[jtice]

Hello,

I recently bought a CPO 2011 335xi MT sedan with 35k miles. The car is great, except for a really annoying noise that is coming from the left front end. The noise is in sync with the rotation of the wheels, and only occurs when the car is in gear and I am coasting to a stop (or to otherwise slowing down). The noise goes away instantly if I take the car out of gear or press down the clutch. The noise can best be described as a light thumping noise. The dealership said that the noise is normal, and that some cars make it and some cars don't. That sounds like BS to me. I would really like some more information about the problem before I try to challenge the dealer. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks - Jason

[sy2767]

Sounds like a clutch issue ........

[JETmn]

Front CV or front diff? I would check out the CV's. I wouldn't expect any issues with that low of miles. Did you check to see if it was in an accident? I have 62k on mine with no noises.

[jtice]

the car had a clean Carfax and was a lease before I bought it. how do I check the CV joints? do you have any ideas about what I should say to the dealer?

[JETmn]

Put the car in the air and rotate the tire front to back and listen for a click from the CV. Many times they will start clicking in a tight turn also.

I would tell the dealer that you are sure that BMW would not put out a poor product that some cars randomly made drivetrain noise. Something in the driveline is making noise when under load, but it is really hard to say what without diagnosing.

[cburn]

I've got the same issue on my automatic. They told me it was the runflat tire. I think that's Bullshit.

[jtice]

is there somewhere else I should post my problem to get more feedback?

[EZ_C]

I just purchased a CPO'ed 2011 335i xdrive sedan automatic with 30,000 miles and discovered the same issue described above. My dealerships first attempt at a resolve was to rotate and balance the four brand new run flat tires they had put on it.... No luck, the noise is still there (left front?). My sales manager went for a ride and said the sound is not normal.

A BMW service rep happened to be at the dealership today and said it most likely was a wheel bearing. He said the CV joint would sound worse while cornering. My issue disappears under any load... E.g. acceleration and cornering.

Monday they will replace the drivers side front wheel bearing... Fingers crossed!

[EZ_C]

Update for anyone interested.

It turns out it was the drivers side front half shaft. They replaced the wheel bearing, but the "knock" remained. The half shaft solved the problem.

[jtice]

I had an appointment with the lead service tech at BMW bel air MD earlier this week. He insisted the noise is normal and that he would have no way of diagnosing the problem at this time. I kept pushing the issue but got no where. Any suggestions on how to proceed? Does anyone know of a better shop in MD that would help resolve my issue? I am incredibly frustrated and I get angrier everytime I coast in gear and hear the noise!

[JETmn]

Tell him you rode in 2 other identical cars from the guys in the BMW club and they don't have that noise, so no it is not normal.

[cburn]

I've had this issue for 5000 miles and they tried to blame it on my runflats.

I will make sure I push them in the right direction next service call.