Putt-Putt Diesel-ish sound from under passenger side

[DanSanDiego]

I am having a difficult time researching this issue because it is difficult to search for things like 'diesel sound'
So I am hoping that someone may recognize this immediately and send me in the right direction to do my research.
My 2003 X5 3.0i has started making a putt-putt sound from under the passenger side. When I roll the windows down I hear it more from the passenger side than from the drivers side. Another way of describing it is similar to a diesel engine sound. It is not a particularly bad sound, but I don't think that it is running correctly. My guess would be that there is a leak in the exhaust somewhere.
Is there a common place for the X5 3.0i to have a leak in the exhaust up by the front?
Thank you.

[Skier1]

The exhaust manifolds generally crack and cause this sort of noise,check around your engine intake pipe to turbo for black soot,this is a sure sign of a cracked manifold.The manifold is a fabricated unit,a replacement cast manifold can be fitted to prevent this happening again.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by Skier1

The exhaust manifolds generally crack and cause this sort of noise,check around your engine intake pipe to turbo for black soot,this is a sure sign of a cracked manifold.The manifold is a fabricated unit,a replacement cast manifold can be fitted to prevent this happening again.

Turbo????


The fastest way to find an exhaust leak, assuming it is not obvious from a simple examination, is a smoke machine. Find a shop that has one of these. These machines are pretty costly, so not exactly the type of thing a typical DIY mechanic might want to add to their arsenal. I have seen instructions on the net somewhere on how to make one inexpensively; but I can't say how well that will work. You might also have some luck with an automotive stethoscope , (pretty cheap item...available at Sears). But either way, you may need to get under the car, and a lift might be very useful.

[DanSanDiego]

I checked my oil level last night (nothing appeared on the dip stick) and after adding 5 quarts it was 3/4 between min and max. My last oil change (self performed) was June (6 months ago). So I am losing almost 1 quart per month. This seems to have fixed the noise problem (so far).

[diyanich]

And you had no Check Control warning at all?

Originally Posted by DanSanDiego

I checked my oil level last night (nothing appeared on the dip stick) and after adding 5 quarts it was 3/4 between min and max. My last oil change (self performed) was June (6 months ago). So I am losing almost 1 quart per month. This seems to have fixed the noise problem (so far).

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by DanSanDiego

I checked my oil level last night (nothing appeared on the dip stick) and after adding 5 quarts it was 3/4 between min and max. My last oil change (self performed) was June (6 months ago). So I am losing almost 1 quart per month. This seems to have fixed the noise problem (so far).

5 quarts down is very bad news. Is it leaking out or burning out?

[DanSanDiego]

No indicator lights. Maybe my oil level sensor is bad (I changed it a year ago but didn't go with OEM).
One question will be: do I perform oil changes or just keep adding a quart a month plus change the filter every 5 months.
I'll find out if oil is burning or leaking (none on my garage floor but maybe evaporating before getting past the skid plate.

[frozenwaffles]

I don't see how low oil is related to an exhaust leak???

[DanSanDiego]

My guess is that with low oil the engine made a louder sound than it does when it is filled with oil (possibly the hollow areas echoing the sound - sort of like the difference between knocking on something solid vs. hollow).
I thought the sound was an exhaust leak, but it turned out to be the engine making a louder noise than usual.

[frozenwaffles]

Ah cool! Glad it's fixed for you...
I have an exhaust leak... Not sure where yet