall breakdown of your wheel finish. The wheels look sooooo nice when they are clean, which lasts about 1 day after washing if you are lucky.

Sorry but I can't help you with your grunt.

 

[Atlantaphoto]

re:325iT questions

Thanks Rich,

The car was purchased privately from its original owner. Thanks for the pointer to the Steptronic faqs, that's definitely not what we're experiencing.

Michael

 

[Section_8]

Interesting, I recall reading some posts from some folks on E46fanatics about this 'bump' from the rear under sudden accelleration in a auto (steptronic). The general concensus the guys found with their dealers/mechanics was it was a normal sound in the drivetrain that occurs with heavy accelleration (at lower speeds). They also reported it happening sometimes when the car would downshift (again steptronics), usually when stopping harder than normal from higher speeds (again, reported to them as a normal drivetrain sound).

Dunno if that's true, or what you are hearing from your car.. How does that fit into when YOU hear the noise?

Welcome to BMWboard btw! I see you're in Atlanta, check the regional forum for info on the next BMW meet here in town. Looking to have around 40-50 folks/cars at the next one.

 

[airlordz]

If it only happens when the car accelerates it happened to me when i first got my 328i. I believe its the mount for the tranny at the back. Its like a thump sound at the back when u accelerate or drive really hard. If you drive normally you dont hear the sound correct? I will find out exactly and let you know b4 end of the day. But i got mine fixed and i am pretty certain thats what it is.

 

[Atlantaphoto]

I hear the sound inconsistently. When I hear it , it is usually about a second after stepping on the gas pedal to accelerate, either from a start or from going going real slow. It doesn't happen all the time, I can drive for an hour and only hear it once. And I can't draw any connection to how well the car has been warmed up or running.

The first guy to notice it was a mechanic at Buckhead Motor Works in Atlanta, a garage that specializes in BMW work. They had no idea what it was, though the garage appears to be haunted by the spirit of Elvis, maybe that has something to do with it. [unsure]

 

[airlordz]

I hear the sound inconsistently. When I hear it , it is usually about a second after stepping on the gas pedal to accelerate, either from a start or from going going real slow. It doesn't happen all the time, I can drive for an hour and only hear it once. And I can't draw any connection to how well the car has been warmed up or running.

The first guy to notice it was a mechanic at Buckhead Motor Works in Atlanta, a garage that specializes in BMW work. They had no idea what it was, though the garage appears to be haunted by the spirit of Elvis, maybe that has something to do with it. [unsure]

Most likely the transmission mount sorry forgot i was supposed to get back to you but thats what it most likely is. So ask ur mechanic to check it