2011 Clubman, 90k miles, Manual.

I've been noticing a whir/whine noise, particularly at high speed creeping in over the last few months. For a long time I thought it was tire noise, but I now think it's something in the transmission or diff:

-Noticeable at 35-55 mph
-Annoying at 70+ mph

The sound is the same in at least 3rd through 6th gear at highway speed and is dependent on wheel speed not engine speed.

It is about the same whenever cruising, accelerating or decelerating. It goes away if you lift slightly, clutch in, or neutral.

I've ordered some Redline MTL but somehow I doubt that will fix this problem.

 

At 90k, its time to change the fluid. It could be low on fluid. Do you have any leaks that you can see, especially where the axle goes into the tranny?

 

The MTL can't hurt and it's a cheap fix. I'd go for that first also.

Check wheel bearings. Lift car spin wheel and feel and listen for any roughness.

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Thanks all, I had it over to The Werk Shop, a local shop noted for BMW expertise. I took one of the mechanics for a ride. He heard the noise and thought it might be the pinion or crown gear. I've never noticed any leaks (as opposed to my 76 Triumph that leaks everywhere).

He is a big fan of Redline but wasn't keen on putting it in as it's not officially approved by them. So they drained it to see if anything interesting came out. He said it looked quite good with no chunks and not even any metallic flanks. Refilled with official OEM fluid.

Very little if any change, though at least I know the fluid and level is good now. Really hard to say what it could be without opening stuff up ($$$$) so I think I'll let it go for a while.

 

do/did you heart it loader when you are on corners? was it bearings, tires?

 

For what it's worth... Last year my 2009 Clubman S manual developed a whine in first gear; it sounded a lot like most stick shift cars in reverse gear. Was only in first gear. Tried changing out the fluid, no change (as expected).

Last month first gear failed completely and I had a used transmission put in. :-/

Doesn't seem to be a common problem on the forums but it happens. Total cost for parts and labor was around $4k, including new clutch and flywheel. (The old ones were toasted.)

 

Sounds like the trans bearings are gone. Been there done that. Like others said, try fluid first but if it's noisy there's a good chance it's too late, hopefully you'll get lucky.

 

Ha, thanks for digging up this thread. I got worried it would be $$$$$ so I traded it in quick while I could smoke it past an appraiser.

Found a nice low mile 2013 GTI for cheap. Still have the 2013 R56s; love that car and will keep it as long as possible