Buzzing sound...normal?

ig1983 · 03-25-2019, 08:59 PM

I just starting hearing this buzzing sound. The car was cold, drove it for about 5 minutes.

After I heard the sound, drove it for another minute, and it went away, couldn't replicate it. But likely to come back...

Something to worry about?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

vinzcast21 · 03-26-2019, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ig1983

I just starting hearing this buzzing sound. The car was cold, drove it for about 5 minutes.

After I heard the sound, drove it for another minute, and it went away, couldn't replicate it. But likely to come back...

Something to worry about?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

does not sound normal!

definitely get it checked

cfm56d7b · 03-26-2019, 10:48 AM

I listened to the video twice and did not hear a buzzing sound. Can you provide more details what it sounds like?

ig1983 · 03-26-2019, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

I listened to the video twice and did not hear a buzzing sound. Can you provide more details what it sounds like?

It's a slight buzzing sound that appears over the regular sound of the engine running. I have never heard it before. I will try to post a video of the engine running normally so that you can hear the contrast.

I scheduled a 55-pt. inspection next week with the dealership, at which I will address this issue (along with an issue that I am having with the clutch/transmission when the car is warm). But it would be great to have some insight before then so that I have an idea of what I am talking about...

zeikei · 03-26-2019, 01:03 PM

Which engine and which year? Try to blip the throttle a little bit when you have the sound and see if it goes away. If yes to that, early N55 and if the sound comes from the turbo direction it can be the boost solenoid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYt8fLTzh_U

Billfitz · 03-26-2019, 02:13 PM

Sounds like a B below middle C to me, more of a hum than a buzz. That rules out the usual suspects. Does the pitch change with engine speed?

ig1983 · 03-26-2019, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Sounds like a B below middle C to me, more of a hum than a buzz. That rules out the usual suspects. Does the pitch change with engine speed?

I can’t hear it from inside the car. I’m going to see whether it comes back and do some tests.

Maybe something to do with the waste-gate solenoid?

jh_f30 · 03-26-2019, 06:32 PM

I have a similar intermittent buzz coming from my pwg N55. I've read it could be the boost solenoid, apparently also called the turbo pressure converter. The replacement part for my car is about $160. Thinking about just replacing it, partly as preventative maintenance, partly in hopes it eliminates the buzzing.

jh_f30 · 03-26-2019, 06:33 PM

Weird buzz sound on passenger side on engine bay https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563523

flip4flop · 03-26-2019, 08:22 PM

If it gets louder get it checked out. Just had a similar metallic clicking I thought would be lifters. Ended up being metal in oil and engine blown. Thank god for warranty.

ig1983 · 03-26-2019, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Weird buzz sound on passenger side on engine bay https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563523

That sounds exactly what I heard. And I haven't heard it since yesterday (I check every time). I'll bring it up at my 55-pt. inspection next week. I still have some warranty left.

Thanks!

zeikei · 03-27-2019, 07:40 AM

In my experience the boost solenoid buzzing occurs as the revs drop to idle. So once engine is warm so that it has the normal low idle revs then give throttle a short tap. As it then returns to idle revs it sometimes starts buzzing and sometimes not.

Billfitz · 03-27-2019, 08:54 AM

That's why I asked if the pitch changed with the engine revs. It would go up and down with the revs if it was mechanical, but would probably stay constant if electrical.

ig1983 · 03-27-2019, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That's why I asked if the pitch changed with the engine revs. It would go up and down with the revs if it was mechanical, but would probably stay constant if electrical.

My issue is that I cannot replicate it. This is the second issue that I am having issues replicating (the first one regarding juddering from standstill when car is warm, and chattering at idle), and time is running down on my warranty! The dealership knows this, and thus refuses to intervene unless we can show the issue on the spot, even if we have recordings/videos of it.

If it comes back, I will certainly check whether the buzz/hum changes with the revving of the engine.

Billfitz · 03-27-2019, 12:05 PM

If it's serious it should show up on a scan with a good quality OBD diagnostic tool. Once out of warranty you really should have one, not only to know when you have a problem but also to know when you don't. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...2#post23288222

ig1983 · 03-27-2019, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

If it's serious it should show up on a scan with a good quality OBD diagnostic tool. Once out of warranty you really should have one, not only to know when you have a problem but also to know when you don't. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...2#post23288222

Hey, is this the diagnostic tool that you are referring to? There seem to be a few versions. Which one would you recommend? Thanks.

https://www.amazon.ca/Diagnostic-FOX...gateway&sr=8-1

Billfitz · 03-27-2019, 01:14 PM

I have the NT 510, the NT 520 is a newer version but the only advantage to it is it can store data for more car brands. If you have trouble with it go here:
http://www.foxwellsupport.com/tag/foxwell-nt510/

cfm56d7b · 03-28-2019, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

If it's serious it should show up on a scan with a good quality OBD diagnostic tool. Once out of warranty you really should have one, not only to know when you have a problem but also to know when you don't. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...2#post23288222

Good code scanner is indeed an invaluable addition to the existing set of tools.

