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      07-29-2014, 02:37 PM   #1
SomeRandomer123
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Question Engine Problem - cannot diagnose

Please see updates on this issue here: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1046951

Hi all,

55,000 happy miles on my 2012 328i but in the last thousand or so, I've noticed it developing an issue that's getting worse. For now, the problem seems only to be audible as there is no obvious loss in power or economy, but as you can hear on the videos, there is a loud whine that gets higher pitched with revs.

I've had BMW Assist out, and the nice chap spent a while with it but couldn't diagnose the issue. It also went in for its major service a few days afterwards, but they couldn't diagnose it either.

My immediate thought was that the turbo is letting go, but the BMW Assist Technician didn't seem to think that was the case. The odd thing though is that it doesn't seem to be as audible when the engine is warmed up. It's most audible when cold, but I still do notice it when up to operating temperature.

It's not too intrusive inside the cabin when the windows are up but you can hear a slightly more pronounced whistle. With the windows down, it's blindingly obvious.

So all I'm doing now is waiting for something to break, which isn't really the best case as I love my car and I don't want a breakdown either, but it's all under warranty and a full maintenance plan so I don't know what more I can do.

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts of what it might be...



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Last edited by SomeRandomer123; 10-28-2014 at 11:09 AM.. Reason: Link to updates
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      07-29-2014, 03:16 PM   #2
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That's quite the odd noise. Do you know what steps they took to diagnose it? It seems odd that the dealer would just say they can't figure out what's wrong and leave it at that. My response would be... "try harder." If they admitted it's not normal and it's under warranty they need to fix it - all the way up to replacing the entire motor if that's necessary.

And I would have the same concerns about just waiting it out... how long is your warranty good for? If it's is same as in the US, warranty is over at 60k, so if you're at 55k, you don't have much time left. I'd want it fixed pronto.
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      07-29-2014, 03:32 PM   #3
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Take it back to the dealer and have them fix it. If it's under warranty they can take their time and figure it out. A few years ago I had my 325i at the dealer for 5 weeks because they couldn't figure out what the issue was. I had their loaner the whole time. It had less than 200 miles on it when I got it, and almost 4000 when I turned it back in. Took a nice 2000 mile vacation in it. It sucks not having your own car, but at least they gave me a nice loaner that I got to put all those miles on.
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      07-29-2014, 03:38 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unintelligible View Post
That's quite the odd noise. Do you know what steps they took to diagnose it? It seems odd that the dealer would just say they can't figure out what's wrong and leave it at that. My response would be... "try harder." If they admitted it's not normal and it's under warranty they need to fix it - all the way up to replacing the entire motor if that's necessary.

And I would have the same concerns about just waiting it out... how long is your warranty good for? If it's is same as in the US, warranty is over at 60k, so if you're at 55k, you don't have much time left. I'd want it fixed pronto.
Thanks for your response. Thing is, my car is on a full maintenance plan so warranty doesn't really matter - BMW/the dealership will be picking up the bill for any work, which is perhaps why they're avoiding it...

Really curious as to what it could be. FYI, the noise is still there off-throttle so I'm reluctant to think turbo as it won't be boosting off throttle will it.... Unless the EGR keeps it spooled?
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      07-29-2014, 03:40 PM   #5
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My first guess would be the charge pipe has cracked. Its impossible to see until you take the charge pipe off the car and look at it on your counter. U noticed your boost falling off or less power lately?
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      07-29-2014, 03:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by t335xi View Post
My first guess would be the charge pipe has cracked. Its impossible to see until you take the charge pipe off the car and look at it on your counter. U noticed your boost falling off or less power lately?
Not at all, still pulls like crazy. Worth a closer examine though isn't it...
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      07-29-2014, 03:57 PM   #7
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I had a similar noise, although not quite as pronounced as yours,min a previous BMW. And it ended up being one of the fans in the engine compartment that was messing up.

I agree with the rest when they say to take it back and if they admit there is something wrong then they need to keep the car to fix it.
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      07-29-2014, 06:35 PM   #8
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I see the noise increases with RPM thus its not the fan. Sounds like a bearing noise coming from one of the pulleys OR the pulley tensioner... OR the belt itself. Inspect your belt and see if there is any cracking, or other wear, etc.

It could also be a vacume leak BUT that would also result in poor power and loss of fuel economy... Probably not that

Could also be the timing belt..

No matter what have it inspected.
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      07-29-2014, 09:31 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMRGUY View Post
I see the noise increases with RPM thus its not the fan. Sounds like a bearing noise coming from one of the pulleys OR the pulley tensioner... OR the belt itself. Inspect your belt and see if there is any cracking, or other wear, etc.

It could also be a vacume leak BUT that would also result in poor power and loss of fuel economy... Probably not that

Could also be the timing belt..

No matter what have it inspected.
It does sound like a belt at least on my phone. I've had similar noises from belts in past cars and they all did when the engine was cold. Ones it warmed up the noise would be gone.
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      07-29-2014, 09:35 PM   #10
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Sounds like a bearing going bad on an idler pulley, alternator, or tensioner.
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      07-30-2014, 02:43 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Labeef View Post
Sounds like a bearing going bad on an idler pulley, alternator, or tensioner.
A bearing going bad is what it sounds like best to me...
Alternator was favourite in my mind but the alternator doesn't run all the time...
That said, even though it may not be returning charge, part of it is always being belt driven so perhaps the initial bearing to alternator is going.
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      10-28-2014, 10:53 AM   #12
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I have the exact issue on 328i with Injen intake. And on another 328i completley stock. Bothe have the same noise.

At first was the stock 328i wich developed the problem. That car has 70.000km.

The Injen 328i has 48.000km and just developed the noise.

At the dealer, they said they could not figure it out. So when i picked up the car i went outside with the service guy and made him listen carefully. He told me that it seems to be alternator bearings going bad, but cannot be 100% sure. And he would not make a firm statement as the alternator is an expensive part, and he would not replace it just to confirm a diagnostic.

The injen car is off the warranty. the other one still is. So i will wait to change it on this car before paying for a new alternator.
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      10-28-2014, 11:08 AM   #13
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