Road Buzzing... Loose component in steering wheel?

[mjcecil]

So, the '14 F10 is super solid, all around, but I have this maddening buzzing from the steering wheel area that sounds an awful lot like a loose screw and washer. It seems to appear only when I am running over lightly irregular pavement at moderate speed or better. Think concrete pads with tiny expansion joints, or, as is more common on her daily route, asphalt which has cracked and had the cracks filled with tar or whatever it is they use today. There's a picture of the kind of road (and by that I mean the exact road) that produces this buzzing attached.

I searched for the issue online, and that gor me to read threads on the E60 and the BC button in the stalk (my E60 did not have this issue), and checked the stalks with buttons (Turn signal, and wiper), and can't seem to make any change to the sound. I also felt around the steering column shroud, and was unable to impact the sound at all.

Having the B&O, I also checked the center motorized tweeter for light rattle, and didn't hear any change when I held the various panels of it.

I spent a good deal of time moving my head around the driver's area, even going so far as holding my head over the wheel and toward the dash. It really does seem to emanate from the wheel or the steering column, but the strongest impression is that the source is the wheel.

I've made grip/touch tests of every surface on the wheel, including the button panels, the airbag, the full circumference of the wheel, and the shift paddles, all with no joy. I am just about to remove the wheel and take it apart to check the trim and buttons from the inside.

Anyone else have this annoying issue? Mine is a '14 LCI M5, with virtually everything, including SW heating and the lane departure system shaker.

Steering wheel picture "borrowed" from ATOMBOY at 5post. (http://f10.5post.com/forums/attachme...0&d=1371881745)

[TLK]

It’s pretty common, try searching more and I’m sure you will find hits. Mine does this too and I understand from searching that there is a TSB for it. I think the first thing they will do is replace the steering wheel vibrator. I’m pretty sure mine is loose and that would explain why it has never worked.

[rsuhandy]

Originally Posted by TLK

It’s pretty common, try searching more and I’m sure you will find hits. Mine does this too and I understand from searching that there is a TSB for it. I think the first thing they will do is replace the steering wheel vibrator. I’m pretty sure mine is loose and that would explain why it has never worked.

It's not loose, it's just made in such a way that it resonates with certain road surfaces.

Give this to your SA:

SIB 661017 Defect code: 6137143900

[mjcecil]

That's great news. Anyone ever had this repaired out of warranty? Cost?

If it's not going to be "just taken care of," then is this the part I need to replace?

32337849416 Vibration Generator

[mjcecil]

Predictably, my car, being out of warranty, will not have this SIB covered. The part is about a buck twenty, so I'm just going to order one, and install it myself.

Anyone know if there's any special instruction on how to install this thing that's different than the currently installed unit?

Thanks!

[rsuhandy]

Originally Posted by mjcecil

Predictably, my car, being out of warranty, will not have this SIB covered. The part is about a buck twenty, so I'm just going to order one, and install it myself.

Anyone know if there's any special instruction on how to install this thing that's different than the currently installed unit?

Thanks!

You'll have to remove the steering wheel and the front and rear trim.
It's clamped on pretty tightly with a clip.

[mjcecil]

Originally Posted by rsuhandy

You'll have to remove the steering wheel and the front and rear trim.
It's clamped on pretty tightly with a clip.

I figured as much. The diagrams are not terribly helpful, but there are a number of interior shots of the wheel without its trim. Overall, not the worst of jobs.

[Tsar Kevin]

I had my M5 for about a month before I really noticed the buzzing from the steering column. They replaced the vibrator under warranty. Resonance is still there on the same type roads you are calling out, but only about 30% of original. I've also got a rattle by my left ear I'm trying to find. I can't tell if it's the seat belt or the sunshade on the rear door.

[TLK]

Mine is usually the high pitched screech over grooved pavement somewhere in the steering column but can be an actual rattle rarely you can hear an feel is coming from the central body of the wheel, at certain steering angles. Pretty sure that among the usual problem there is something loose inside the wheel. The vibrator also cannot be felt when the visual alerts are triggered so mine has multiple issues in this regard.

Just need a week free sometime to get warranty service, just can't fit it right now...

BTW the clips holding the clamshell covers over the column are often pretty tough to release on the different BMWs I've had so use care pulling them to avoid hurting yourself or damaging something when they give way if these are similar.

