I can't drive 55

Once I hit 55ish there is an overwhelming "noise" in the car. It almost sounds as though i have no muffler or catalytic conv. The noise gets louder the faster I go, which is frustrating. I also think I need to replace a top shock mount......any correlation between the two. Would a faulty top shock mount cause that much noise? Any thoughts?

Have you tried shifting into the next gear?

What are your RPM's?

What year is it, and is it a stick or what? Maybe the previous owner (if it was purchased used) may have put a new exhaust onit, explaining the loud noise. Could also be clutch chatter, maybe your muffler is going out, could have a burnt out cat...

I appreciate the feedback. RPM's don't seem to make a difference. I noticed the noise is there at all times and all speeds. Even just 10MPH. It is a slow whump whump noise that gradually gets louder with speed. Would an out of balance tire do this?

I appreciate the feedback. RPM's don't seem to make a difference. I noticed the noise is there at all times and all speeds. Even just 10MPH. It is a slow whump whump noise that gradually gets louder with speed. Would an out of balance tire do this?

If there is a a noticeable shake in the steering wheel then it is possibly an out of round tire.

if the nose is coming from the back you might consider the differential or rear wheel berrings (since you dont mention the sound eminating from front when you turn.) more vibration upon acceleration?

There is actually no vibration at all. In fact if the noise wasn't there it would be the smoothest ride. The only thing that increases with speed is the sound. BTW it is a manual 2000 328i.

I had the same problem,,,, got louder as I drove faster, was annoying as hell and took all the fun out of driving. I couldn't get it to stop, until,,,, by complete accident, I looked in my rear view mirror. I couldn't believe what I saw, but sure as $hit, there it was, the cause of all this nasty noise!
So I immediately stopped and kicked my mother in law right the hell out of the back seat and onto the curb!
I got back in and the noise was still noticeable, until I put all the windows up. Then it became so quite, I could hear a flea fart. So I locked the doors and drove on down the highway, listening for that bean eating flea!

So you might check your rear view mirror!

Seriously it sounds like a wheel bearing,if u can jack the whole car to be safe or jack the rear and scotch the front tires,crank the car and put it in 1st gear and let the rear wheels spin (if u have someone that can push the gas pedal would be better) take a long screw driver and stick it in the rear knuckle or that vasinity (don't get near the tires with it) but listen to the end of it and if it is a wheel bearing u will definatly hear it through the end of the screwdriver.Hope this helps