So my car, 97 bmw 540i 6spd, makes a noise at wheel speed not engine speed. It sounds a lot like lifter tick and the noise sounds to be right by the driver side front wheel well. Anyone have any idea what it could be? It seems to go away at higher speeds but that could just be the volume of the noise vs volume of driving that fast.

5/8/2008 10:32:24 AM

Wheel bearings?

5/8/2008 10:45:05 AM

how long has this been goin on?

5/8/2008 10:47:34 AM

2-3 days

5/8/2008 11:53:56 AM

I should also mention the noise is made at idle too

5/8/2008 11:54:51 AM

^mk, that throws out my idea damn

5/8/2008 11:58:38 AM

Quote :

"how long has this been goin on?"

5/8/2008 12:52:12 PM

I'm going with front muffler bearings.
pretty common problem with the 540i.

5/8/2008 1:09:23 PM

Quote :

"makes a noise at wheel speed not engine speed"

Quote :

"I should also mention the noise is made at idle too"

does not compute

5/8/2008 1:44:08 PM

I can sit and idle, and it makes a tick a slow rate. I can rev it while not moving, tick stays the same speed, as I increase the wheel speed of the car, the tick speed increases until I can't hear it anymore.

5/8/2008 1:47:55 PM

something is rattling

5/8/2008 1:49:07 PM

Quote :

"something is rattling"

heatshield, dustshield, exhaust

5/9/2008 1:17:21 AM

Official Hijack:

I have a similar problem with a noise coming from my car. I can hear/feel the wheels spinning each rotation. Its been happening for months, and it might be getting just a little bit worse. It intensifies if I brake. When breaking, theres also a slight squeak sometimes, it isnt that bad and cant hear with music on. Its noticeable most at about 70mph and 20mph when braking medium-hard. It is a 2004 Civic with brakes and rotors from Midas with a guarantee. Took it to them a few months ago and they said there was nothing wrong with rotors/breaks and that my bearings were going bad and going to go out in a few 100 miles. Took it to merchants and they said my tires had flat spots (or something) and sold me a new set and balance (parents suggested that, and they paid so I didnt care). The feeling/sound didnt go away completely, but it was lessened almost to the point of being gone. Gotten bad enough that I think I might try to take it in again. Anyone have any ideas what this is? Someone told me they think it is the brakes. Im just hoping I dont have dented wheels.

[Edited on May 9, 2008 at 2:48 PM. Reason : en]

5/9/2008 2:48:19 PM

what is the noise?

does it get louder/softer when you're turning?

5/9/2008 3:00:06 PM