Front end whine

ramp · 02-06-2021, 06:16 PM

2011 E91 M Sport, 6 speed manual 134,000 miles

When traveling above 40mph and I let off the gas, there is a very noticeable whine from what seems the front end. Give it gas and it goes away. All fluids were changed just a few months ago. I don't think it's a wheel bearing.
So is this differential noise when not under load?

ramp · 02-07-2021, 06:16 PM

This may be it.

ramp · 02-17-2021, 05:23 PM

Replaced front axle, noise still present.
The report from the shop is the front differential is the problem. Oil smells burnt.
2500.00 quote to replace differential and oil pan gasket.

Is there a difference with front differential between wagons or sedan with manual 6 speed?

kenmar · 02-21-2021, 10:12 AM

I had similar problems on an older BMW and it was the diff bearings which I had replaced. No problems for years after the repair was done.

Go to any good tranny shop and they can repair it cheaper since they will replace the worn out parts rather than just R&R. It will still be a hefty repair bill, much more confidence-inspiring than bolting in a used diff with an unknown service history.

For your Q about different diffs, check the P/N on realoem.com; that will answer your Q more definitively rather than relying on rumours

02-06-2021, 06:16 PM	#1
ramp Private First Class 28 Rep 137 Posts Drives: E91, Lemans Blue Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	Front end whine 2011 E91 M Sport, 6 speed manual 134,000 miles When traveling above 40mph and I let off the gas, there is a very noticeable whine from what seems the front end. Give it gas and it goes away. All fluids were changed just a few months ago. I don't think it's a wheel bearing. So is this differential noise when not under load?
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02-07-2021, 06:16 PM	#2
ramp Private First Class 28 Rep 137 Posts Drives: E91, Lemans Blue Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	This may be it.
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02-17-2021, 05:23 PM	#3
ramp Private First Class 28 Rep 137 Posts Drives: E91, Lemans Blue Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	Replaced front axle, noise still present. The report from the shop is the front differential is the problem. Oil smells burnt. 2500.00 quote to replace differential and oil pan gasket. Is there a difference with front differential between wagons or sedan with manual 6 speed?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2021, 10:12 AM	#4
kenmar Private First Class 21 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	I had similar problems on an older BMW and it was the diff bearings which I had replaced. No problems for years after the repair was done. Go to any good tranny shop and they can repair it cheaper since they will replace the worn out parts rather than just R&R. It will still be a hefty repair bill, much more confidence-inspiring than bolting in a used diff with an unknown service history. For your Q about different diffs, check the P/N on realoem.com; that will answer your Q more definitively rather than relying on rumours
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