06' 4.8is - Strange Sound...Any thoughts??

[zracer196]

Hello,

I have had an 06' X5 for about 6-7 months now...LOVING it. Put a bunch of miles on it, but never really noticed a weird whistling, noise that seems to come out of the center vent (with the dial on it).

It is directly related to load on the engine...Vacuum pressure I THINK. When I am on the highway at rpm's over 2,000 and NOT on flat ground with no load...If I accelerate a bit or come off the throttle down a hill I hear it. Not that loud, but louder than the exhaust note and completely obvious when the radio is off, am on the cell phone, etc. I can even hear it when "talk radio" is on. Very annoying since it is related to the throttle. Annoying (not in the type of sound) like a bad stereo ground. Follows your right foot.

If I turn the outside air dial to hot (I think it closes off the outside air), I can BARELY hear it...Almost perfect. It is OBVIOUS when I turn it to 3 blue dots or fresh air in. I am thinking since I bought the car when it was starting to get colder here, I had the dial more to red, therefore not noticing it. Now it is getting hot here, and the dial is always on blue.

The dealer said it is normal intake noise that is making it's way into the cabin...They checked seals, cabin filters, etc. (supposedly). Since they do not have one to compare it to, they are saying it could be normal.

I find this hard to believe...Even though it's not too loud (turbo-like level), it does not need to be there on a car this expensive (LOUDER than the exhaust note).

Thoughts? Anyone elses make this noise??

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!

[jst2878]

start checking some engine components as someone presses the throttle. if you can here it you can find it, and it sounds like an easy fix.

[zracer196]

Thanks...But it needs to have load (creating vacuum) OVER 2000 rpm. Does not do it while in park, etc.

The dealer will fix it (warranty), but they are thinking this is "normal". I want to know if others have this sound related to the throttle as well.

Thanks for the looks / replies!

[sethro]

That is the intake leak, its been discussed here before. There is a tear in your intake hose, so when you hit ~2,000 RPM you will hear a whistling sound like a supercharger. You can get the part from the dealer its not very expensive but the hose has been has a major design flaw and in time it will tear again.

[zracer196]

Woohoo! This board is awesome. Sorry I did not search for it!

I'll let the dealer know what the problem most likely is!

THANKS Sethro!!

[cavx5]

hi all..i have a similar sound can someone point out where the intake hose is located so i can check it..i have a 2005 4.4...thanks rob

[zracer196]

Any good links to one with a 4.8 (or at least a 4.4)? I found a lot of 3.0 links..

Thanks!

[zracer196]

Sorry to stir this up again...But a location would be GREAT!

[sethro]

Its a pretty common problem with I6 3.0 never heard of this problem on the 4.8's just check out the intake boot and the pipes that connect to it. I'm not to familiar with the location of the air box on V8's but just check leading to the intake hoses and you should find the cracked pipe. Its part #9 that is usually the culprit.

[admranger]

Anyone get resolution to this for the 4.4i?

I now have started hearing this noise...haven't checked the intake boot yet but will tomorrow.