Hi Scotty,
So I have a 2016 BMW X6 SDrive35i, I bought it brand new at the dealer and it currently has about 99k mileage on it. Its been running good and I take good care of it, so I never really any problems. However when I am driving on the highway doing about 60 mph, I can hear a humming noise. In addition, I can smell a burnt carpet smell coming from the front of the car when I park the car and exit the vehicle. My brother did mentioned that he did accidentally hit a curve when he borrowed my car last year, and since then I noticed the noise but didnt think anything of it. The smell however is recent which is a bit worrisome. I think there is a correlation with the noise and smell? I recently got my alignment (about a month ago) at the BWM dealership and the noise did get better briefly but now its back. Also they did a multipoint inspection and everything looked good. I also didnt get any warning indications on the dashboard which was was why I didnt take the humming noise seriously. But the burnt smell seems troubling and I scheduled to meet a mechanic (not a bmw) about this issue. Just wanted to hear your take on ehat the noise and smell could be.
Thank you for your time,
Kevin
My brother did mentioned that he did accidentally hit a curve
Check the fender liners & underbody cladding. Sounds like it’s rubbing against some moving part of the vehicle.
Or they can be both Bilstein in the front and KYB in the back?
Yes. They only need to match left and right.
Also, is it necessary to replace both wheel bearings
no
What is the severity of these issues?
It's not optional. Get them fixed.
Shocks and suspension affect vehicle traction and stability. Very important.
Bearings let your wheels turn. If you let them wear out enough, your wheel can part ways with your car.
The next time your brother or someone hits something, get your car inspected ASAP.
The urgency of the gaskets/leaks depends on how much oil you're losing.
Oil leaks are an integral part of most BMW ownership experiences, you can’t escape it.
Too bad about the rear shocks needing replacing so soon. You can certainly use KYB if you’re strapped for cash, but realise that the driving dynamics may not live up to the performance oriented Bilsteins. But that’s your call.
Be prepared for periodic $3000-$5000 bills from now on, so unless you don’t mind the expense, now would be the perfect time to dump the vehicle, while used car prices are still inflated.
Hi,
So as an update:
I took the car to a mechanic today to get it diagnosed, which cost about $65. The discovery was that the humming noise was from the left front wheel bearing, and the burnt carpet smell is a result of the valve cover leak causing oil to leak onto the exhaust. In addition there is also the oil pan gasket leak. It was uncovered that my rear shocks are leaking as well.
The mechanic gave me quote:
the left wheel bearing replacement: $691
Rear Shocks: $426 x2
valve cover leak: $1,252
Oil Pan Gasket: $649
I think my bmw currently uses the Bilstein Shocks, but the mechanic recommended KYB shocks instead. He said I could go for the original shocks but it will probably cost more.
Question: Shouldnt the shocks be the same for all four wheels? If he recommends kyb shocks for the rear then does that mean i have to kyb shocks in the front too? Or they can be both Bilstein in the front and KYB in the back?
Also, is it necessary to replace both wheel bearings or just the left front one?
What is the severity of these issues? I think ill tackle the wheel bearings first, but not sure if the shocks or the valve cover/ oil pan gasket leak are an urgent issue that need tk be addressed asap?
Thanks for help and feedback in advance!!
Kevin
Another update:
I went to another mechanic to get a second option. Not mentioning anything about the findings of the first mechanic, I told him on the phone that I was hearing noise on the freeway when doing 60 mph and the burnt carpet smell when putting the car in park after driving for sometime. He suggested that I could have wheel bearing issue and valve cover leak. When I bought the car to him for diagnosis, he didnt charge a fee mentioning he doesnt charge for road noise, which was a good thing for me. After about an 1 hour, he called and notified me that I didn’t have a valve cover leaks but my left wheel bearing was totally worned out. The cost to for part and labor for the wheel bearing was $530, and I told him to go ahead with the service. After an hour, the car was done and I went up to pick it up. After driving for awhile, the ABS lights started flaring up, and functions like collision/brake interventions were inactive. In addition, although the car ran smooth, I heard alot of squeaking and grinding noise. I them him about it, and he sent a mechanic out to pick up the car from me since I was at work. After putting back my old bearings, he returned the car and told me to come back in a couple of days since he order another part from a different BMW dealership. He says for some reason, the first bearing he ordered from a nearby bmw dealer may have been defected.
I give him points for being honest about the valve cover leak, and for sending a mechanic out to pick up the car from me. However, since installation didnt go so well, I wonder if I should return? I am seriously considering just going to BMw dealership to get the repair. These German cars can be a hassle for indy mechanics to work on and I understand this. I feel like going to indy mechanic is a hit or miss, yes it can be cheaper, but you run the risk of having difficulties like I didnt today.
Also I love my car and so far its still in good condition. I take good care of it, and will continue to do so.
What do you guys think?
With the alleged valve cover leak, you can verify yourself. It is usually easy to spot, and you don’t have to remove much. Maybe just the “beauty cover.” BMW’s are notorious for valve cover leaks. Notorious! So it wouldn’t be surprise if there was a leak.
At the same time, the first mechanic could be trying to scam you. On my BMW, the leak developed around 175K, so I am skeptical that yours is leaking right now.
IMHO, both BMW Dealerships and Indy Mechanics are both hit or miss. And it really is hard to know without actually experiencing them, or on recommendation or disrecommendation. But that is good that you are coming here and asking!
The second mechanic you went to seems like an honest mechanic, from the littl you’re shared with us. It might be worth building a relationship for the long run. Good honest mechanics are hard to find.
Just my two cents, and I’m not too fond of outrageous dealership pricing. But if you have $$$, BMW and dealerships.
Hi Kaizen,
One thing i just noticed now was the second mechanic charged me $364 for the part and $130 for labor. However, I search up the part number that he listed and it was only about $130. The part number is HA590359 ( wheel bearing and hub assembly). Thought that was a bit strange 🤔