X40d SE vibration and noises

[coops]

Hi all, recently picked up a 2011 X5 40D (50k miles) (will introduce myself later).

Great car, goes well, uses more fuel than i was expecting!

The following problems weren't noticed during test drive and only came apparent on a smooth bit of motorway.

1. There is a vibration coming through my seat from 65MPH and up. The car was from BMW and they did the alignment for me before picking up. Really annoying.
2. Weird whirring noise. Hard to tell exactly where from but seems to be front left to middle. Goes on acceleration and comes back on overdrive. More noticeable at high speed. Putting it in neutral makes no difference.
3. On full lock there is a very odd noise coming from underneath - I will pinpoint later.

It would be going straight back to the dealer but they're 200 miles away. I am about to email them but my experience of the local BMW dealer is very poor and that is what they will suggest i do.

Many thanks for any suggestions!

[CondorX5]

If its a BMW AUC just get it booked in to a dealer of your choice and make it their problem to fix the problems!

The full lock problem you described could possibly be a transfer box related issue - I have a similar age /mileage model to yours, BMW have just replaced my transfer box, I had the judder / slip on full lock. Bought mine August 2016, so full warranty still.  What tyres are fitted?  They should be matched and star rated, but you just never know!

[Horizon]

[quote="coops"]
Hi all, recently picked up a 2011 X5 40D (50k miles) (will introduce myself later).

Great car, goes well, uses more fuel than i was expecting!

The following problems weren't noticed during test drive and only came apparent on a smooth bit of motorway.

1. There is a vibration coming through my seat from 65MPH and up. The car was from BMW and they did the alignment for me before picking up. Really annoying.
2. Weird whirring noise. Hard to tell exactly where from but seems to be front left to middle. Goes on acceleration and comes back on overdrive. More noticeable at high speed. Putting it in neutral makes no difference.
3. On full lock there is a very odd noise coming from underneath - I will pinpoint later.

It would be going straight back to the dealer but they're 200 miles away. I am about to email them but my experience of the local BMW dealer is very poor and that is what they will suggest i do.

Many thanks for any suggestions!
[/quote] Hi and welcome to the forum.
Also just to add on what CondorX5 has written, there have been incidents of the driveshaft UJ breaking up and smashing the diff and gearbox into pieces on certain age X5/ X6's
There was a safety Recall/ inspection by the dealers, mention that when you take it in to have it done or rechecked.

[X5Sport]

As above.

Wheel balance is also likely if it is speed related.

Although currently rare on these cars, there have been problems with the 8sp gearbox on a very very few.  Replacement was what BMW did in all cases.

[coops]

Many thanks all

To add to the full lock vibration: it's very obviously under the middle of the car. Doesn't do it at crawling speed, just a bit above.

Anything specific pointing towards the 8sp failing? When slowing and changing down it does jerk your head forward slightly.

Interesting about the CV joints- I'll let them know.

Also! There is a soft knocking/tapping  from the rear. A few us sites suggest this is normal..

[kkx5]

95% transfer box

[coops]

Update! Had a call yesterday to be told that they had to turn the propshaft 180 degrees and it's fixed the problem. WTF?!

[Nat]

I'd love to hear the explanation on that one , I really would.

I may be wrong , but I believe that ;

If it is dynamically out of balance then turning it by 180 degrees will make no difference . Its either balanced or its not.

Regards,
Nat

[coops]

Picked it up- the full lock rumbling is cured! Apparently something had been put on the wrong way around- BMW warranty told them to try swapping it around. A common problem apparently.

Edit: it was the CV joint and transfer box which were rotated 180 degrees to solve the problem...

[kkx5]

Transfer box rotated 180 degrees?

[grumpywurzel]

Transfer box 180 degrees out? Eh?

I have heard of propshifts being picky in their orientation etc but boxes???

[coops]

Listened to the voicemail again- he definitely said the transfer box unit!

By the way, the rumble on turning is sorted. Whirring isn't. If anything, it's got worse. "We couldn't hear it"

[allforus]

I would look at tyre shape make sure they are even and that the tread hasn't worn where the tread block leading edge is more worn than the trailing edge forming a saw tooth type shape or even lumps and bumps in the tread running your hand over may help you feel the changes

[coops]

Thanks for the suggestion - no uneven wear on the tread block. I requested it had an alignment before I bought it but the wheel is still off the right slightly.

[coops]

Update: rejected the car