Turbo whistle
 

Hello, everybody.
Im new here and i hope i post where i should.
I ve got a x5 e70 non lci, 30d 2010. I got a turbo whistle between 1500-2000 rpm and i dont know why...the engine pulls good, the sound is louder when cold, but it is not gone when fully warmed. Also, i had the swirl flaps blanked and the vacuum hose is blanked with a screw.
Can you help me, please ? Im tired of this noise... drives me mad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a similar symptom, but would describe it as a squeal under load, common when cold, less so when warmed up. Was thus far assuming bearings, & I needed to look for an oil leak?

I assume u can look for an oil leak. i dont have any leaks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

all your seals good?

As i could see with the bonnet opened, i m no mechanic so i couldnt do an advanced search. Btw, can the vacuum control hose for the swirl flaps to be involved in this ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For mine, I didn't see anything obvious, but need to perform an exploratory. There was gunk in the general area, but 127kmi & not real accessible.

Surprised to not find much searching for this? Maybe not using the correct bimmer turbo terms?

I thought the same. I dont find much information about this problem...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is it a siren sound or a whistle? A search on siren brings up lots of discussions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Turbo whistle
 

https://youtu.be/Qdrq1CSpJUk

I searched on youtube, it sounds like this. Between 1200-2000 rpm to be very very exact and under easy throttle.
If i push the throttle gently it whistles, but when i push it harder the whistle disappears and when i release it, it whistles again until idle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's more of a whine, not whistle.
Also, are you sure it is from the turbo?

To me it sounds like a noise a bad bearing would make. Idler pulley maybe?

Pop the boot/hood, have someone rev and listen what area it is coming from.

So you suspect a bad bearing not the turbo, hmm... what should i look for ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I suspect a bearing.
Pop the hood and have a friend rev up and down like in that video.

Since you have a single turbo (I think you said 30d) it will be easier to listen in the area of the turbo for that noise to rule it out.

Then, listen in these areas:

* Alternator
* Air conditioner (turn off air conditioning to see if sound changes)
* Idler pulley

Turbo whistle
 

One question: can you show me a pic of turbo location...i searched it on real oem, but not much luck
Yes, 30d single turbo, m57d30tu2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have to agree with seattle, that does not sound like a turbo whistle. My X5d is deleted and I listen to the turbo spool up everyday

I cant wait for tomorrow to go and check it. It haunted me for weeks. I ll keep you posted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't seem to find a good photo of m57d30tu2 engine.
But, you can trace the turbo yourself and learn along the way. On passenger side of the engine, trace exhaust manifold and the manifold's exist. The manifold exits into a turbo. You may have to remove some shields to see the turbo, but not sure you need to yet. Since the alternator is on the driver's side bottom and AC is on bottom side passenger side, if the sound is top passenger side, then yes, a turbo. Just doesn't sound like it is the turbo.

A mechanic.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=oFzkbLGCnPw

To me it sounds a bit louder from the passenger side....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Today i was at shop, the turbo was bad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had a noisy turbo on my tdi and when I upgraded to the bigger model the old one had normal play. The guy I gave it to used it for years after. Sometimes they just get loud... As long as you aren't losing oil...

I'm not sure the mechanic really checked the turbo or he's just looking for work. Your call.

We ll se the result when the turbo is back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Last update: i had the turbo repaired and now the whistle is gone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So I take it that they did a full rebuild on the turbo?

Was it a bad bearing that was screaming? Or an air leak that was in fact 'whistling'??


Thanks for closing the loop with the solution!

The turbo had a shaft play.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk