Help me identify this strange N52 whine noise! (E70 X5 30i)

richardb · #1 01-01-2022, 04:12 PM

Hey everyone, happy new year to all of you. I posted a video of a weird whining sound I'm experiencing with our 2010 X5 30i. It's been a while since my last N52 car, but this noise just doesn't sound right.

Have a listen to this video, you can really hear the noise well at the 2:00 minute mark. Thanks for your help!

video link: https://youtu.be/-RhC8lShuMQ

Sponsored Links

richardb · #2 01-01-2022, 04:41 PM

I feel like this might be the AC compressor or compressor pulley failing. Has anyone replaced the pulley alone?

crystalworks · #3 01-01-2022, 09:24 PM

I don't hear anything crazy, but I'm sure it's worse in person. You could pull the AC belt to diag that pulley/compressor specifically. Though, I think it's a stretch belt so that kinda sucks. Have you tried a mechanic's stethoscope? Those have worked out well for me in the past when diagging pulleys or random noises.

Side note, congrats on almost 35k subs. Went ahead and subbed for an assist.

andrewwynn · #4 01-01-2022, 10:04 PM

The literal last thing I fixed on a car was the AC belt tensioner. The quickest way to test is a sharp knife and remove the belt

richardb · #5 01-01-2022, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I don't hear anything crazy, but I'm sure it's worse in person. You could pull the AC belt to diag that pulley/compressor specifically. Though, I think it's a stretch belt so that kinda sucks. Have you tried a mechanic's stethoscope? Those have worked out well for me in the past when diagging pulleys or random noises.

Side note, congrats on almost 35k subs. Went ahead and subbed for an assist.

Thanks, it's been a slow climb. I hope to do more YouTube full time in the future.

I haven't used one in years, but I may have to pick up a stethoscope to add to my tool kit. Not a bad idea!

richardb · #6 01-01-2022, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The literal last thing I fixed on a car was the AC belt tensioner. The quickest way to test is a sharp knife and remove the belt

Haha I like that idea! Well, we don't need AC at least until May. That sure is faster than the alternative removal method.

I'm thinking it may be AC compressor (pulley on the compressor itself) or someone mentioned in the comments to check the DISA valves. The DISA noise videos sound very similar.

andrewwynn · #7 01-01-2022, 11:34 PM

DISA failure chatter/clicking sound. Having had that failure on both of our e53 it didn't remind me of that sound at all.

Were that my car in winter that AC belt would have a very short rest of its life. FYI razor blade was the removal method used for my afformentioned repair (because I didn't want to have to deal with removing serp belt to confirm my diagnoses). Instantly the noise went away.

andrewwynn · #8 01-01-2022, 11:38 PM

Before cutting the AC belt first pull the oil fill cap. Somebody had a similar noise from a vacuum problem sucking air through a broken part. You can unplug disa to eliminate.

Crowz · #9 01-02-2022, 10:22 AM

Figured this was going to be that pcv valve noise Im dealing with on my parents 535ix. When the valve fails it blows by the main seals but that requires a turbo involved and that's definitely not the noise you have

Mine made similar noises when I had a bad idler pulley on the main belt. So I would imagine it could be the a/c idler pulley.

richardb · #10 01-02-2022, 11:41 AM

On a whim I decided to check out the belt on FCP euro. It appears there is a special BMW tool number 83300496084 required to remove/install the AC belt on models with 4-zone climate control (I have this option).

That tool is roughly $150 and will take some time to receive it once ordered. Is that tool necessary for changing an AC belt?

Sponsored Links