Strange noise at highway speeds
 

Hi all,
I have an '04 X5 3.0 and have noticed lately now that upon hitting about 70-80 MPH on the highway, I get a strange whirring noise coming from somewhere in the engine bay. I thought it was wind coming through the wipers, but that is not it. It is some sort of wind penetration in a section of the engine bay or the black plastic vents on the hood area near the windshield. Does anyone else have this issue or know what the heck it could be......I am baffled? Thanks


Steve

Try to turn off the fan from the ventilation / ac / Heater. I have the same car and found an annoying sound that sounded like a chipped brake pad or something, but turning off the fan (minus button allll the way down) the noise went away. Maybe check that just to be sure?

I've had a similar noise in mine that comes in about 75. Don't recall that is was there before the trans was replaced but it was there after. Sounds like a vibration down in the trans/ transfer case area. It's definitely speed related, dropping down to 5th on the highway doesn't change the sound. Dealer has had the X5 twice since the trans replacement but hasn't been able to find the source of the problem. I'm wondering if an engine mount was damaged when the trans was out. Or if the exhaust was put back on such that it's not hanging properly.