2024-2025 BMW Rear Axle Brake Groaning Noise SIB 34 06 25

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 34 06 25, dated May 2, 2025, to address customer concerns regarding "groaning" noises emanating from the rear axle brakes. This bulletin applies to various 2024-2025 BMW M and X models, including the F90 (M5 Sedan), F95 (X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle), G80 (M3 Sedan), G99 (M5 Touring), F91 (M8 Convertible), F96 (X6 M Sports Activity Coupe), G82 (M4 Coupe), F92 (M8 Coupe), F97 (X3 M Sports Activity Vehicle), F93 (M8 Gran Coupe), F98 (X4 M Sports Activity Coupe), and G90 (M5 Sedan). All models with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, equipped with standard or carbon ceramic brakes, are included. The SIB clarifies that this BMW rear axle brake groaning is a normal operating characteristic and not a defect.

Understanding the 'Groaning' Noise

Owners of affected BMW models may notice a brake "groaning" noise from the rear axle, particularly at slow speeds. This can occur when the vehicle is close to a standstill, during stop-and-go driving, or while parking and maneuvering. BMW has provided a video, V34 01 25 Brake groaning, to illustrate this specific sound.

What Causes the Noise?

The BMW rear axle brake groaning is attributed to the interaction between the brake disc and brake pad under specific conditions. After braking to a complete stop with low brake pressure, especially if the Automatic Hold function is activated, a "groaning" sound may become acoustically noticeable from the rear brake after approximately one second.

This phenomenon is caused by a relative movement between the brake disc and brake pad. This movement occurs due to changes in drive torque at a standstill, such as automatic idling when the vehicle is stationary, combined with the actuated service brake (when released at a standstill). The noise itself is a result of tension release in the components after torque shutdown. The intensity and severity of the groaning noises can vary depending on the condition and temperature of the brake components.

Environmental Factors

Certain environmental conditions can increase the likelihood or intensity of the BMW rear axle brake groaning. These include:

• Cold brake system: When the brakes are cold, the components may react differently.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, water, snow, or a damp brake system (e.g., after a car wash) can contribute to the noise.
• Cold, damp season: The probability of experiencing this noise is higher during colder, damp seasons, particularly at slow speeds when approaching a standstill.

Important Information for Owners

BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 34 06 25 explicitly states that "No further repair measures are required" for this condition. This is because the groaning noises are considered normal characteristics for the listed vehicles.

Key points for owners to understand:

• Normal Characteristic: The groaning noise is a normal operating characteristic and not an indication of a fault.
• No Material Defect: There is no material defect in terms of the warranty related to this noise.
• No Technical Fault: The noise is not a technical fault and does not negatively affect the durability of the brake components.
• No Fix Available: Since the groaning noise is considered normal, BMW states there is "no fix that can be applied to remedy the customer's complaint."
• Self-Correction Over Time: Operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, such as urban driving or on rural roads/motorways, will naturally heat up the brake system. This heat will significantly improve or reduce the noise over time.

If a customer reports this issue, a repair order should be notated with "No problem found; vehicle operating as designed." Dealers may provide a copy of this bulletin to customers to help explain the situation.

This Service Information Bulletin provides technical and diagnosis-related information. It also clarifies that damage or issues caused by outside influences are not covered under BMW's limited warranties.

NHTSA ID: 11018518