Odd Engine Noise

[KansasX]

Originally Posted by racingbmwm3

sounds like waterpump or a pulley issue. remove the fan and take off the serpentine belts and see if the noise goes away. Don't run it very long like that because you won't be circulating water. the diesel noise sounds like VANOS.

Thank you for the fast response I greatly appreciate it, I couldn't sleep last night thinking about my truck

This is my first BMW and surely it won't be my last. I love my X. I know they have their quirks and valleys, but the highs are better than anything drugs could ever give you!

I understand VANOS as BMW's way of Variable Valve Timing. This is an issue that many people in the BMW world understand. Is this something that needs to be done immediately as a catastrophic may occur soon or something some people just put up with and get around to it later? The problem is, I dont know if I could shell out that much money at the moment to cover the cost, b/c if I do, while I'm in there...etc. etc.

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by KansasX

Just hit the 140k mark. (10/01 prod) This new noise is making me hope I'm not sitting on a time bomb

Also the noise doesn't go away with engine warm up, consistent from cold to hot. I've noticed I gained a new vaccum leak prior to this as well. After high rpm (5k-7k) it almost sounds like a BOV release from turbo spool. Not high pitched but noticeable from the cabin, windows up. I'm not sure if this all correlates with each other...

You could be driving a ticking time bomb, click on the links below to hear what the failed timing chain guides sound like. Mine went out in my 4.6is in November, your mileage puts you in the sweet spot where they will fail, I wouldn't drive it or start it anymore.

X5 engine rattle, noise what is it? - YouTube

BMW e53 x5 M62tu44b timing chain guides - YouTube

[racingbmwm3]

Something else to check before you remove the fan and belts, take a look and make sure your power steering fluid reservoir isn't empty.

I don't think its the chain guides as everyone who has had guides fail have never mentioned hearing a loud squeaky noise like you are having.

The diesel like noise I can hear in the background of your video is a combination of the VANOS and hydraulic lifters. They are annoying, mainly with the hood open, but not really an issue worth addressing. I'd update the VANOS if you ever decide to do the chain guides. It's worse on the M5 and also the newer X5's. The noise does (usually) get better after a fresh oil change but always comes back, doesn't get worse though.

[bcredliner]

I couldn't identify a dieseling sound because of all the squeaking noise.

If the engine ran for some time after the radiator burst the water pump could have been damaged and is just now showing symptoms. Since both sounds you hear popped up at the same time I'm going to assume they are connected, when you fix the squeaking the diesel sound will also be gone.


As previously mentioned, I would remove the belts and spin anything belt driven looking for one that doesn't turn freely with primary focus on the water pump. If you don't find anything wrong then I would run the engine for no more than a minute or two to see if the sound is gone.

Based on what I can hear it does not sound like it is internal.