FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/BMW/3 Series/E90/E91 (2005-2012)/why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) make a grinding noise during acceleration?

why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) make a grinding noise during acceleration?

BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium4-8 hours
3 min read
545 words

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is experiencing a grinding noise during acceleration, which may indicate issues with the drivetrain or suspension components.

Repair Time
4-8 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before inspecting the transmission or drivetrain components.

Symptoms

  • •Grinding noise that increases with acceleration
  • •Vibration felt through the steering wheel or floor
  • •Unusual wear on tires
  • •Loss of power during acceleration
  • •Possible "check engine" light illumination

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the drivetrain components for visible damage or excessive wear, including the driveshaft and CV joints.
  2. 2Check the transmission fluid level and condition; low or dirty fluid can cause noise.
  3. 3Raise the vehicle and inspect the suspension components, including bushings and mounts, for wear or damage.
  4. 4Test drive the vehicle to replicate the grinding noise under various conditions (e.g., accelerating, turning).
  5. 5Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored error codes related to the drivetrain or engine.
  6. 6Inspect the wheel bearings and brake components for any signs of wear or malfunction.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather tools: jack, jack stands, socket set, torque wrench, OBD-II scanner.
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off.
  • Disconnect the battery to ensure safety while working on electrical components.

2. Inspect and Repair Drivetrain Components

  • Driveshaft Inspection:

    1. Raise the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
    2. Inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage or excessive play.
    3. Check the CV joints for torn boots or grease leaks.
    4. If damaged, replace the driveshaft or CV joints as necessary.
  • Transmission Fluid Check:

    1. Locate the transmission dipstick (if applicable) or fill plug.
    2. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level; add fluid if low.
    3. Inspect fluid condition; if burnt or contaminated, drain and replace the transmission fluid.

3. Suspension and Wheel Bearing Inspection

  • Suspension Components:

    1. Inspect all bushings and mounts for signs of wear or cracking.
    2. Replace any worn bushings or mounts using appropriate tools.
  • Wheel Bearing and Brake Inspection:

    1. Spin each wheel hub by hand to listen for grinding sounds.
    2. If grinding is present, replace the wheel bearing.
    3. Inspect brake pads and rotors for uneven wear; replace as necessary.

4. Final Assembly and Testing

  • Reconnect the battery.
  • Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
  • Test drive the vehicle to ensure the grinding noise is gone.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

  • Transmission fluid (if needed)
  • CV joints or driveshaft (if damaged)
  • Suspension bushings or mounts (if worn)
  • Wheel bearings (if failing)

Additional Information

Repair Time

4-8 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

4 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 vibrate at high speeds?

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 is experiencing vibrations at high speeds, which can indicate issues with the vehicle's balance, alignme...

    Symptoms
    • •Vibration felt through the steering wheel
    • •Vibration in the seat or floorboard
    • +{count} more
  2. my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 has a musty smell when running the AC, what could it be?

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 is exhibiting a musty smell when the air conditioning (AC) system is running, indicating potential moist...

    Symptoms
    • •Musty odor emanating from the AC vents
    • •Reduced airflow from the AC system
    • +{count} more
  3. what causes my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) to have a rough idle in gear

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is experiencing a rough idle when in gear, indicating potential issues with the engine's per...

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Engine vibrations felt through the cabin
    • +{count} more
  4. my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) window won't go up what could be wrong

    ## Problem Statement The power window on a BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is not functioning and will not go up.

    Symptoms
    • •Window remains in the down position and does not respond to switch activation
    • •No sound from the window motor when the switch is pressed
    • +{count} more
  5. why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) blower motor only work on one speed

    ## Problem Statement The blower motor in a BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is only functioning at one speed, indicating a potential issue with the bl...

    Symptoms
    • •Blower motor only operates at one speed (typically high speed)
    • •Inconsistent airflow from the vents
    • +{count} more
  6. why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) have poor fuel economy lately

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is experiencing poor fuel economy, which may indicate underlying issues affecting engine per...

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased miles per gallon (MPG)
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation