18 droning months with an E70
 

Awful tyre noise (like a droning propeller plane) and dealer who sympathises but BMW technical say "Normal!" Between 20mph and 70 mph the tyres resonate through to the cabin, completely spoiling what is otherwise a fine car. I am used to tyre and transmission noise on 4 x 4's but this is so unpleasant. At 18,000 miles I will soon be ready for a new set but BMW will not commit to advising what will be quieter. Maybe the answer is non run-flats but I prefer to stay with specified tyres if possible. The original tyres are Bridgestone Dueler F: 255/50 R19, R: 285/45 R19. Anyone out there had experience with changing between different makes of run-flats?

Frequently blocked filters on screen washers can be relieved with an air line but dealer says front wing must be removed to clean thoroughly. What causes the blockage?

Taking UK car to Europe requires headlamps to dip right instead of left. Anyone tried reaching the back of the headlamp units to move the levers? It needs a mirror to see the levers then a child sitting on the engine to reach inside the wing! Is there an easier way for someone with average size hands to perform this seemingly simple task?

Very grateful for any advice, particularly with choice of tyres.

richardl

I've heard that the Bridgestone Dueler tires are noiser than the Dunlop Sports Maxx (it's what the X5 comes with on in North America). I have 20" offset factory Dunlop ROFs and they are whisper quiet. :) I'm about to go in and get my winter BMW tire set on (Dunlop ROF winter tires as well, BMW offers them) and they are also whisper quiet.

Yeah but Dunlop has 6mm profile and Bridgestone+Continental 8,5mm!!

Mine came with Michelins. I can't comment on my tire noise though. I swear my E70's cabin is noisier than my E53s were, so I hear everything :dunno:

Dunlop Sports Maxx on my 08 E70, tyre noice acceptable, interesting Re tread depth, thanks FutureMan. I guess it would be unwise to mix..?

I had the Dunlop, 20000km gone back from 6mm to 3mm (21" 239).
Now i have the Bridgestone on 20" 227's.

The bridgestone are much better in rain (especially braking)
The bridgestone make some more noice (only 3000km driven) but the Dunlop's became also noisier after 14000km so Dunlops made more noise after 14000km than the Bridgestone now.

For the 21" there is only Dunlop Rof avaiable, 20" Rof Bridgestone and Dunlop.

So my choise for now is 20" Bridgestone and in a month i change them in non Rof Conti Wintercontact -front 275/40/20 rear 295/40/20- (and sell the Bridgestone at ebay) :)

Hi Richard - any more joy with your dealer on this? I have an SD M Sport (new in May - with just over 4,000 miles) and the front tyres (Dunlop) have just started 'droning' - it sounds awful, and in my opinion definitely isn't 'right'. I had thought it may be balancing, but had the wheels checked today (they were slightly out, now balanced), but it is still exactly the same - I guess it may be tracking otherwise?? I havent been to a dealer yet, but would be interested in anything else you have tried/experienced.

Thanks, Justin.

Hi Justin and all who responded to my post. My tyres have made the same noise from new and the dealer has had the car twice for three days then again for a day recently when the BMW Technical Rep tried it. The sound is hard to define but can be described as a "hollow roaring" or "blowing over the neck of a bottle". What's more important is that it is really irritating and hugely diminishes the pleasure of driving the car. As I have said to BMW Technical; "what is the point of all this advanced technology (such as lightweight suspension and run-flat tyres) when the driving experience is ruined by the transmission of tyre noise into the cabin".
At this stage I have vowed never to buy another BMW (I go back to the 700cs in 1965 and 12 new cars since then!) or anything with run-flats, so my prime concern is what tyres to fit when the Bridgestones wear out. Continentals are the only alternative suggested by BMW for my sizes but if they turn out as noisy as the Bridgestones I am going to wish I went the whole hog and changed to non run-flats.
I think in your case Justin it may be premature tyre wear that is feathering the treads. Other forums have plenty of complaints throughout the BMW range about run-flat tyres feathering badly and getting very noisy after 5,000+ miles.
Hope your dealer can sort it for you.

Regards,

Richardl

Thank you very much Richard, will speak with the dealer...

I had the same problem. As Bridgestones continued to wear the noise got unbearable. Just switched them out for Michelin Latitudes and the difference is unbelievable. Latitudes are non-run-flats because I have a full size spare (eg no third row seat). These are the tires that should be on this car from factory. Very quite with virtually no road noise, yet handle well and have a great traction and wear rating.