Hearing loud road noise, what is it? - BMW Forum

gfowler · 01-20-2009, 07:06 PM

gfowler12002@yahoo.com

I have a '96 328i with about 180,000 miles on it. Lately, a considerably more noticeable "moaning" road noise has been apparent, especially when braking or slowing. Recently, I bought a cheaper make of new tires, but it's hard to imagine any tires could cause road noise like this. The brakes are also fine, done last year. I'm not that mechanically knowledgeable, but what does it sound like the problem might be? Would this be something to do with the wheel bearings? If so, is that a repair for a special (foreign car or BMW) mechanic, or can tire centers or regular mechanics do it?
Any opinions would be appreciated!

witeshark · 01-20-2009, 07:13 PM

Is it the loudest when turning? A rear diff needing new fluid would make a noise like that.

BimmerE39 · 01-20-2009, 07:15 PM

Tires are perfectly capable of making lots of road noise. I had a set of Bridgestone's a few years back and at speeds above 45mph all I could hear was tire noise. If you bought a "cheap" set of tires it is definitely a possibility, particularly all season tires. Good mechanics are perfectly capable of working on and diagnosing problems with BMW's, particularly older models as the scanners needed for engine codes are more affordable on older models.

marti5 · 01-21-2009, 04:58 AM

Could well be a wheelbearing and yes tyre places do bearings too.

gfowler · 01-22-2009, 05:27 PM

Thanks to all responders.. I guess it could be any of those things but my feeling is wheel bearings, I will have it checked out, thanks

bmwmad1 · 01-22-2009, 06:02 PM

i am a mechanic my friend and you wont believe how many complaints that i see with working at a main dealership about loud road noise after having tyres replaced

have you had all 4 replaced at once if so this is more than likely your problem

a sort of quick solution what we try is to swap wheels from another car and then carry out a road test this will point out straight away without any doubt if it is due to the tyres

check if the tyres that you have had fitted have m+s printed on the sidewall
(this means that it is a mud and snow tyre)
these are usually the main cause of road noise that we find as they are a cheaper tyre

outherwise it could possibly be the wheel bearings
you get a droaning/rumble noise from a worn wheel bearing
and it normally gets louder as you pick up speed
a quick check you can do when it is safe to do so is get the car up to speed and when the noise is loudest and steer one way then the other
with a wheel bearing it will groan louder one way than the other due to the weight shifting from one side to the other

hope this helps - let me know how you get on - good luck