Windshield and Wiper Wind-Noise

[E28E34]

I had my windshield replaced at the dealer. I noticed there was more wind noise than the original glass. It started making wind-buffeting noise as low as 25 mph. The higher the speed the more it intensifies. The windshield was replaced again. Same situation after. Thoroughly inspected the windshield inside and outside. Felt around the perimeter for air coming in - even used paper to see if it'd move - nothing. The noise seems to be prevalent along the base of the glass near the center where the wipers are. I don't know if BMW/Pilkington is using a thinner glass than the original which is making me hear the wind-noise more. Anyone else have this issue of wind-noise?

[jehu]

Did they use the original trim or some big plastic/rubber abomination?

Are you sure they didn't leave the plastic grill trim without replacing the fasteners?
Mine has this recess that seems to prevent the wind noise I have heard with other trim.

688812

[E28E34]

All new trim and clamps and lower vent-trim and rivets... all tight.

[chislern]

Sometimes the plastic cowling on the base of the windshield chatter at certain speeds on mine by more of a chatter than wind noise. Good luck. G

[E28E34]

Sometimes the plastic cowling on the base of the windshield chatter at certain speeds on mine by more of a chatter than wind noise. Good luck. G
Yes I am familiar with that. Got a horrible rattling buzzing along the lower area/wiper area driving above 50 mph one evening. Later that night, at same speeds, no noise at all.

This is a totally different sound... it's a buffeting, wind-noise, like you are in a storm/haunted house. Example, "Whooosh, wooo, whoooosh-wooosh......" with a few brief pauses in between. No buzzing, vibrating, just air wooshing/buffeting noises.

Seems like no one else in their E34s hears this noise along the base of the windshield starting at 25-30 mph. Would like to know. Is it normal? Or due to the possible thinner glass now used?

[ross1]

Is it the correct BMW molding or some generic POS the glass shop* used?
If so check your wipers, I've had hinky wiper blades buzz at speed.
* most dealers sublet glass work.

[E28E34]

Is it the correct BMW molding or some generic POS the glass shop* used?
If so check your wipers, I've had hinky wiper blades buzz at speed.
* most dealers sublet glass work.
The work was done by their technicians at the dealer. It's all BMW Parts, I saw them ahead of time, and now on the car.... trim, clamps, clips, frames, etc.

Blade inserts installed by them. All looks fine. No buzzing. Just very prominent wind buffeting noise starting at 25 mph.

[demetk]

Time to tape up the windshield and take it for a ride.

[E28E34]

Time to tape up the windshield and take it for a ride.
The Service Manager suggested that too. He heard it when we went for a ride. I will have to do that. Will also tape the Vents at bottom too.

So no one else gets this noise at starting at 25-30 mph? Wow.

[jehu]

The Service Manager suggested that too. He heard it when we went for a ride. I will have to do that. Will also tape the Vents at bottom too.

So no one else gets this noise at starting at 25-30 mph? Wow.
Can't say I've ever heard that specifically. Just from the upper edge where the surrounding trim was at fault.

[moroza]

I'd remove the wipers and see if it changes.

[E28E34]

I'd remove the wipers and see if it changes.
Thought about that. First I'll tape things off at the bottom of the glass, including the intake vents, and the entire perimeter of the trim of the vent-trim. Then go for a drive. If it's still there, than it's likely the right wiper arm - it sticks up at the base due to the lousy design of E31, E32, E34 lower-arms. Worst flaw on the E31, E32, E34.

[ross1]

On mine it was a particular wiper blade that was making the noise. Was never an issue on any other of many E34s.
Since your windshield has just been replaced with all proper parts and methods all I can think of is PERHAPS the wiper arm is incorrectly indexed on the shaft and this new position disturbs airflow.
Have you tried removing the wiper arms? Repositioning?
Does your car have the little airfoil on the arm, has it gone missing?

[Simmo2222]

I have a 'whistle' (maybe a howl) that picks up with speed coming from the passenger side of the car. I haven't seriously tried to find this yet (taping gaps up is the go) but I wondered if it was the wiper since the left hand wiper (of my RHD car) has the last two inches of the wiper blade standing proud of the glass. I have listened out while operating the wipers to see if I can hear a difference but I am not sure I hear it.

I need to get someone else to drive while I sit in the passenger seat and play with the window, mirror etc.

[E28E34]

It's a newer wiper arm on the right, and a brand new one on the left.... right wiper arms are NLA sadly. It's the classic lousy BMW right wiper arm mount/linkage spindle nightmare of it sitting to close to the hood. It sits pretty much like the old one sadly. BMW/SWF wiper inserts. All looks okay. I don't have the tools to remove the arms. Only the driver wiper-blade comes with the air-deflector.

Will have to try taping the vents and lower trim next.....

[ross1]

It's a newer wiper arm on the right, and a brand new one on the left.... right wiper arms are NLA sadly. It's the classic lousy BMW right wiper arm mount/linkage spindle nightmare of it sitting to close to the hood. It sits pretty much like the old one sadly. BMW/SWF wiper inserts. All looks okay. I don't have the tools to remove the arms. Only the driver wiper-blade comes with the air-deflector.

Will have to try taping the vents and lower trim next.....
A nut under the plastic cover. No need for a puller just wiggle it

[E28E34]

A nut under the plastic cover. No need for a puller just wiggle it
Yeah? Okay. I guess pullers are more for rusted-on wiper arms.

[ross1]

Yeah? Okay. I guess pullers are more for rusted-on wiper arms.
Sometimes they are difficult but they always come off for me.

[moroza]

PB Blaster, and a mild but hard tap (low force, high impulse, preferably with a hard object) on the stud while pulling up on the wiper arm.