x6 cabin noise

[aci72]

Hi experts,
I have an x6 5.0 from almost 2 years and I love the car, modern line, power, sound of the engine...Etc.

Lately I have been having issues with the high noise in the cabin, cracking noise from the dash, the sits and the back
In addition the noise generated from the tires is now horrible; I can almost hear and count every time the tire completes a full loop on the road. I have the standard 315 run flat tires (Bridgestone) and I only have 19k miles on them, therefore I don’t think it’s because they are worn.
The noise is really laud particularly when I release the gas and I am at a speed of 40-50mph...Do you guys experience anything similar?

I have been reading threads regarding possible switch to non-run flat tires, but does this really solve the problem? I wonder if this is related to the stiff ride of the car, I had a 5 GT as a loaner for one day and I felt it was much better in normal/comfort mode...unfortunately I don’t have such selection model option in my car.

Thanks in advance for your comments

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by aci72

Hi experts,
I have an x6 5.0 from almost 2 years and I love the car, modern line, power, sound of the engine...Etc.

Lately I have been having issues with the high noise in the cabin, cracking noise from the dash, the sits and the back
In addition the noise generated from the tires is now horrible; I can almost hear and count every time the tire completes a full loop on the road. I have the standard 315 run flat tires (Bridgestone) and I only have 19k miles on them, therefore I don’t think it’s because they are worn.
The noise is really laud particularly when I release the gas and I am at a speed of 40-50mph...Do you guys experience anything similar?

I have been reading threads regarding possible switch to non-run flat tires, but does this really solve the problem? I wonder if this is related to the stiff ride of the car, I had a 5 GT as a loaner for one day and I felt it was much better in normal/comfort mode...unfortunately I don’t have such selection model option in my car.

Thanks in advance for your comments

That sounds about the limit for those tires. I think a change might be in order. If you have the spare, consider non-run flats.

[carlos50]

Its definitely the limit for Bridgestone run flats, they have gone off and need to be replaced. I had this on a 645 Ci a few years ago, new tyres sorted it.

If i were you and you dont have BMW warranty go none run flats, you get far better grip / tyre feel then

[Harveyten]

Definitely tyres I had the same issue two new tyres and £600 later problem solved. BTW you did well to get 19k miles I had to replace at 15k.

[AndreyATC]

These Bridgestones are not that bad
I'm on 15K+ mark and they still have a lot of meat left

[carlos50]

In regard to the creaky trim, that's a BMW thing i think. My Range Rover's, Mercs or Porsches never did this but most BMW's (that i can remember) have to the point where i sold an E46 M3 some years ago after only a few months of ownership because it creaked horribly.

BMW use a lot of plastics in their trim and that makes it creak after a couple of years, my 2009 X6 does.

Annoying as hell

[BigBobDeuce]

Yes, the creaking is horrible in my 2012 X6M, as it was in my 2009 X6 50i. I was really hoping it had been fixed in the newer version. But, it persists--creaks from the driver's seat when taking corners, creaks from the passenger seat when driving along even moderately bumpy roads, creaks from the back seat and hatch when driving along just about anything. I've attributed it mainly to the use of too much plastic combined with stiffer suspension and run flat tires, but BMW should engineer its $80k+ cars to avoid those effects. It is disappointing, but wasn't enough to stop me from upgrading to the 2012--so in BMW's eyes, I guess, what's the harm? I can tell you, though, my next SUV is going to be something else unless BMW fixes this in the next generation X6.

[zerrantoss]

Originally Posted by BigBobDeuce

Yes, the creaking is horrible in my 2012 X6M, as it was in my 2009 X6 50i. I was really hoping it had been fixed in the newer version. But, it persists--creaks from the driver's seat when taking corners, creaks from the passenger seat when driving along even moderately bumpy roads, creaks from the back seat and hatch when driving along just about anything. I've attributed it mainly to the use of too much plastic combined with stiffer suspension and run flat tires, but BMW should engineer its $80k+ cars to avoid those effects. It is disappointing, but wasn't enough to stop me from upgrading to the 2012--so in BMW's eyes, I guess, what's the harm? I can tell you, though, my next SUV is going to be something else unless BMW fixes this in the next generation X6.

