dont know how to explain it - weird noise...

[frankiG_]

i have this weird spaceship sounding noise when i drive...
its like a whomwhomwhom type sound.
i recently had all 6 sparkplugs changed out....
dont know what it could be...any ideas?

[mechavore884]

what kind of spark plugs did you use? (are they from the dealer) how many miles on the motor/ you think you could post a video?...I've read recently across the forums many issues coming from not using the "dealer" based spark plugs

[Dackelone]

Make a video and post it. Try to make the noise happen a few times. Then we can see what it is. ? Other wise we will all just be taking a wold guess.

[frankiG_]

you can clearly here the noise in this video. idk how to explain it. i think it may be coming from the engine...but not entirely sure...this video was windows up, air off, and i tried to hold the same speed - its not air just passing the car, i have no idea what it could be...as for the spark plugs i took it to specialty shop and asked if i could get bmw brand plugs same w the coil replaced.

[631twentyeighteye]

changes with speed and not RPM, so i doubt it anything motor related. wheel bearing, tires, something of that sort is my guess.

[mechavore884]

hmm does the noise happen at idle? (and on a completely unrelated note....I find it funny I have the same wear marks on my steering wheel hahah)

[mechavore884]

*my guess wold be bearings....however DQMOT...do you feel any vibrattions?

[frankiG_]

i just feel regular engine vibrations. ill get wheel bearings checked out
and im to dip that soon

[Canuck135i]

Has anyone else driven the car?
Did they test drive it after replacing the plugs?

It does sound like drivetrain.

I assume you have closely checked rims and tires.

[box_man]

Sounds like the tires to me. Like When a lifted truck with big tires is going down the road.

[frankiG_]

Originally Posted by Canuck135i

Has anyone else driven the car?
Did they test drive it after replacing the plugs?

It does sound like drivetrain.

I assume you have closely checked rims and tires.

yeah the mechanic who did the work drove it said it was fine, but that noise has been there since before i got the plugs changed out though.

[Southjersey128]

If it changes pitch when you turn left and right it is the wheel bearing. That's what it sounds like to me. A good shop should have a chassis ear to hook up to it and locate which side it is. They should be replaced in pairs, but don't really have to if money is an issue.

[mechavore884]

idk Id say check your tires also? (strange is it may sound but are the wear bars showing) from looking at the video again *granted I could be wrong* but Im not sure if its the wheel bearing since that makes a bit more of a wailing noise

[Canuck135i]

Originally Posted by frankiG_

i have this weird spaceship sounding noise when i drive...
its like a whomwhomwhom type sound.
i recently had all 6 sparkplugs changed out....
dont know what it could be...any ideas?

Sorry I had assumed the noise was after the plugs were changed.
My point was did the mechanic kiss a curb....hit a pothole.....??

But if the noise was there before the plug change then I'm way off base.

I can always tell a wheel bearing is gone when I have the car up on a hoist
and I spin the wheel but if it's hard to tell then a mechanics stethoscope will help.

Good luck.

[TheSt|G]

Easy way to confirm if it is drivetrain/tire/wheel bearing related would be to put it in neutral at speed.

[frankiG_]

if it is the bearings, any recommendation on brand or is standard bmw fine?

[mechavore884]

or *a dumbified way to check the bearings* when the car is parked see if the wheel has any play -> with your hand at the top shake it in the direction towards the strut and out back to you (inwards and outwards) and yeah overall PLEASE stick with the BMW bearings (assuming thats the issue) the last thing you would want would be the cheap ones heat up to the point they become 1 with the knuckle....and TRUST ME that is not pretty

[frankiG_]

Originally Posted by mechavore884

or *a dumbified way to check the bearings* when the car is parked see if the wheel has any play -> with your hand at the top shake it in the direction towards the strut and out back to you (inwards and outwards) and yeah overall PLEASE stick with the BMW bearings (assuming thats the issue) the last thing you would want would be the cheap ones heat up to the point they become 1 with the knuckle....and TRUST ME that is not pretty

yeah thats what i was thinking.
i generally try to go with original parts or upgrade/performance parts

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by frankiG_

yeah thats what i was thinking.
i generally try to go with original parts or upgrade/performance parts

Get the originals.

[Deutsche-Broke]

Tires first, bearings second.. I've been down that road before and replaced a good sealed bearing with another good sealed bearing when it was the tire all along.

[Southjersey128]

Did you figure this out yet? Another way to tell if its the tires is if the noise gets louder during heavy braking. Also if the tires are lumpy, causing the noise, you may need struts.

[mechavore884]

Hey where you ever able to find out the issue/resolution?