325xi rumbling/growling noise - BMW Forum

will3hawks · 03-22-2009, 08:19 AM

I recently purchased a 2003 325xi manual. 62k, 1 owner car. The car runs and drives well in every aspect EXCEPT that there is a noise/vibration at highway speeds(60mph). It is not apparent at lower speeds nor when turning. It almost sounds like running over a rumble strip. Local dealer took it for a ride and while acknowledging that there was "Something", was unable to put his finger on it. I have seen some some previous posts about noise/vibration/harshness as this relates to the xi series, I have yet to find anything definitive. Any xi experts out there? Any help is appreciated.

Regards,

Will

steppro · 03-22-2009, 01:41 PM

take it out on the highway, make it produce the noise again, and when it is making the noise, put the car into neutral, if the noise goes away its probably something to do with your drivetrain such as the rear end, driveshaft, trans/transfer case, etc. also take a look at the condition of the tires, they could also be out of balance. just some ideas, its a good place to start anyways.

will3hawks · 03-22-2009, 06:03 PM

will do

adamone2 · 03-26-2009, 08:21 AM

i have the same thing going on with my 2003 325xi. i noticed when i am going over 50, with my foot on the gas, and i go over bumps or wavey road surface i noticed it would snarl, but as soon as i let go of the gas pedal and go over bumps or wavey roads that noise would stop. no ideas

steppro · 03-26-2009, 09:20 AM

ive seen a simalar problem like this on an X3 once where the DSC was overly sensitive, to fix it all the tech did was unplug the DSC, take it for a test run and he never heard the noise again, then he plugged it back in and it was almost like the DSC module reset itself because the noise never came back after that....but keep in mind if you do this it will set a code and turn on the DSC light on the dash, once you plug the module back in the light may or may not shut off by itself, it might have to be reset with a scan tool