Whirring sound from front wheel

[Flog]

Morning All
About a week ago I heard a whirring that sounded like it was coming from near side front wheel. Yesterday cleaned off the two inches of mud and kak from around the wheel arch and had a good look, couldn't see anything, no marking on the tyre (as sounds like something is rubbing) and can't see anything loose, not there, in the wrong place. So, any ideas? May be wheel bearing but how would I know?
If it is wheel bearing, should I replace the pair on the fronts together? Having looked on web see there is quite a difference, exactly the same item is 189.60 on one site, 109 on another (plus there is 35% off) so would want to buy them and get garage to fit....or can I do it!? Not bad with a hammer, sorry spanner but would need to be in and out as wheels, car, accident is not me!
All help appreciated.

[squeaky2]

Sounds like a wheel bearing........if youve got a jack, raise the car and spin the wheel and you should be able to hear it.

Not sure whether you should replace both together though but someone here will know

[Black X5]

Wheel bearing would normally be a groaning/ rumbling sound.

Could be:
-dirt inbetween brake pad and disc (e.g but of grit/ rustoff disc if it
Is corroded)
-loose brake dust shield (grab from behind and try and move)
-something trapped inbetween disc and hub

As squeaky says put the offending wheel up in the air and rotate to look for the sound.

[shadrack]

As above check for muck\mud\stones in caliper, in back where driveshaft goes in, and between back plate and disc, also check backplate is clear of disc, whilst its up grap the wheel at 12 and 6 oclocand check for play in the bearing, could still be bearing if there's no play, I would do them as a pair as on my old x5 they went within 2k of each other, also you can get them for £48, also unless you have a press in the home garage someone else will need to fit them, but if pre arranged with a garage you can strip the hub assemblys off at home and just take them to have the bearing pressed in, also whilst in bits check the condition of the driveshafts as these have a nasty habbit of pulling the wheel bearing out with them so if you think you will need drive shafts not long after you would maybe need new bearings again and the driveshafts are only £55 a pair

[gmc15]

I had both front wheel bearings go on my E53 X5. Symptoms were a growling sound when travelling about 70mph and turning the wheel slightly in either directions. I could not hear any sound at low speeds.
As Shadrack said, if it is bearings, get them both done, and you will probably need a garage to do them. My lndy smashed his bearing press trying to get one bearing out and had to use a press from a HGV repair garage.
I can't say that I have heard of any E70's having wheel bearing problems, so check carefully before getting them done

[Flog]

Thanks All. Went in local Indy and asked and pretty much said all that you have said. So travelling home tonight weaves a fair few snakes down the road listening carefully, but no difference. Indy said you'd here it on one turn but not the other but noise stayed constant?? :blink:
It's going in Wednesday on the ramp so look forward to hearing what the out come is. Will let all know and thanks for info provided all ready.

[Flog]

Yep, a wheel bearing on near side front. Just a word of caution, if you think it's a wheel bearing, hunt the web for a price as I ended up paying 157 plus vat for the part as I needed this done on Friday (off to Wales tomorrow) and could have got it for £70 so, lesson learnt, if you can hunt around before needed you'll save money!!
Now quiet as a mouse.