[MCF30]

I've been noticing a strange chirping/squealing noise coming from my engine. Almost sounds like a bird (short clip attached to the post).

Usually occurs when driving at slower speeds, at low RPMs (1-2k). Happens quite frequently too, as of late.

Any ideas of what this could possibly be, or suggestions for areas to inspect? No engine light or error codes currently.

CAR: BMW 328i xDrive (2013 - F30)
KMs: ~ 180,000km

[yyzwagon]

sounds like a belt going bad / out of alignment.

[F36Vader]

Originally Posted by yyzwagon

sounds like a belt going bad / out of alignment.

This.


Also check for oil leaks as the oil tends to make its way down to the belt and tensioner eventually causing this chirping noise.

[MCF30]

Ended up changing my belt tensioner & belt; issue still persists! Not sure what it could be - perhaps another pulley? Or could it even be a bad water pump?

Might end up going to the dealer to inspect...

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by MCF30

Or could it even be a bad water pump?

Water pump is not belt driven in our cars - it is electric.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_5062

[sassbs]

Originally Posted by MCF30

Ended up changing my belt tensioner & belt; issue still persists! Not sure what it could be - perhaps another pulley? Or could it even be a bad water pump?

Might end up going to the dealer to inspect...

Timing chain/rails?

[MCF30]

Originally Posted by sassbs

Timing chain/rails?

I thought about this too, but would that make such a noise? Seems strange, no?

Sidebar - does anyone know the latest status of the class action suit in Canada? Lol

[Arthurrs]

Originally Posted by MCF30

I thought about this too, but would that make such a noise? Seems strange, no?

Sidebar - does anyone know the latest status of the class action suit in Canada? Lol

The window of opportunity for getting your timing chain replaced under factory recall has long since passed. Lawsuits yielded nothing. I faced the same issue with my 2014 328ix, along with a leaking water pump and rear axle failing. My indy BMW mechanic showed me how much slack I had in my timing chain, closed up the cap, and told me the cost of getting my car fixed was greater than it's value, given the mileage (270K km). I babied this engine, no tunes, doubled up on oil changes, kept the oil level up, unfortunately my N20 was among the last manufactured before BMW issued the timing chain improvements. I ended up trading it in for a younger F36, no regrets, loving the "upgrade". Happy I was able to get $5K for my trade in!! Let it be someone else's problem. Fixed up, the car is probably worth about $8-9K on a used car lot. But then, what is the next thing to fail?

Yes, you can probably find someone to do your timing chain and guides pretty cheap in Toronto (I see plenty of postings on the usual facebook groups), but once that cover is opened, you might be finding additional work that needs to be done including some related gears, and maybe the vanos as well. You really don't know what you're up against until the timing chain cover is removed. Roll the dice! And while the engine is taken apart, it is a no-brainer to do a few "while you're at it" tasks including head gasket and water pump replacement while the opportunity presents itself....it all adds up to be a rather expensive service job. Budget $4-5K! If you can do it for around $3K, consider yourself lucky. Nevertheless, you need to make the decision very soon, before your engine blows up! The moment your engine goes, your car will be worth $500 at best for scrap. Tough choices to be made, separate yourself emotionally from the car, and make a rational decision. I'm so happy I did, despite the crappy economic times we are in!