[ioannisG]

This is driving me crazy! The engine makes that squeaky sound when at low RPM and unloaded - for example when pulling in and out of parking, slow traffic etc but only when the car has been out for a good run around and the engine is well up to temp.

Ive taken it 3 times in BMW Sytner to fix it but they can reproduce it. Any ideas what it might be so I can point them in the right direction? My bets are on engine belt but keen to hear your thoughts!!

Video below...

[willjames]

I remember years ago I had a Fiat Marea (don't laugh it was wank) anyway I was skint and so I took it to my mates (mechanic, well sort of) he popped is head under the bonnet and sprayed a solution of soapy water on the belt that was squealing and it stopped. We knew it was the belt then, however the garage (a Fiat Dealer) couldn't fix it longer term and it drove me mad.

Now, I'm not saying that you should do something as primitive and I'm not sure that it may be a squealing belt but hopefully a decent garage should solve it.

I hope you get it sorted

[teaston]

Sounds like an auxiliary belt slipping.

[330Stevie]

Take the clip into sytner, they should be ok to agree it as evidence if it didn't represent on test

[evdok]

Bearings in the pulleys.

[ioannisG]

Originally Posted by evdok

Bearings in the pulleys.

So took the car to the dealer's today. Diagnosis is indeed alternator pulley having a bit of play in it. They will be replacing the alternator as well as the belts.

Also all four wheels (403Ms) have the dreaded centre hub corrosion so they are all getting replaced under warranty. Thankfully the warranty runs out in a few days (!!!) so just in time to get them sorted and hopefully they will be good for another year or two.

[evdok]

Result

[smithers330d]

Originally Posted by ioannisG

So took the car to the dealer's today. Diagnosis is indeed alternator pulley having a bit of play in it. They will be replacing the alternator as well as the belts.

Also all four wheels (403Ms) have the dreaded centre hub corrosion so they are all getting replaced under warranty. Thankfully the warranty runs out in a few days (!!!) so just in time to get them sorted and hopefully they will be good for another year or two.

Awesome result all round! I had my 403s replaced about a month ago for the same thing. It's a shame they're suseptable to corrosion because they're lovely wheels when new.

[ioannisG]

Good result indeed! With a few days left in the warranty the car is basically like new. Had the transmission sump replaced last month due to a minor oil leak and now the wheels and alternator.

The only thing I haven't managed to get them to sort out is a creaking sound from the rear seats/parcel area when I go over my garage ramp. It feels like the body is flexing and the back seats/parcel shelf is rubbing on something causing it to creak badly. They have fobbed me off on this one unfortunately

If anyone knows how to sort that one out DIY I'd be grateful!!!

[McBeemer]

Originally Posted by ioannisG

Good result indeed! With a few days left in the warranty the car is basically like new. Had the transmission sump replaced last month due to a minor oil leak and now the wheels and alternator.

The only thing I haven't managed to get them to sort out is a creaking sound from the rear seats/parcel area when I go over my garage ramp. It feels like the body is flexing and the back seats/parcel shelf is rubbing on something causing it to creak badly. They have fobbed me off on this one unfortunately

If anyone knows how to sort that one out DIY I'd be grateful!!!

This might simply be the door seals creak that just appears to come from parcel shelf ..... I had a creaking on mine which was resolved with the dealer fitting special tape to the door seals, which eradicated the noise perfectly. This has been widely reported on here before, so would recommend searching for door seal creak and doing a bit of reading up. I could be wrong of course, but worth a try as it's been a popular fault.

[ioannisG]

So the engine noise came back again. Turns out it wasn’t the alternator! Anyway after kicking up a fuss with BMW as the car now is out of its official warranty (auc only for the next 3 months) they got the car in for a check over. Luckily I recorded the issue on my phone again so there was no dispute. Turns out this time they will be replacing the water pump! This turns out to be an expensive squeal. At least the car is getting new parts so won’t complain.

Also they were refusing to replace the wheels due to the car being 4 days out of manufacturers warranty when I brought it in in August despite telling me otherwise when I dropped it in. I pointed out to them that this was due to their availability (I had called them 2 weeks before for an appointment) and that they missed the issue during the car end of warranty inspection and it’s service that happened a few weeks before. With a bit of pressure they agreed to replace. So the car is back in today to sort out both problems. Hopefully for good!

[mikeoz]

Good luck..hope it gets sorted .
What is the wheel corrosion btw?
I don't know if this my self?

[ioannisG]

It’s the usual white worm issue around the Center hub. Looks like white patches/ streaks coming off the centre of the wheel

[XWV]

Originally Posted by ioannisG

Good result indeed! With a few days left in the warranty the car is basically like new. Had the transmission sump replaced last month due to a minor oil leak and now the wheels and alternator.

The only thing I haven't managed to get them to sort out is a creaking sound from the rear seats/parcel area when I go over my garage ramp. It feels like the body is flexing and the back seats/parcel shelf is rubbing on something causing it to creak badly. They have fobbed me off on this one unfortunately

If anyone knows how to sort that one out DIY I'd be grateful!!!

If you have split/fold seats it could be that one of the hooks needs adjusting. As with the other issue, there should be threads on here about it - I took mine in for it when it was a few months old based on info on here, and it was sorted by them tightening something.

Sorry, I know that's a little vague...

Edit: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1311296

[ioannisG]

Originally Posted by XWV

If you have split/fold seats it could be that one of the hooks needs adjusting. As with the other issue, there should be threads on here about it - I took mine in for it when it was a few months old based on info on here, and it was sorted by them tightening something.

Sorry, I know that's a little vague...

Edit: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1311296

Nope no folding rear seats unfortunately

[ioannisG]

OK I've had enough with this issue! Its still not resolved

This will be the fourth time the car goes in. They have replaced the alternator, belt and water pump in the three visits its been in.

Any ideas would be MUCH appreciated as BMW seems to have no clue whats wrong with it and they just keep replacing parts at random!

[Archer-s]

Is the aircon on? Try recreating and turning aircon on and off, that should rule out aircon belt/compressor

[ioannisG]

It’s mostly/ only audible with the aircon off. Basically when the car is parked or with light/ low load when pulling in my driveway.

[R11RRY]

I remember i had it in my five series. Turned out to be the rubber grommet that mounts the air folter under the engine cover. Have a look to see if these are shot and maybe replace in the first instance

[Slipster]

Hi, I had the exact same issue, squealing between 1-2k rpm, Car was sent into Douglas Park Hamilton, where they initially couldn't locate/ hear the noise, Following day a technician who had dealt with the issue previously on another F30
he diagnosed it as the Vibration Damper , replaced it, issue seems resolved. Part cost around £500 bangers , new belt also fitted. Replaced under warranty thankfully. Hope this shines some light on the problem should anyone else encounter it

[AndresPG29]

Hello, I had the same issue any other ideas??? I replace already the tensioner, serpentine belt???? help
It’s mostly only audible with the high temperature.


i find this video maybe helps

[kitster]

Originally Posted by ioannisG

OK I've had enough with this issue! Its still not resolved

This will be the fourth time the car goes in. They have replaced the alternator, belt and water pump in the three visits its been in.

Any ideas would be MUCH appreciated as BMW seems to have no clue whats wrong with it and they just keep replacing parts at random!

I had a nightmare with Sytner Harold Wood. 6 times I went in for squealing brake and never resolved. Next time I'll just go to another dealer.