Noisy ContiSports?

[STEVE46]

I know the ContiSports have a reputation for being noisy. What kinds of noises did you guys get when they started to get bad? I'm getting a grumbling noise between 10-20Mph and a thrumming at highway speeds, especially in turns. It could also be a wheel bearing, but I don't think so. The noise seems to come and go with different pavement types so I'm leaning towards tires. What are your experiences with these? Oh and my rear tires are new (6000 miles on them). The fronts are the ones I suspect are going bad.

[postoak]

Are these ContiSport Is or IIs? How many miles on the fronts? I had Contisport Is and never found them THAT noisy, right up through to the end (24,300 miles).

[BahnBaum]

The noise level of my Conti's are the last thing I would complain about. I'd be happier if they were louder but turned-in better.

Seriously, I don't notice that mine are loud, but the only comparison I have is a couple short highway rides in an e46 with Pilot Sports.

Alex

[STEVE46]

Are these ContiSport Is or IIs? How many miles on the fronts? I had Contisport Is and never found them THAT noisy, right up through to the end (24,300 miles).

I'm not sure if they are I's or II's... they are whatever come stock on a 2001 330i with the sport package. As for the mileage, I know the rears were replaced 6500 miles ago as part of the CPO process. The car had only 30k on it when I bought it so the fronts could be originals. They aren't down to the wear bars yet, but probably down to 50% or less tread.

[postoak]

If they're original to the car then they're the CS Is. Some people here have gotten at least that much on the fronts.

[ObD]

Have the control arms checked, I'd really doubt it's the tires unless they are JFB. :D

[mmurphy]

My fronts got noisy soon after the time I replaced the rears. I thought I had a worn wheel bearing. It's the fronts. I just got new Goodyear F1 GSD3. Man, what a difference a good tire makes.

[mmurphy]

Ask your dealer. They will know it's the fronts making that noise.

[jgrgnt]

Don't rule out the bad wheel bearing. I thought my ContiSports were getting loud, but it was actually the left rear bearing gone bad. It drove me absolutely nuts; the dealer even missed it on first diagnosis: "it's road noise, and it's normal." I finally went back when it was VERY obvious it wasn't the tires and specifically asked them to inspect the bearings. Lo' and behold...

What really gets me is that I stupidly drove on that bad bearing for close to 10k miles. :banghead:

[STEVE46]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm 99% sure it's worn tires. The noise varies depending on the road surface which should rule out the wheel bearing. The dealer will confirm this hopefully. I am going to be putting winters on in another month or so anyways. Then next year... Pilot Sport PS2s!