Quick recap, my 03 M5 is making this whining/moaning kind of noise, most noticeable around 2000RPM when car is coasting down or crusing. The noise dies down with enging RPM, and it does not matter if clutch is engaged. Two visits ago they replaced the alternator, that didn't do anything. The last time I brought it in, my dealer said the BMW tech drove my car and said the noise is normal. I'm so sick and dumbfounded that they keep telling me the noise is normal. I drove the car for 2 years since new, I know every sound the car makes. Anyway, since BMW itself told the dealer it's normal, nothing more is to be done.
I recently discovered another way to trigger the same noise (very similar anyway), and confirmed it this morning. Going uphill, I put the car on 4th gear going at ~30MPH, it will make that whining/moaning sound. It is quite loud, so mush so that I actually feel a vibration. As I've said before the noise drones in my ears. I don't know if it's the noise that's causing the vibration or a vibration somewhere causing the noise.
Any input at all is greatly appreciated - I need to arm myself with as much info as I can before I bring my car back. Thanks guys.
BTW, I do not feel that my clutch is slipping. I don't think this is a clutch issue since reving the engine with the clutch disengaged also makes that noise.
Also, I don't remember if I mentioned this before, my car is also making a whining sound from the steering. With the car standing still, it whines if I turn the steering wheel slightly, left or right. It started doing this back in May (all these things started since May this year). Of course my dealer says "oh they all do that". Do you think this is the same noise? Could a noise in the power steering pump relate to engine RPM?
Last edited by andye39s; 18th October 2005 at 18:15.
Have someone check the drive shaft, this sounds like a drive shaft problem, if the drive-shaft has some type of universal joints the joints could be loose which would cause vibration and humming noise when you're driving down the road (and this will happen regardless of whether the clutch is engaged or not)
and it's mostly noticeable when you take your foot of the gas and let the car coast or when you're placing a load on it (i.e. climbing a hill/going down a hill.) Also if the drive shaft is out of balance it will create the same problem. If it isn't the drive shaft then it's one of the spinning drive line components (rear end, transmission.) As for the power steering, if it's making a funny noise then either the pump is going bad or there's air in the fluid system, get someone the bleed the power steering system (maybe the air in the power steering system is causing all of your problems) Get BMW or someone reputable to bleed the power steering system, then drive the car and see if the noise still exist. Just my two cents as a shade tree mechanic/Air Force Hydraulic Technician.
It is hard to tell from your description, but it almost sounds like it could be a bearing problem. It varies with rpm, right? (and isn't a pure function of road speed?). The fact that when you put it into 4th at 30mph, accelerate and hear it made me think of a bearing issue. If it is, it will only get worse, so you'll know rather soon. Otherwise, I don't come up with any other thoughts at the moment.
Chuck
__________________ Current stable:
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1996 Volvo 850R wagon
Sorry to hear of your troubles. Which dealer are you taking it to? Have you tried JMK - I had a good experience with them last week (I just put a post on this).
One of the sales associates - Manny A. (M5Manny boardmember name) - is a former Beast owner, great guy, and you could be assured he will help you with his guys in the service department get this sorted out. Looks like our dealer is giving you the runaround. Whining noises at 2000 rpm is anything but normal!!!
Quick recap, my 03 M5 is making this whining/moaning kind of noise, most noticeable around 2000RPM when car is coasting down or crusing. The noise dies down with enging RPM, and it does not matter if clutch is engaged. Two visits ago they replaced the alternator, that didn't do anything. The last time I brought it in, my dealer said the BMW tech drove my car and said the noise is normal. I'm so sick and dumbfounded that they keep telling me the noise is normal. I drove the car for 2 years since new, I know every sound the car makes. Anyway, since BMW itself told the dealer it's normal, nothing more is to be done.
I recently discovered another way to trigger the same noise (very similar anyway), and confirmed it this morning. Going uphill, I put the car on 4th gear going at ~30MPH, it will make that whining/moaning sound. It is quite loud, so mush so that I actually feel a vibration. As I've said before the noise drones in my ears. I don't know if it's the noise that's causing the vibration or a vibration somewhere causing the noise.
Any input at all is greatly appreciated - I need to arm myself with as much info as I can before I bring my car back. Thanks guys.
BTW, I do not feel that my clutch is slipping. I don't think this is a clutch issue since reving the engine with the clutch disengaged also makes that noise.
Also, I don't remember if I mentioned this before, my car is also making a whining sound from the steering. With the car standing still, it whines if I turn the steering wheel slightly, left or right. It started doing this back in May (all these things started since May this year). Of course my dealer says "oh they all do that". Do you think this is the same noise? Could a noise in the power steering pump relate to engine RPM?
No offence to the other guys who have helped on the board but I think you should ask Dr. David for his opinion. DavidS is his handle on here.
WillM5AD
okay, you've got one bearing suggestion and one driveshaft suggestion..which could be right...but I've got a bearing driveshaft hybrid suggestion. On my '01 I had an intermitent problem related to speed and load and it turned out to be a defect in the center support bearing which is a bearing in the bracket that hangs under the car and 'guides' the driveshaft as it goes the length of the vehicle. BMW never found it, despite 10 mile drives with me to duplicate the sound. I found it with my friend who runs an oil change facility.
Of course it's not normal. Service advisors who say that should have their tongues ripped out, don't you think? It is so insulting.
Hope you nail it soon.
Also, I don't remember if I mentioned this before, my car is also making a whining sound from the steering. With the car standing still, it whines if I turn the steering wheel slightly, left or right. It started doing this back in May (all these things started since May this year). Of course my dealer says "oh they all do that". Do you think this is the same noise? Could a noise in the power steering pump relate to engine RPM?
Is the steering sound you mentioned akin to the sound you would hear in a normal M5 when turning the steering wheel fully to either side?
David
__________________
2000 M5 LeMans blue/Silverstone sport interior, double glass windows, all options except alcantara ceiling and trailer. Michelin PS2 tyres.
I didn't think anyone has mentioned the differential. Some here have had issues with diff. whine as I recall.
The steering could be the p/s pump or perhaps a low fluid level. Mine sounds like rubber binding against something when I turn into my parking space or some low speed manuver.
I'm so over the dealers... but sometimes there's just no choice.
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