[rsuhandy]

Originally Posted by TLK

Mine is usually the high pitched screech over grooved pavement somewhere in the steering column but can be an actual rattle rarely you can hear an feel is coming from the central body of the wheel, at certain steering angles. Pretty sure that among the usual problem there is something loose inside the wheel. The vibrator also cannot be felt when the visual alerts are triggered so mine has multiple issues in this regard.

Just need a week free sometime to get warranty service, just can't fit it right now...

BTW the clips holding the clamshell covers over the column are often pretty tough to release on the different BMWs I've had so use care pulling them to avoid hurting yourself or damaging something when they give way if these are similar.

You do not need to remove the steering column trim in order to replace the vibration generator. From my experience there are two noises that can come from the steering wheel.

1. A high pitch noise that presents itself on slightly grooves/bumpy roads. This happens regardless if lane departure is on, and is caused by resonance that occurs when driving over uneven road surfaces. The solution is to replace the vibration generator with an updated on.

2. A rattle, which for me came from something loose either in the steering column or in the wheel itself. This only happens when you have lane departure on and it is vibrating because you are drifting out of/changing lanes.

[TLK]

Here' ya go.

These two PDF's should cover everything you need to know to replace the vibrator. I was incorrect in a previous post, there should be no need to remove the column covers. And you don't have to take the wheel off, just the airbag and the decorative cover. Remember to disconnect the battery first for safety from the airbag.

[Dinan M6]

Here it is! I figured out the problem with the M Sport steering wheel. This steering wheel is on the 3, 5, 6 Series and probably a few other cars. There is a rattle or buzz that occurs while driving on rough surfaces and goes away on smooth road. It drove me bananas for a long time until yesterday. I road tested my vehicle and the noise is gone. I put together a tutorial to fix the problem and attached it to this reply. Feel free to repost this anywhere you think it may help someone.

https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0...huHw#Downloads

[co_pa]

Originally Posted by Dinan M6

Here it is! I figured out the problem with the M Sport steering wheel. This steering wheel is on the 3, 5, 6 Series and probably a few other cars. There is a rattle or buzz that occurs while driving on rough surfaces and goes away on smooth road. It drove me bananas for a long time until yesterday. I road tested my vehicle and the noise is gone. I put together a tutorial to fix the problem and attached it to this reply. Feel free to repost this anywhere you think it may help someone.

https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0...huHw#Downloads

this, and squealing brakes, has haunted me since i took delivery of my 16 m5 last fall. thank you for thoughtful approach and write-up. will look to get this sorted before my next road trip. donation to follow!!!

[Dinan M6]

Thanks! :-)

[nocair]

I had the same issue on my 2015M5. The 1st time, replacing the offset weight for lane departure took care of it. Came back after about a year. This time, BMW tried everything (different dealership) and apparently, cannot figure out what it is. They even replaced the steering wheel. I don't understand how BMW cannot resolve such a common problem. It has allowed a design defect to ruin what should be a great driving experience, and seem to be OK with damaging this car's reputation. Weird!

[M5Rick]

That lane change buzzer is a PITA when it malfunctions I've read, I haven't got that option and after 4 years of ownership there has been no buzzing from the wheel. If it's becomes that annoying I would remove the option altogether.

[slavu]

Hello everybody,
I know this is F10 forum but I am looking for help according to buzzing noise hearing inside along side the steering whell or maybe central dash. My car is F31 LCI 2019. Below link is not avalable for me (dont know why)
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0...huHw#Downloads
I am still experiencing the resonanse noise near the steering wheel or the front dash when driving especially on rough surface. It occures from time to time, but not when the engine is cold. It occures after 30 - 40 minutes of driving (hot engine).
There is a rattle or buzz that occurs while driving on rough surfaces and goes away on smooth road.
Could You please tell me how to repair this please ?
I dont have lane assistant vibration module, my car is not equiped with this.

[M5Rick]

^ You sure it's not the vent flaps on the B pillars.

[slavu]

No, for sure not, F31 doesnt has vent flaps on the B pillars

[slavu]

but it seems to be the same case as in F10, I mean temporarily buzzing noise when driving on rough surface

[M5Rick]

^The vents on my B pillars were buzzing on concrete layered motorway like a crazy bee, sorted by putting vaseline on the fold flap joints.
Your one then I would suggest something has loosened inside the dash after time.

[slavu]

yeah, it is like fu****g crazy bee, but in my car it is extremely hard to find out what it is, somethig from the dash, below the dash or from gauges,
I am tired of this