By the way, did the dealer share any details about any stored codes?

Billfitz · 03-28-2019, 12:27 PM

They don't do that unless you know the secret handshake.

ig1983 · 03-31-2019, 07:45 PM

Update: heard the whirring/buzzing noise just now; started as I was slowly backing up, continued as I was idling; I revved the first time, it went away; I revved again, it came back, but slowly dissipated; I revved again, and it came back, and slowly dissipated etc.

I'll update after my 55-pt. inspection this week.

ig1983 · 04-10-2019, 05:18 PM

Dear all,

I am posting another video of the sound. It is becoming more frequent. I have located it on the passenger side of the engine (please see video).

The sound does not get louder or softer with engine revving. It will generally go away once I rev.

As always, all comments are much appreciated.

03-25-2019, 08:59 PM	#1
ig1983 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335 6MT Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Buzzing sound...normal? I just starting hearing this buzzing sound. The car was cold, drove it for about 5 minutes. After I heard the sound, drove it for another minute, and it went away, couldn't replicate it. But likely to come back... Something to worry about? Any thoughts would be appreciated
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03-26-2019, 10:48 AM	#3
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	I listened to the video twice and did not hear a buzzing sound. Can you provide more details what it sounds like?
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03-26-2019, 01:03 PM	#5
zeikei Second Lieutenant 125 Rep 298 Posts Drives: F36 Join Date: May 2018 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	Which engine and which year? Try to blip the throttle a little bit when you have the sound and see if it goes away. If yes to that, early N55 and if the sound comes from the turbo direction it can be the boost solenoid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYt8fLTzh_U
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03-26-2019, 02:13 PM	#6
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a B below middle C to me, more of a hum than a buzz. That rules out the usual suspects. Does the pitch change with engine speed?
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03-26-2019, 06:32 PM	#8
jh_f30 Lieutenant Colonel 1306 Rep 1,827 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sportline Auto RWD Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	I have a similar intermittent buzz coming from my pwg N55. I've read it could be the boost solenoid, apparently also called the turbo pressure converter. The replacement part for my car is about $160. Thinking about just replacing it, partly as preventative maintenance, partly in hopes it eliminates the buzzing. __________________ 2013 F30 335i RWD ZF Melbourne Red ~Remus Sport Axleback~VRSF Chargepipe~VRSF Catless Downpipe~GPlus FMIC~HR Sport Springs~Active Autowerke OBD Flash Tune Stage 2~
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03-26-2019, 06:33 PM	#9
jh_f30 Lieutenant Colonel 1306 Rep 1,827 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sportline Auto RWD Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	Weird buzz sound on passenger side on engine bay https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563523 __________________ 2013 F30 335i RWD ZF Melbourne Red ~Remus Sport Axleback~VRSF Chargepipe~VRSF Catless Downpipe~GPlus FMIC~HR Sport Springs~Active Autowerke OBD Flash Tune Stage 2~
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03-26-2019, 08:22 PM	#10
flip4flop New Member 2 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: HI iTrader: (0)	If it gets louder get it checked out. Just had a similar metallic clicking I thought would be lifters. Ended up being metal in oil and engine blown. Thank god for warranty.
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03-27-2019, 07:40 AM	#12
zeikei Second Lieutenant 125 Rep 298 Posts Drives: F36 Join Date: May 2018 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	In my experience the boost solenoid buzzing occurs as the revs drop to idle. So once engine is warm so that it has the normal low idle revs then give throttle a short tap. As it then returns to idle revs it sometimes starts buzzing and sometimes not.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-27-2019, 08:54 AM	#13
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	That's why I asked if the pitch changed with the engine revs. It would go up and down with the revs if it was mechanical, but would probably stay constant if electrical.
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03-27-2019, 12:05 PM	#15
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If it's serious it should show up on a scan with a good quality OBD diagnostic tool. Once out of warranty you really should have one, not only to know when you have a problem but also to know when you don't. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it. http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...2#post23288222
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03-27-2019, 01:14 PM	#17
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I have the NT 510, the NT 520 is a newer version but the only advantage to it is it can store data for more car brands. If you have trouble with it go here: http://www.foxwellsupport.com/tag/foxwell-nt510/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-28-2019, 12:27 PM	#19
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	They don't do that unless you know the secret handshake.
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03-31-2019, 07:45 PM	#20
ig1983 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335 6MT Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Update: heard the whirring/buzzing noise just now; started as I was slowly backing up, continued as I was idling; I revved the first time, it went away; I revved again, it came back, but slowly dissipated; I revved again, and it came back, and slowly dissipated etc. I'll update after my 55-pt. inspection this week.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2019, 05:18 PM	#21
ig1983 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335 6MT Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Dear all, I am posting another video of the sound. It is becoming more frequent. I have located it on the passenger side of the engine (please see video). The sound does not get louder or softer with engine revving. It will generally go away once I rev. As always, all comments are much appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote