Member
I’ve had my E36 for a month now, its a 98 323is auto with 89k miles. I live in the northeast so its COLD. When I start the car on really cold mornings (-10C/14F or lower) the engine sounds fine. But when I start driving, I hear this really loud Buzzing almost like theres a Go Kart behind my dash board. Its mainly on the passenger side. It goes along with the motor, meaning at a full stop it doesnt make noises, but when I accelerate it like “accelerates” and gets louder. It really sounds like a crappy civic with no exhaust or a lawnmower or a gokart. Its less rattly thoz
It isnt the engine because it purrs like a kitten and it comes from behind the engine. Id say maybe close to the firewall or even behind it. Ive read it could be the secondary air pump.
Did you guys ever felt this? If so what was it and how can i fix it?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Member
SAP is a good guess, if the valve that allows the SAP to push air down the exhaust manifold is not closing then when you drive the exhaust will suck air through the SAP and effectively drive the motor in the SAP. This will also ruin the SAP.
Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".
Member
Yes thats what I thought, however at idle its silent, then at around 20mph its starts and after 10-15 mins when the car is warm it disappears. Im truly puzzled.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Balogne Cajones
Sounds like you have a small exhaust leak at the header ends. It happens when it gets really cold out on my car as well.
Member
Since it starts and stops with motion, I am guessing that the heat blanket is sagging onto the driveshaft.
Member
Ok so i figured out that it starts at 20mph but also is augmented when I turn the wheels to the left and stops when i turn them to the right. Even more puzzled. It does stop when the motor is warm.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Member
UPDATE: front right wheel bearing is gone, will replace it at the same time I replace the front lower control arms.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Balogne Cajones
Wheel bearings won't have any sound connection to the engine getting up to temp. However, power steering pump problems would. Unless you mis-heard
Member
Im pretty sure the bearing isnt greased properly and makes the noise until the bearings and whatever grease they have gets to temperature. But yes will definetely bring it to my mechanic for a true diagnostic
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks