X5 3.0si cold start noise

[BrisbaneX5]

Hey guys,

So my 2009 X5 3.0si is making a horrible grinding noise on cold start up only. It doesn't happen every cold start, but it is becoming more common.

I have been chasing down some engine codes - 2A87 and 2A82 and wonder if they may be related? So far as those engine codes are concerned, they vary from time to time and cleaning the Vanos solenoids made no difference so I have brand new ones on the way.

So, if anyone has got any idea of what the noise is I am keen to hear.

Thank you for your assistance.

https://youtu.be/uSgVsAtkPeY

[smassey321]

Does your X5 have the secondary air pump? It may be under the coolant tank. Those make odd noises when they start to go bad.

[BrisbaneX5]

I am not sure. I will check it out though. Thank you.

And as an aside, the noise has shown that it is not only when the car is cold, and is not always on start up. For example, last night I had been driving for 10 minutes and the noise occurred.

Is there some sort of accumulator pump?

[the_ulf]

you got air suspension?

[BrisbaneX5]

Originally Posted by the_ulf

you got air suspension?

The car has option S220A self-levelling suspension, which I understand is air suspension.

Do you think it could be something to do with that?

It is not throwing any suspension error codes.

[the_ulf]

after watching your video again, it's probably not your compressor if the noise comes from underneath the car. sorry

[BrisbaneX5]

Problem diagnosed.

The noise is most certainly the air compressor for the airbag rear suspension. Three days ago after having driven the car for the day I went to the garage and noticed that the RHS had drooped significantly. Upon inspection the LHS had also drooped, but not as much as the right. I started the car and then the noise that I thought was the air compressor started and the bags both inflated. So now I know for sure and for certain that the noise is the compressor.

I have ordered 2 brand new air bags and will install them when they arrive. Considering that the X5 now has 150,000km on it and has not had the airbags replaced I expect that they willed replacing.

I say expect they will need replacing because it could be a fault with the pump that sees air leak from them. Air bags are cheap so I do not remind replacing them preventatively.

While I am replacing the air bags I will inspect the pump for any obvious issues. If none present themselves and the noise continues post bag replacement, then I will investigate replacing the pump. The sumo too can be purchased quite reasonably.