Fan/Whirring Noise Front of Dash: Acceleration

bimmer813 · 03-22-2018, 10:12 AM

Hey guys, I just got the girlfriend a 2016 328i and noticed a noise coming from the front of the dash.

Under throttle (and only under throttle), there is a fan/whirring noise coming from in front of the instrument cluster. It seems like it may be coming from the engine compartment, but it almost seems artificial.

Also, the auto start/stop sound seems quite loud (and comes from the same location).

Any thoughts/experiences with this? I appreciate your help!

BunkerJ · 03-22-2018, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer813

Hey guys, I just got the girlfriend a 2016 328i and noticed a noise coming from the front of the dash.

Under throttle (and only under throttle), there is a fan/whirring noise coming from in front of the instrument cluster. It seems like it may be coming from the engine compartment, but it almost seems artificial.

Also, the auto start/stop sound seems quite loud (and comes from the same location).

Any thoughts/experiences with this? I appreciate your help!

I would say this sounds like the timing chain issue, but I believe that was fixed on these models.

bimmer813 · 03-22-2018, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

I would say this sounds like the timing chain issue, but I believe that was fixed on these models.

Thank you for the quick reply! That was my thought as well, from what I have read the new timing chain was installed on cars post January 2015, and her car was produced October 2015.

I can always take it to the dealer as it's under warranty but we both work pretty crazy schedules.

BunkerJ · 03-22-2018, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer813

Thank you for the quick reply! That was my thought as well, from what I have read the new timing chain was installed on cars post January 2015, and her car was produced October 2015.

I can always take it to the dealer as it's under warranty but we both work pretty crazy schedules.

Yeah, I would see if you could drop it off and get a loaner while they check it out. If it were just whirring at idle and whatnot, probably a noisy fan, but under acceleration causes some concern.

amulos · 04-08-2018, 11:34 AM

i had exact same noise- it was the air conditioning system. if you are using climate turn the ac button so its not on and see if it persists, if it doesn't continue then a re-gas of the AC might be required- that solved it on mine.

sound like the fan in the cabin is working overtime when you rev/accelerate? almost in sync with engine revs?

badbread · 04-08-2018, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amulos

i had exact same noise- it was the air conditioning system. if you are using climate turn the ac button so its not on and see if it persists, if it doesn't continue then a re-gas of the AC might be required- that solved it on mine.

sound like the fan in the cabin is working overtime when you rev/accelerate? almost in sync with engine revs?

I have this noise, definitely related to the HVAC system, I've found it depends on the position of the hot/cold air mix dial on the top center of the dash. I'm going to bring it up next service visit. Thanks!

madmortar · 04-23-2018, 09:36 PM

I have this noise too!
Actually just got back from a drive to investigate more. Seems to come on during WOT mostly 4K - 6K. I can hear it the best with windows up. I tried and it does it both with a/c on and off. Only does it when I'm WOT. Doesn't matter which gear.

Any tests you recommend I do ? Or just bring it into dealership?

madmortar · 04-24-2018, 12:24 PM

FYI, made an appointment to ride around with tech to have them listen for this noise.
I will be out of town for 2 weeks so unfortunately, wont be able to have them look at it until May 16th.

amulos · 11-14-2018, 01:10 PM

Do you have an update on this anyone?

While a regas solved it on mine 10 months ago, the noise has returned. The condenser was found to have a hole in it so it was replaced. About a month after the noise has returned ever so slightly ( turning off the ac stops it ) its in with bmw at the moment, they have drained the system checked it and regassed again, they say they can’t hear it !

amulos · 12-14-2018, 03:09 PM

Further update: the technician eventually heard the noise and diagnosed an air leak on the compressor.
The compressor has now been replaced and all appears well, so far!

03-22-2018, 10:12 AM	#1
bimmer813 Second Lieutenant 82 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2023 M4, 2024 X5 M60 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Fan/Whirring Noise Front of Dash: Acceleration Hey guys, I just got the girlfriend a 2016 328i and noticed a noise coming from the front of the dash. Under throttle (and only under throttle), there is a fan/whirring noise coming from in front of the instrument cluster. It seems like it may be coming from the engine compartment, but it almost seems artificial. Also, the auto start/stop sound seems quite loud (and comes from the same location). Any thoughts/experiences with this? I appreciate your help!
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04-08-2018, 11:34 AM	#5
amulos New Member 11 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F31 330d M Sport Touring Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Berkshire, U.K. iTrader: (0)	i had exact same noise- it was the air conditioning system. if you are using climate turn the ac button so its not on and see if it persists, if it doesn't continue then a re-gas of the AC might be required- that solved it on mine. sound like the fan in the cabin is working overtime when you rev/accelerate? almost in sync with engine revs?
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04-23-2018, 09:36 PM	#7
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	I have this noise too! Actually just got back from a drive to investigate more. Seems to come on during WOT mostly 4K - 6K. I can hear it the best with windows up. I tried and it does it both with a/c on and off. Only does it when I'm WOT. Doesn't matter which gear. Any tests you recommend I do ? Or just bring it into dealership?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 12:24 PM	#8
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	FYI, made an appointment to ride around with tech to have them listen for this noise. I will be out of town for 2 weeks so unfortunately, wont be able to have them look at it until May 16th.
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11-14-2018, 01:10 PM	#9
amulos New Member 11 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F31 330d M Sport Touring Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Berkshire, U.K. iTrader: (0)	Do you have an update on this anyone? While a regas solved it on mine 10 months ago, the noise has returned. The condenser was found to have a hole in it so it was replaced. About a month after the noise has returned ever so slightly ( turning off the ac stops it ) its in with bmw at the moment, they have drained the system checked it and regassed again, they say they can’t hear it !
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12-14-2018, 03:09 PM	#10
amulos New Member 11 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F31 330d M Sport Touring Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Berkshire, U.K. iTrader: (0)	Further update: the technician eventually heard the noise and diagnosed an air leak on the compressor. The compressor has now been replaced and all appears well, so far!
	Appreciate 1 cross9032.50 Quote