Newest member of the whistle club...

chilliwilli · #1 02-23-2009, 12:20 AM

Let me start off by saying that the latest issue is not the notorious "engine whine/whistle" similar to the supercharger sound on minor-hard acceleration some of you with V8's have experienced. This sound is similar to being by a window on a windy day. It's a deeper and throatier whistling sound that happens between 1st & 2nd gears then either is drowned out by the engine at higher speeds or just disappears...only to re-appear after pulling from a full stop.

The X recently had a valley pan, alternator, and battery replaced at the stealer so i decided to check around the engine and intake hoses for anything unusual. I discovered the MAF was loose and wasn't re-installed properly (

). I tightened and checked for holes in the intake area...none were found (so far). Went for a drive to see if this remedied the noise but no luck. I'm aware of the cracked intake boots some 3.0's and 4.4's have experienced...along with the intake adjuster but haven't heard much of this issue on 4.6is/4.8is.

The service indicator shows that i'm due for service so i'm hoping this matter may be resolved. Unfortunately, not all tech's have the same pride in their work as our very own WEASEL but I'm definitely not returning to any stealer again after such a terrible history of incredibly sub-par service (Brooklyn/Manhattan/Westchester/Park Ave BMW).

Any of you with V8's experiencing anything similar? Also, after my last 3 trips to the dealer, i haven't received the usual service follow up calls from BMW NA. Perhaps they know i have nothing good to say

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X5 Meister · #2 02-23-2009, 04:13 AM

Where are you going to go this time? Have you tried Rallye?

chilliwilli · #3 02-23-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgruber

Where are you going to go this time? Have you tried Rallye?

I'm pretty much finished dealing with the stealers for anything service-related...unless i purchase a new BMW, CEO has her eyes set on a 135i and i'm holding out for the X5 ///M's 2nd year. Far too many negative experiences, if i only received the actual service i paid for. I'm still in the market for a well-qualified indy...member Hal88 pointed me in the direction of a BMW tech in NJ who operates on the side.

cavx5 · #4 02-23-2009, 02:13 PM

rallye is no good..try hassel bmw in freeport..that is where i go and so far they have been good but i am still under warranty till 06/2009 and cpo till 06/2011..rob

cj10jeeper · #5 02-23-2009, 02:33 PM

By pure chance I've had a terrible whistle for months and had given up on finding it but the X5 was called in for a recall today, so I asked them to investigate. 30 mins and no joy so I authorised more spend. After an hour - got it. Cost me £120 in diagnostics but I've done everything from looking at air intakes, pipes, DISa valves, etc.

The bearing on the alternator are creating a frequency or noise that is picked up by the speakers and played in the car. Does it regardless of the audio on or off. They confirmed it by removing the alternator and it stops. Since I would not let them fit a £400 replacement there and then I have a little job to do now.

Mention it only as you say you had an alternator fitted....

chilliwilli · #6 02-23-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj10jeeper

...

The bearing on the alternator are creating a frequency or noise that is picked up by the speakers and played in the car. Does it regardless of the audio on or off. They confirmed it by removing the alternator and it stops. Since I would not let them fit a £400 replacement there and then I have a little job to do now.

Mention it only as you say you had an alternator fitted....

Interesting...i'm not hearing the deep whistling sound through speakers but definitely from engine compartment. It's more obvious when i drive in an area where the sound can resonate off a wall. I'm not sure if the 3.0's use the same water-cooled alternator as the V8's but I'll have the alternator checked.

X5 Meister · #7 02-23-2009, 05:58 PM

I'm still under warranty too and have tried a number of dealers, but I was really hoping for someone great closer to New York City or so. Freeport...! ugh.. what a drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavx5

rallye is no good..try hassel bmw in freeport..that is where i go and so far they have been good but i am still under warranty till 06/2009 and cpo till 06/2011..rob

chilliwilli · #8 02-23-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgruber

I'm still under warranty too and have tried a number of dealers, but I was really hoping for someone great closer to New York City or so. Freeport...! ugh.. what a drive.

I'm thinking i'll return to the dealer that installed the water-cooled alternator...the problem started after their install. I plan to use the BMW tech i was referred to afterwards. I'll let you know how things workout. These guys are currently at the top of my NYC list http://www.baydiagnostic.com/index1.htm.

X5 Meister · #9 02-23-2009, 09:56 PM

If you're still under warranty I'd stick with dealers at least otherwise you are tossing money out don't you think?

chilliwilli · #10 02-23-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgruber

If you're still under warranty I'd stick with dealers at least otherwise you are tossing money out don't you think?

Original warranty expired not too long ago so i now have a 3rd party warranty and the option of selecting service facility. The last trip to the dealer was not my first choice but highly recommended by BMW assist as i was left stranded on hwy after transfailsafe issue. I prefer to toss my money out to someone who will service and get it right the first time.

Pardon my rambling rants...i'm still in love with the X, just absolutely fed up with poor service.

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