[sleepysnake]

Does anyone have any idea what this might be? This noise that can be heard with the windows open has just come up after Bilstein B12 / M3 control arms have been installed along with an alignment.

The noise is only heard as the wheels turn. Frequency of noise increases with speed. You can start to hear if next to a high wall/parked car from about 4 mph.

I first encountered this in the summer when going from stock 17" to the optional 18" Style 162 wheels. Though it was much more quiet and only heard when going around corners with the windows open.

You now can hear it with the windows open and near a wall. The intensity comes and goes, definitely made worse with bumps and when the suspension is compressed. It is mostly coming from the driver side rear corner, sometimes and with less intensity the passenger side rear.

The brake heat shield is not touching anything, I don't think the tyre is rubbing on the arch.

[Rustymage]

Could the tyre be rubbing on the inside of the liner?

[sleepysnake]

Maybe that is why, though it shouldn't be. Bilstein B12 is a pretty standard modification with no reports of rubbing on 18" wheels.

The car is gonna sit on the drive until Friday anyway. Water pump has knackered itself... The garage will investigate the noise after installing the new pump and thermostat.

[Phil325i]

First step; jack up each wheel in turn and spin it, to see if you can reproduce the sound at rest. You'll then be able to locate the source more easily...

[sleepysnake]

Would have done so already if I owned a jack

[Rustymage]

Originally Posted by sleepysnake

Would have done so already if I owned a jack

Go and get one

[sleepysnake]

Originally Posted by Rustymage

Go and get one

Difficult to do with a broken water pump

The new one will be installed on Friday. Cycling to work for the next week.

[CamD93]

I'd check your discs and pads and see if they are warped at all or that they are tightened to the hubs, seen a video on this recently and it sounded similar to what you're experiencing. Hopefully you find the cause.

[sleepysnake]

Water pump and thermostat replaced - £290 parts, £150 labour, not too bad. At least now I should have some confidence in no water pump failure to be expected soon.

The garage informed me the rubbing noise is coming from the driver's side rear brake or handbrake area. I didn't hear it earlier on though, so further testing to be conducted tomorrow in the light and hopefully dry weather.