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Thread: 1993 318i buzzing sound under dash

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Grants Pass, Orrgon
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    1993 318i

    1993 318i buzzing sound under dash

    Trying to get 318i on road after sitting couple years. Starts and drives, but has buzzing sound from under dash on drivers side. Goes intermittent when turn signal on. Sound stays on even after key removed. No speedo,or gas gauge, tack bounces at 700rpm, and temp bounces just above blue. Is this obi I! Check engine light is on. How do I check codes for this? I live in Oregon, I am in Texas with the car trying to get to Oaklahoma. Any ideas where to start with this problem?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    173
    My Cars
    1998 318is DASC
    1993 would be OBD1. Probably need a BMW ADS code reader but I'm not sure.

    Hard to say what the noise would be, but if it is inside and it makes the sound continuously I would start by checking electrical components under the dash, like relays and electrical modules. Components like relays can make a buzzing noise under some circumstances - you may be able to hold each of the relays and electrical modules and feel it vibrating. Or you could disconnect relays and modules one by one until the noise stops.

    On one of my previous E36's it would not start intermittently and would make a screeching noise when that happened. It turned out to be poor contact on the ignition switch (the electrical switch at the end of the barrel). Maybe you have this type of problem, although it starts so maybe not.

    The digital climate control panel has a fan in it and can also make a buzzing noise if it is worn or blocked with debris. But a 1993 probably doesn't have the digital controls.

    Some E36's have a buzzer or bell or something under the drivers side mounted to the cover panel, you could try disconnecting that, but wouldn't cause problems with your instruments.

    Maybe even check for loose grounds that might be causing the problems with the instrument cluster and could possibly cause devices to make noise due to poor grounding.
    Last edited by john318is; 05-25-2017 at 08:48 PM.
    Now: 1998 E36 318is coupe (supercharged) Past: 1997 E36 318is sedan; 1991 E36 325i sedan; 1994 E36 318is; 1990 E30 318is; 1995 E36 M3; 1990 E30 318is
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Central Wisconsin
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    640
    My Cars
    '94 325i, '93 325is
    You should be able to stomp test, youtube for a how to. Report back with the code number.
    '94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
    '93 325is Coupe, Schwarz, work beater 299k
    '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped. Sold
    '04 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD, In progress swapping to M50/G250, http://www.wibimmers.com/board/index...nna-25i-build/
    '05 Volvo V70 R, 6mt, mostly stock, kid hauler 200k Sold
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