At 40-60 MPH strange vibration and noise

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

2013 X1 x2.8 with 65k miles. Well maintained. Aftermarket wheels been on for some time.
When driving on freeway once I hit above 40mph, I start 'hearing' what seems to be a low thumping sound (think helicopter but very low frequency thump) plus car feels like its vibrating. It's not the wheels/tires, had those re-balanced and they are perfect.
It feels like its coming from below my butt and back. Car has never been abused.

Zero engine codes or any codes as per Carly adapter & Carly App.

Feels mechanical in nature, but I'm at a complete loss. Any ideas before I go to Dealer and have them try to figure it out?

It's not undriveable, but it is bad enough to where you are afraid to go past 69mph with the vibrating you feel and the 'muffled'thumping you feel.

Help!

[0w40X1]

Try moving back tires straight to front.

The traction control is very sensitive to larger tires on front or back.

I put ceramic brakes on back of my s28i to be less grabby.

Also, grippy Michelins PS4S helped a lot.

Check all the half shaft drives by hand for looseness.

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by 0w40X1

Try moving back tires straight to front.

The traction control is very sensitive to larger tires on front or back.

I put ceramic brakes on back of my s28i to be less grabby.

Also, grippy Michelins PS4S helped a lot.

Check all the half shaft drives by hand for looseness.

Tires are the same all around (255x45x19). If I'm doing city driving at less than 40 or so, the car is a dream and you would think all is well. I have an appointment at dealer tomorrow to see what they find.

[mcdanielvzw]

Does it go away when you drive faster? I have had a few tires that got bulges in them on the inside where you couldn't see it, and that was generally the cause of the "whomp whomp whomp" noise. It would seem to lessen the faster I was going.

[mreric]

miles? when was the time you change the fluid in the diff ?

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by mreric

miles? when was the time you change the fluid in the diff ?

The car has been taken to every scheduled maintenance interval as per CPO warranty. Vehicle only has 65k on it. Its a 2013. As far as I know, the diff probably (because I have no way to know at this moment) has not been changed.

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw

Does it go away when you drive faster? I have had a few tires that got bulges in them on the inside where you couldn't see it, and that was generally the cause of the "whomp whomp whomp" noise. It would seem to lessen the faster I was going.

So this Monday, I helped with the wheel balancing (older gentleman) so I helped remove, mount, put on the machine, looked at everything tire related and not a things. Nothing. Perfect tires.
Balance was a bit off, but drove right after and and the problem still persisted

[0w40X1]

What I meant is that xmodels are very sensitive to the wear of tires which can make one of same size slightly smaller.

It can throw off the traction control, and make front gear box whine.

[mreric]

Originally Posted by nog0odd3ed@gmail.com

The car has been taken to every scheduled maintenance interval as per CPO warranty. Vehicle only has 65k on it. Its a 2013. As far as I know, the diff probably (because I have no way to know at this moment) has not been changed.

bmw schedule maintenance does not include diff fluid change- they consider it a lifetime fluid.

i changed mine. no more whines and noises

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by 0w40X1

What I meant is that xmodels are very sensitive to the wear of tires which can make one of same size slightly smaller.

It can throw off the traction control, and make front gear box whine.

Ah good to know. On a side note, i just HAD to look at the 2019 BMW X3M 4.0i... why o why did I do that??????????

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by mreric

bmw schedule maintenance does not include diff fluid change- they consider it a lifetime fluid.

i changed mine. no more whines and noises

Roger that, I'll take it to my indy for that. Thanks

[0w40X1]

I'd be very surprised if a diff will give that kind of vibration.

Years ago this would be a drive shaft problem on cars with a solid rear axle.

I changed diff oil at about 5k miles to see if any metal shavings. It looked like new oil.

I think it could be lifetime oil, but got my Mobil 75w90 in it.

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Car has been in dealer for over 24 hours, Service advisor texted he is working on the estimates to give me tomorrow morning. Somehow I have a feeling it's going to hurt... oh well. We shall see.

[nog0odd3ed@gmail.com]

Well of course my CPO warranty expired in April (slapping forehead)...

Transfer case ok, tranny, ok. Rear brakes need replacing and on rear frozen caliper. So those are getting done.

As for vibration, they suspect a bend in the wheels. They will roadforce balance and also do an alignment.

Will let you know after all that if the problem disappears for good. Somehow not holding my breath.

Seems like it's time for a new lease and no more ownership for me.