I was also getting a lot of creaks from the driver seat. Now resolved.

If our creak was the same cause, then here is a very easy resolution:
Look on the sides of the seat at about chest to shoulder height. There is a groove where the black plastic cover sticks into. This is the point that causes rubbing thus making the creak noise.

Simply stick a small piece of those thick sticker in there. I used a small cut off from those stickers you put below the chairs to stop from floor scratches.
The creak noise is now gone permanently.

Now... a small amount of creak noise is coming from the passenger seat or the center arm rest.
This I still have to figure out..

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by BigBobDeuce

Yes, the creaking is horrible in my 2012 X6M, as it was in my 2009 X6 50i. I was really hoping it had been fixed in the newer version. But, it persists--creaks from the driver's seat when taking corners, creaks from the passenger seat when driving along even moderately bumpy roads, creaks from the back seat and hatch when driving along just about anything. I've attributed it mainly to the use of too much plastic combined with stiffer suspension and run flat tires, but BMW should engineer its $80k+ cars to avoid those effects. It is disappointing, but wasn't enough to stop me from upgrading to the 2012--so in BMW's eyes, I guess, what's the harm? I can tell you, though, my next SUV is going to be something else unless BMW fixes this in the next generation X6.

Do you have full leather option on your M?
My 2012 ///M is over year old now and not a single sound from inside

[aci72]

Thank you guys, it sounds like I have to replace the tires to partially solve the noise issue.
I agree with you BigBobDeuce, I am already looking around as I feel a bit disappointed that with $80k car, BMW didn’t take better care of details .

[BigBobDeuce]

Zerrantoss -- Thanks for the tip. I will try your fix and see if it helps.

AndreyATC -- I do have full perforated black merino leather. I am glad to know that not everyone is subject to these problems, but am still upset that I've drawn the short straw in not one but two X6s. I'm a glutton for punishment!

Aci72 -- I hear you taking better care of the details. The dealership is so uninterested in trying to fix these problems; it has to be dealt with at the engineering or manufacturing levels.

[doug_999]

Interesting - I've never had creaking in any BMW I've ever owned including my X6. Maybe climate has something to do with it?

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Interesting - I've never had creaking in any BMW I've ever owned including my X6. Maybe climate has something to do with it?

My 3 Series convertible creaks and rattles. I associated it with my driving.. I ignore it for the most part.

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by macd1995

My 3 Series convertible creaks and rattles. I associated it with my driving.. I ignore it for the most part.

Well verts do a lot more shaking and rolling than a fixed roof car So while you are still probably a terrible driver (j/k), I still blame the car in this case

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Well verts do a lot more shaking and rolling than a fixed roof car So while you are still probably a terrible driver (j/k), I still blame the car in this case

Ha! My wife probably agrees with you on both fronts. I have to drop the mph by 25% when she is the car... why did I get the 50i again.. oh yes.. the chrome trim (smile)

[makdeniss]

yep, x6 is def. very noisy in terms of plastic. sometimes i just want to sell this car and buy me a cayenne.

[MadJay8]

Whoa easy -- not a Cayenne over the X6😱-- the only time I heard creaking on any of my beamers is after I hit over 150k in mileage. Doug's post with regard to the weather might have something to do with it or maybe garage kept. Don't give up on the x6! There is no SAV that's a contender for the x6!

[doubleroll]

No creaking on my 2012 X6. Actually my 2002 330Ci is not too bad for its age either. I would call BMW NA...

[1230vani]

No noise in my 2012 X6, APART from the front driver seat which at times makes noise which I HATE (noise, love the seats )