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Thread: Weird grinding sound in the engine bay of my e30

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Miami, FL
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    1987 BMW 325e

    Weird grinding sound in the engine bay of my e30

    Hey guys! Last week I was lucky enough to pick up my first e30. It's a 1987 325e, I've been taking it for a spin around town basically every day since it was purchased last Saturday. I have began to notice that there is a very weird grinding sound coming from inside the engine bay. The sound usually begins when it starts to drop below 1500 RPMs (when i come to a stop) and continues pretty much up until I get going again. For the handful of days I have driven it, I've only heard the sound twice (on two separate days). The timing belt/water pump replacement has been made according to the previous owner; however, I am going to replace them again because I'm not sure how long ago they were replaced.

    I have a bunch of maintenance parts on the way (spark plugs, oil filter, fuel filter, etc...), but I'm pretty sure those things aren't gonna solve the problem. If any of you guys know what it could be, please let me know!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,934
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Ah, an eta! I owned a 1985 325e for 15 years and ~175k miles. He was a tough little bugger. Can you reproduce the noise when the car is sitting still? If you can, take a video of the engine (with sound!) and post it to youtube. Then paste the link.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    NW suburban Chicago
    Posts
    16,302
    My Cars
    hiss by my window
    removing the accessory belts will help narrow down the source. Spin the alternator by hand and listen, check the water pump for wobble, etc.
    Run the engine briefly without the belts and see if the noise persists.
    I've seen M20s with timing belts rubbing that made noises I imagine similar to what you are describing too.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

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