Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: 2011 E90 328xi squealing

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    325i

    2011 E90 328xi squealing

    My 2011 328xi has about 125,000 miles. I bought the car with 35,000 and have not changed the serpentine belt or tensioners. On Friday morning it was a bit cold out and when I arrived at work after about a 30 minute drive the engine was squealing loudly at idle.


    The noise has been intermittent since then and takes a bit of driving (warm engine) to start. Then it subsides a bit as the RPMs increase to became nearly inaudible at highway speeds and 3,000 RPMs. But at idle it is extremely loud and high pitched.

    I was thinking to replace the serpentine belt and idler arm pulley. But admittedly have no idea where the noise is origniating. Yesterday my best mechanic friend (good with engines but not BMWs) thought the sound may be coming from a bit lower in the engine compartment guessing an air pump?

    Any guesses if I should just R&R the belt and idler pulley? or ?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,450
    My Cars
    2009 335i M-Sport Coupe
    Definitely do the belt, idler, and tensioner. If that belt shreds for any reason, it can get stuffed through the front crankshaft seal where it can wreak havoc inside the engine.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    325i
    Thanks, I replaced the belt and idler arm pulley Wednesday night the sound disappeared. Gone Thursday all day as well. However sure enough this morning it returned along with the slow/rough idle. I didn't replace the tensioner. Should I look into that air pump? or tensioner next? should I replace just the tensioner pulley or the entire assembly?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    .
    Posts
    7,708
    My Cars
    .
    The tensioner and pulley is one assembly.

    There is no such thing as an air pump on your BMW. Are you talking about the a/c compressor? For what it's worth, I've had a few N52 power steering pumps make noise. But it's a fairly distinctive sound. Kinda like a whining more than a squealing.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    325i
    Thanks White, the squealing was from the very bottom of the belt area, could have been the A/C compressor, but turning the A/C on/off seemed to make no difference? also turning the wheel didn't change the sound at all either?
    Also while at Autozone I thought they would sell the pulley only for about $60 and I paid $115 for the pulley and tensioner?
    I think the part numbers were
    PULLEY - BMW (11-28-7-535-860)
    BELT TENSIONER - BMW (11-28-8-624-196)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    325i
    Here is a link to a 15 second video recording of the sound if that might help anyone, thanks!

    https://www.flickr.com/gp/127124632@N03/91125F

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,450
    My Cars
    2009 335i M-Sport Coupe
    Quote Originally Posted by dabagboy View Post
    Here is a link to a 15 second video recording of the sound if that might help anyone, thanks!

    https://www.flickr.com/gp/127124632@N03/91125F
    I haven't heard a sound quite like that before, that's very loud and high pitched. Does the sound change based on rpm?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    325i
    Quote Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon View Post
    I haven't heard a sound quite like that before, that's very loud and high pitched. Does the sound change based on rpm?

    Thanks for listenin -- yes it silences at about 2500 RPMs, very loud at idle and decreases as I accelerate or simply rev the engine.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2011 BMW 328xi
    Did you ever figure out what the squealing sound was? I have this same issue and it is an almost unholy type of irritating. I found that spraying lubricant on pulley system and fan bushing/bearing area seems to eventually quiet it.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    512
    My Cars
    335i E93 N54
    To me that sounds like a dry bearing.
    Expect it to seize at some point IMO.

    A mechanic can trace that in a moment.
    Put a stick or such on the various components (safely) and listen for the vibration transfer.

    Pull and tensioner replaced?

    If so, what about the fan as noted just above?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2011 BMW 328xi
    I'm taking my vehicle in to get my CEL codes checked (all related to the VVT system, yay) so I'm going to have them check out the squealing. I've driven all over the world in a wide variety of vehicles. This squealing is the most annoying sound I've ever heard in a car.
    Last edited by T3HN4T3R; 01-22-2018 at 11:43 AM. Reason: I can't words apparently.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2011 BMW 328xi
    Alright so...
    Mechanic pulled off my oil filler cap and the insanely high whistling squeaking sound immediately stopped. Apparently it's directly related to the PCV valve on the driver's side firewall side of the valve cover. Apparently that kind of vacuum issue can rip the rear main seal into the motor. Apparently this is also a thing: https://vanos-bmw.com/valve-cover-n5...mw-11127552281
    Thread I found related to all this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1311941 (fix is on the last page)

Similar Threads

  1. 2011 E92 M3 engine into a 2006 E90 328xi
    By rabidburn in forum Engine Conversions
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-02-2016, 08:41 AM
  2. E90 328xi - 2011 Bumper kit on a 2008??? (CAN THAT WORK??)
    By chipopeloto87 in forum 2006 - 2012 (E90, E91, E92, E93)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 10-21-2015, 10:29 AM
  3. 328xi 2011 e90 Brembo Brake Kits Wanted
    By eskimko in forum Wheels and Tires
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-12-2013, 07:15 PM
  4. e90 328xi AT vs superchaged VW Passat AT
    By marcello7x in forum Kill Stories
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-08-2007, 02:17 AM
  5. Drove the Loaner E90 328Xi..
    By Chinny4290 in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 08-31-2007, 01:35 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •