sounds like driving w/ snow tires
 

Just bought an 05 X5 3.0 with sport suspension. When I get above 40 mph there's a sound from the rear that sounds like I have snow tires on the vehicle. I't barely audible when I've got my foot on the gas, but you can really hear it when I coast and it keeps humming until I coast down to 20 mph or so. The humming is in direct relation to the speed of the car, e.g. faster the car goes, so does the noise.

Local "european shop" mechanic says it's not wheel bearings and that these cars just make that noise. I've got brand new tires on it, so cupping shouldn't be the problem.

Is this normal?

Any help is appreciated!

I can't help with your specific problem but the comment from the " Local "european shop" mechanic "that these cars just make that noise" should be a warning that you should find another shop.

I might start with an alignment..

Thanks for your replies...more info - the local mechanic worked at BMW dealership for some years and then started his own business, and has been doing that for over 15 years - feedback from locals is very positive. He did have the car for about a day so he must have done some testing, analysis, etc. But, I'm thinking of heading to dealership later on this week to give them a look see.

Re alignment - just done two weeks ago - no help there.

what kind of tires are you running? Brand, size, etc?

18" goodrich - not sure of the specifc name...I'd have to check. They weren't to most expensive thing I could find, but still not cheap - $900 for all four.

thats very odd. i cant seem to find any goodrich tires that are made in that size... just checked their website..

Many species of tire brands have a rotation direction these days...maybe that new set of mystery tires is incorrectly mounted.

And, I agree with QwkAg: I would find a new Indie BMW mechanic, vs the guy that said, "these cars just make that noise"...

No mystery anymore - turns out it was end user error. Wheels are 17", which means no sports suspension (not sure why I thought that). Regrets on bad info - my only excuse is not normally being a car guy.

I'll take it to another mechanic this Friday - maybe dealership- to see what they say. I'll post results in case any other clueless soul has the same problem later on.

Love the forum - I've gotten losts of great knowledge.

Peace out.

HD63

No noise now... Bad wheel bearing right rear. Just had it replaced and she's driving great now.