2005 4.4 Exhaust vibration/noise *New Member

tmpE86 · #1 08-01-2011, 12:09 PM

Hi, about a month ago I traded in my perfect Z4 coupe for an 2005 X5 4.4i, 84k miles. Had a bunch of problems, I didn't test drive/check over the vehicle enough at ALL, had way too much trust in my local BMW dealership. I had an exhaust leak by the muffler, which they repaired, but only after trying to force me to believe the noise was 'normal'.
I am worried I still may have an exhaust problem, basically between 1800 and 2500 rpms the exhaust seems to 'groan' or 'hum', very deep sound. It does this through every gear, and I can feel vibrations through my feet, but once past about 2.5k it smooths out. In 6th gear, this exhaust noise is loudest at 60mph(about 2k rpms). Happens only under load and is the noise seems the be from below my feet or closer to the engine. I don't really hear an exhaust leak with the windows down. I have looked over the exhaust system, no signs of a leak, but I couldn't see the manifolds or the top of the pipes that well. This is the only X5 I have ever driven, and I read how people say the X5 is soo quiet, I just can't believe this is their definition of quiet? Could bad engine/exhaust mounts be bringing this noise and vibration in the cabin? This can't really be diagnosed over the internet, but a simple normal or not normal, maybe some places to start looking, would be very helpful.

phil47 · #2 08-01-2011, 12:25 PM

What was the cause of the leak? If it was rust or perforation I would be suspect of the whole exhaust..

tmpE86 · #3 08-01-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil47

What was the cause of the leak? If it was rust or perforation I would be suspect of the whole exhaust..

Good thought, but the exhaust is not rusty at all. The leak was very small, to me it looked like the weld at the muffler separated from the pipe, if that makes sense. The length that the dealer welded was less than an inch.

Roadkill · #4 08-01-2011, 12:32 PM

not normal. the X5 is rather quiet especially at freeway speeds. you should hear more tire noise than exhaust noise.

Nik · #5 08-01-2011, 01:17 PM

Yes, I do have the SAME noise, Grum, At the same exact RPM. :/

tmpE86 · #6 08-01-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinan e39

not normal. the X5 is rather quiet especially at freeway speeds. you should hear more tire noise than exhaust noise.

Well if I go faster or slower, it gets 'quieter', just right around 60 is when it seems loudest. It drones at that speed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nik

Yes, I do have the SAME noise, Grum, At the same exact RPM. :/

Are you saying its normal?

because my local dealer does, BUT they said my other exhaust leak and the engine squeaking was normal...

amalouf · #7 08-01-2011, 08:54 PM

Mine had same noise. Turned out it was transfer case. Dealer had to use chassis ears to figure it out.

Nik · #8 08-02-2011, 12:10 AM

It does make scense for it to be transfer case, since it does at certain RPM. I was trying to remember if other X5 that I drove had that noise and vibration, It may had some, but not as noticable as mine. You should try and make them fix it, Also look for ticking noise when you shift In Revese and in Drive, Transfer case makes those noises as well, when the chain is streched. Well, for me, It isn't at all that annoying to do something about.

tmpE86 · #9 08-02-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nik

It does make scense for it to be transfer case, since it does at certain RPM. I was trying to remember if other X5 that I drove had that noise and vibration, It may had some, but not as noticable as mine. You should try and make them fix it, Also look for ticking noise when you shift In Revese and in Drive, Transfer case makes those noises as well, when the chain is streched. Well, for me, It isn't at all that annoying to do something about.

Hold on, why does it make sense that it is the transfer case? Not saying your wrong, I just don't understand, it makes this noise/vibration through every gear at the same rpm....it was colder outside this morning, seemed to be much worse. And there is no noise from the chain.

Thanks for the help everyone.

tmpE86 · #10 08-17-2011, 12:57 PM

Well I brought it to another dealer today, they say "It sounds normal", They also said they would reset transmission adaptations. So that is 2 dealerships that say it sounds and feels normal......guess I am crazy. If my 'problem' really is normal, this is not even close to the ultimate driving machine.

Besides replacing the transfer case, buying chassis ears might be my only way to figure this out.