What is this engine noise?

germanzaddillac · 03-15-2024, 02:12 PM

Hi. I was driving my car last night and when I was about a mile from getting home, I started hearing this whirring noise coming from the engine. The strange thing is that the noise was present at around 30 mph but at about 5 mph above or below that, it went away. The engine was fully warmed up and at operating temperature.

I tried to replicate the issue today, but wasn't able to. The timing chain seems tight and isn't whining when I rev to 3,000 RPM or higher, so I don't think that's the issue. The serpentine belt does not have any visible tears and is tight and centered. The radiator fan spins freely without rubbing.

The car is a 2013 328i with original timing chain. 64,000 miles on the odo. Thanks for your help with this.

Link to audio file: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6iipb...c857lzwvg&dl=0

Billfitz · 03-15-2024, 03:16 PM

Sounds like the beginning of 'Sympathy for the Devil'. Probably something rattling.

If you haven't had your timing chain tensioner replaced you need to do it, like yesterday. That's the cause of timing chain failure.

germanzaddillac · 03-16-2024, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Sounds like the beginning of 'Sympathy for the Devil'. Probably something rattling.

If you haven't had your timing chain tensioner replaced you need to do it, like yesterday. That's the cause of timing chain failure.

Ha! It does sound a bit like that. Thanks for looking into this.

This car has been a money pit, so I'm holding off on doing the timing chain tensioner replacement until I know I want to keep the car long term. That's good advice, though.

The sound came back after a while and it seems that it has something to do with the power steering. When I have the steering wheel turned to the left and am driving at around 30 mph, I get the sound. Turning the wheel to the right doesn't cause the sound. I'll keep investigating.

Billfitz · 03-16-2024, 10:20 PM

The steering rack of that vintage was a known problem. Google it.

germanzaddillac · 03-17-2024, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The steering rack of that vintage was a known problem. Google it.

Thanks. I'll see if that's the issue.

03-15-2024, 02:12 PM	#1
germanzaddillac New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: California iTrader: (0)	What is this engine noise? Hi. I was driving my car last night and when I was about a mile from getting home, I started hearing this whirring noise coming from the engine. The strange thing is that the noise was present at around 30 mph but at about 5 mph above or below that, it went away. The engine was fully warmed up and at operating temperature. I tried to replicate the issue today, but wasn't able to. The timing chain seems tight and isn't whining when I rev to 3,000 RPM or higher, so I don't think that's the issue. The serpentine belt does not have any visible tears and is tight and centered. The radiator fan spins freely without rubbing. The car is a 2013 328i with original timing chain. 64,000 miles on the odo. Thanks for your help with this. Link to audio file: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6iipb...c857lzwvg&dl=0 Last edited by germanzaddillac; 03-15-2024 at 02:56 PM.. Reason: Add more info
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03-15-2024, 03:16 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,083 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Sounds like the beginning of 'Sympathy for the Devil'. Probably something rattling. If you haven't had your timing chain tensioner replaced you need to do it, like yesterday. That's the cause of timing chain failure.
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03-16-2024, 10:20 PM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,083 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The steering rack of that vintage was a known problem. Google it.
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