I need some insight into what I may have done, need to fix.
Last week I was caught out on some ice, and slid at about 5km/h into a curb
sideways. There was absolutely no detectable damage to the alignment or
drive train - The car runs perfectly at 160km, straight as an arrow and
quiet as a church mouse.
The noise has no beat to it. It is a solid tone hum (Not very loud - But
being sensitive to every sound of my car, I notice it). One suggestion that
was made was that I may have bent the steel belt of the tire - But I
discount this because of the fact that the car tracks and the noise
disappears when at 130km.
What I have noticed is that there is a small dent on bodywork (About 2 cm
indent) visible when viewed from ground level looking up. The dent is in
about the middle of the front door frame along the bottom. There is no
change in the door alignment or spacing between the frame and door.
Also - Speaking about the front driver wheel well. The plastic lining was
ripped at the front of the tire well about 3/4 of the width across from the
outside to in, about 5 cm up from the bottom of the front side mud guard.
Any thoughts at all would be appreciated. I plan to have the car looked at
on Monday. I want to have a plan when I speak to the dealer.
I am willing and happy to email photos if that would help.
Thanks
R. Mark Clayton - 18 Mar 2005 23:59 GMT
Look at the tyres carefully, perhaps the wheel arch lining or mudflap rubs
on the tyre?

Signature
regards
Mark
--
R. Mark Clayton
>I need some insight into what I may have done, need to fix.
>
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>
> Thanks
tech27 - 19 Mar 2005 19:38 GMT
Since the drivability of the car was not affected, I suspect that you have a
situation where airflow is causing some audible "whistling" at whatever
frequency it is. If the car is under warranty, then take it to the dealer.
If not you may want to try using wide tape and covering any areas that you
might suspect, drive the car and see if it goes away. Could be a long
process of elimination or you might get lucky soon. I had to do this on
another vehicle and it took about 3 tries but I did find the problem and
fixed it.
Good Luck
> Look at the tyres carefully, perhaps the wheel arch lining or mudflap
> rubs on the tyre?
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>>
>> Thanks
George Johnston - 19 Mar 2005 15:54 GMT
Turns out that my alignment is off - the ware on the front tire is apparent.
Apparently the 5 series is built like a tank, and even though it is still
tracking straight as an arrow, the alignment of the tire is off center.
It is a welcome releaf that it is an inexpensive fix. There was a Mercedes
at the alignment shop with an identical injury, and he was in for a $3500
fix. Mine was only $79!!!!
One more reason to buy a BMW!!
>I need some insight into what I may have done, need to fix.
>
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> Thanks