Rdougan

Hey guys,

I recently got a 2005 535d E61 and I'm loving it. However, I've noticed a strange noise coming from the rear (left, I think) when I'm going between 50 and 70kph (30-45mph). If I go under/over that speed, it goes away.

The best way I could describe the noise is like going over road markings. It sounds like the on/off/on/off/on noise you get when doing that. The noise is based on the speed, so it speeds up/slows down. Opening the window doesn't help.

Any suggestions on what could be causing this? It has high millage (360,000km ) but I don't believe it sounds like any suspension issues. The wheels *looks* ok but perhaps I could swap the front with the rear and see if it still happens.

Thanks!
Robert

turboawd

possibly wheel bearings.

istundra

try rotating your tires to see if has something with wheel/tire out of round?

Rdougan

I think wheel bearings would be little more high pitched? Can I just wiggle the wheel and see if there is movement?

Good plan. I'll try this tomorrow.

turboawd

look at your tires for uneven wear.
jack the rear up and spin the wheels and grab them and try to wiggle to see if there is any play.
bearings usually have a grinding low pitch sound in my experience.

pcy

Checking for play in wheel bearings on an E60 is different - [with the car's weight on the wheels] grab the top of the tire and push and pull on the tire. As the car starts to rock, you will feel the play, if the bearing is bad.