Singing at 65-70 mph

[ColdCase]

I’m not sure I’m in the right section, but let me ask this here before chasing my tail with more test drives. I drove a Macan 4 on a highway and observed it singing between 65 and 70 mph. It is similar to tire noise or remote control model motor noise. Anyone else?

The Macan had 21 inch Michelins. I’m not sure what driving mode the SA selected but It was a mode that will gently slow a bit when the throttle pedal is released, not a coast mode. The singing was louder on deceleration. The SA thought that stretch of highway was noisy, so I didn’t pursue it. I’ve since driven my other cars on that stretch and they were quiet, no songs. So I now have second thoughts. But before I go back and drive another sample I thought I’d check in here if this is a known issue. My forum search didn’t find anything.

 

[macanchan]

Tires will make noise. sometimes it's more noticeable than other times. Try not to let it consume you... This is the exact reason why I opted for sport sound and Burmester stereo.

What is your tire PSI set to?

 

[ColdCase]

This was a fresh dealer demonstrator. I'm pretty sure they set these up properly, after all it is a Porsche center, but I didn't double check. I know it is hard to tell over the web but I've been a car enthusiast for 50+ years. This was similar to tire noise in some ways.

 

[macanchan]

Ah, you mean the brake recuperation / regen. the noise is normal.

 

[Diego]

With EV cars it’s easy to notice “sounds/noises” never heard before.

 

[ColdCase]

Ah, you mean the brake recuperation / regen. the noise is normal.

Perhaps for Porsche's system, but this car was singing annoyingly during a specific speed range at cruise and on/off throttle, just more noticeable off throttle. If thats normal for a Macan, it is going to be a deal breaker.

But I think I'm hearing here that this just may be a one off car. There are several discussions about noisy tires elsewhere, however.

As background, if it matters. I've been driving a Mini SE EV for near four years. So I'm familiar with how a BMW tech based EV drives, sounds, and feels. I don't recall the Mini singing to me. As the tires wear there is more and more noise, but thats across the board and not at a narrow speed range.. The VW ID.4 Pro I test drove awhile back doesn't sing nor the one my sister owns. Small sample size I know.

 

[macanchan]

Please keep us updated and let us know when you test drive another one!

 

[SergeyIndy]

Interesting observation @ColdCase, so please drive another one to compare.
I would not assume demos are setup properly, so checking tire pressure is important on the test drive. I know my dealer overinflates any vehicles that sit outside, even demos. Also, new tires that have not been properly broken in can make unexpected noises and do not hold the road as expected since the oils need to distribute evenly for the first normally 300 miles.

 

[Shan88]

Singing? Could it be the Porsche electric sport sound? It can be turned off.

 

[ColdCase]

Singing? Could it be the Porsche electric sport sound? It can be turned off.

No, I wouldn't expect sport sound to be singing in a female voice between 65 and 70. .

 

[Shan88]

No, I wouldn't expect sport sound to be singing in a female voice between 65 and 70. .

That's funny, never heard of this
I guess checking with the SA or request for another demo to make comparison is the best. Make sure to mute the radio or any video that's playing in the background. Or maybe the navigation sound , someone set a road guidance.

 

[Bobrae99]

I noticed a howling noise on my test drive. I dont recall the exact speed but it was definitely over 50 mph. I didn’t notice it in urban traffic. I’ll listen for it on my test drive.

 

[Diego]

As background, if it matters. I've been driving a Mini SE EV for near four years. So I'm familiar with how a BMW tech based EV drives, sounds, and feels. I don't recall the Mini singing to me. As the tires wear there is more and more noise, but thats across the board and not at a narrow speed range.. The VW ID.4 Pro I test drove awhile back doesn't sing nor the one my sister owns. Small sample size I know.

Maybe it should be noticed that Mini and ID.4 doesn't have such a big wheels (even with 20" on the Macan you have 285 at the rear that is a little more than what you have on a Mini EV or ID.4 - if I'm ot wrong the ID.4 has 255 at the rear). As I wrote in an EV cars the tires noise is more evident than in an ICE car.
On 2800 km (21" rims - Michelin summer tires 255 front and 295 rear) I haven't heard anything more than this.
External mirrors on my cars doesn't produce any whistle or rumble. Only with the roof system opened in the lift position I can hear a whistle coming from the left side: I'll have it checked when I will put on the winter tires.

 

[PJW]

I’m not sure I’m in the right section, but let me ask this here before chasing my tail with more test drives. I drove a Macan 4 on a highway and observed it singing between 65 and 70 mph. It is similar to tire noise or remote control model motor noise. Anyone else?

The Macan had 21 inch Michelins. I’m not sure what driving mode the SA selected but It was a mode that will gently slow a bit when the throttle pedal is released, not a coast mode. The singing was louder on deceleration. The SA thought that stretch of highway was noisy, so I didn’t pursue it. I’ve since driven my other cars on that stretch and they were quiet, no songs. So I now have second thoughts. But before I go back and drive another sample I thought I’d check in here if this is a known issue. My forum search didn’t find anything.

I've test driven two Macan 4 both with 22" wheels and air suspension and there is some tyre noise at higher speeds. I suspect smaller wheels would be quieter.

 

[ColdCase]

Maybe it should be noticed that Mini and ID.4 doesn't have such a big wheels ..

I was responding to the comment that EVs, in general, seem to have more tire noise. I hear that the low rolling resistance tires mounted on most EVs at the factory can be noisy .

Sidewall size usually makes a difference, which I think you are mentioning.

The noise I was hearing seemed more like a gear or motor whine than a tire whine, but I dunno. I've experience both on previous cars.

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