Engine Whine - not audio related

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by a2e1k

ok, I just tried the a/c unit like fatboyoz suggested and that didn't fix the problem - I'm afraid it might be the more expensive problem that weasel was describing. I plan on getting to the mechanic this week and will update. Thanks again everyone

More expensive? The idler and tensioner pulleys would be ALOT cheaper than an ac compressor

[X5girl]

I believe those pulleys are available in anodized aluminium with replaceable bearings because they have been known to fail with catastrophic damage to the fan, rad, hood etc. I believe they are fitted almost as a matter of course to the E31 V8 cars.

I think they are available from Tom at www.wuffer.net from the PhoenixMotorsport tab.

X5Girl, xxx

[BMWLOVER]

Mine also makes a whining noise while it is at idle or below 2000 rpm. If I turn the climate control fully off the noise goes away. Is this something I should be worried about? It is a 2005 4.4i.

[BMWLOVER]

Oh yea also is it normal for the x5 to vibrate a little bit when I have all the heated seats on and the heat on low setting. If I turn it off the noise and the vibration goes away.

[primetime]

Idle tensionor pulley. Same noise. Same whine. It will get louder and worse as more time goes by. I waited about 5 months before i couldnt take it anymore. Its cheap to fix.

I don't know about the heated seat vibrating thing though.

[BMWLOVER]

Thanks for the reply. I will have it checked out. Should I just go to the service rep. and tell him to check my idle tensionor pulley? or something esle? I don't really want to just tell them that it makes a noise and then they have to keep the x5 for longer trying to find out where the noise is coming from.

Also anyone have any info on the vibration?

[a2e1k]

an update finally - - after several weeks and over $4k the mech opened up took apart the engine and the sound is gone ... i don't exactly what the problem is but it was mighty costly

[a2e1k]

4000 dollars later and the engine being taken apart i get the car back and it doesn't whine anymore. that'll teach it for being a spoiled little brat.

i really appreciate the feedback and my mech was impressed when i was talking about idle tensioner pulleys and stuff. thanks

[ika]

I have engine noise and vibration after 2000rpm. I think its alternator.
I checkek my friends X5 and noise was same,but much less.
Can someone check if your engines have some noises on 2000-3000rpm.
My x5 2004 4.4i , also my friends 2004 4.4.
Maybe this symptom is for N62 engine only?

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by ika

I have engine noise and vibration after 2000rpm. I think its alternator.
I checkek my friends X5 and noise was same,but much less.
Can someone check if your engines have some noises on 2000-3000rpm.
My x5 2004 4.4i , also my friends 2004 4.4.
Maybe this symptom is for N62 engine only?

Perhaps you should have it checked