Ticking/Dripping Noise | True or False?

[X5-UK]

Just got a new DIESEL X5...

Usually from a cold start, with the A/C switched on, there is a noticeable (almost as loud as the indicators/blinkers) and persistent drip-drip (or is it a tick-tick?) noise that appears to be coming from the front left side. The noise stops the instant you stop the A/C fan, and comes back again if you switch it on. To be clear, this happens when you use the A/C (in other words it’s not the Aux. Heating).

Dealer says this is NORMAL for DIESEL cars...???

True or False?

[X5-UK]

Okay, I've researched this a fair bit now and this is where I've got to:

It seems the Webasto Aux Heater is fitted to ALL diesel X5's. It is the remote control for switching it on/off that is optional, not the heater itself.

Diesel engines run colder than petrol, so on a cold day it could take forever to heat up a cold car...hence, even if you don't have a remote Aux.Heater starter control, on a cold day AFTER you start the car the Webasto Aux. Heater kicks in to help the climate control get you a pleasant temperature quicker. This MAY be why the noise stops if you turn off the A/C, as the Webasto is trying to help the A/C give you a warmer interior and if you switch off the A/C, I guess it switches off the Webasto (or part of the associated kit?). The dealer has confirmed that if they disconnect the Webasto unit the clicking/ticking/dripping stops.

The Webasto has an exhaust that flows down the left hand side of the engine compartment to exit the car at the chassis, around about where the left hand door joins the body of the car. This is exactly where the noise comes from.

The clicking/ticking/dripping noise is loud enough to be considered similar to indicators/blinkers, and can even be heard over a quiet radio/music.

The noise is however yet to be linked to a specific issue. By that I mean, it is probably the Webasto unit and it's associated parts that cause the noise...but why? For example, is it mechanical, or is it water/condensation falling down a poorly designed Webasto exhaust, or is it metal contraction/expansion...who knows???

Some comments suggest that in earlier X5's the noise was so bad there was a documented service fix for it and it is only now the noise is less noiticeable that BMW try to evade the issue.

If this is the case, then it seems like a design flaw on the X5...who wants a luxury car that clicks and ticks as standard...my mates when in the car for the first time thought it was awful!

My dealership is very responsive (Henry Brothers in Glasgow) and they have arranged two things for me. First they have arranged a PUMA check/request...ths is like a formal query to the BMW boffins for advice/guidance. Second, a meeting with the Regional BMW Account Manager for the UK (Northern Territory) to discuss further.

In the interim, I have purchased a BMW branded web domain and if the final reply on the issue is not positive/helpful I'll make the most of it ;-))

Any more details/ideas or moans about this issue very much welcomed!!!

Regards


John
aka X5-UK

[X5-UK]

The SOLUTION at last...

I contacted Webasto (UK) who do the aftersales unit, who contacted Webasto (Global) who sent this reply:
_______________________
Dear Sir

Further to our earlier correspondence, we have been recontacted by our Parent Company who advise the following:

"The ticking problem comes from the Dosing pump which is positioned approximately under the rear seat on the left side under the car. BMW know of this effect too and have offered their own solution to prevent the ticking. A pre-version of their document is appended. This document shows that lengthening the fuel hose will prevent the ticking. We do not have an English version of this document but it should be available via BMW".

I have attached these documents, which would appear to be generated by BMW Germany and therefore you will need to present these to your BMW Dealer.
___________________________

Off to the dealer I go!

The two image files and the German PDF can be downloaded from my public folder at:

http://homepage.mac.com/johncdawson/FileSharing23.html

Good luck at your dealers!!!