Grinding/squeaking/not a good sound coming from engine
 

Gents,

I noticed Thursday that my 07 X5 4.8i with 60k started making an odd sound. I didn't really think anything of it until I heard it again Friday when I went to work. I drove home after and the sound was the same and started it up again last night and it was ridiculous!

It is coming from the left side of the engine down by the AC compressor. It literally sounds like a rod or something internal has been thrown, but I checked the oil and I didn't notice any shavings and the car still runs like a champ and there are no lights on. Looking under the hood I noticed a lot of oily residue and metal shavings down near the AC unit. I am thinking a bearing in the AC compressor has failed and causing the sound. Cycling the AC on and off didn't really make a difference and it is still blowing cold!

I had it towed through BMW Assistance to the nearest dealership which is 160miles from my house. I have a CPO and just wondering if you all think that an AC compressor would be covered and has anyone else experienced this.

This is the first time that I am using the warranty an didn't really no the ropes and gotchas with it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ak-squeal.html

I'll be watching for responses. None for my post yet. :)

Yea people on this forum aren't really much help. I'll let you know what they find with mine this week. Cheers!

Was'nt there a recall due to the staft & bearing on the Altenator, something to do with bad machining?

Yes, but then, there wouldn't be an oily residue.
Neither from the AC bearing.
The only oil present under the hood is Tranny, Power Steering, Engine and Brake (yes, and some ounces for the AC also).
Could be the power steering pump or reservoir ...

Really?

Cheers back at ya!

Isn't the power steering pump on the opposite side from the AC unit? And a reservoir wouldn't make noise. The liquid, oil, whatever it is, is on the front of the block near the AC.

Actually, I've had great success interacting with folks on this forum... most recently discussing trailer hitch selection and installation. As a result, my installation was performed without a (ahem) hitch. :)

I admit that remotely diagnosing a squeak is almost impossible. I had hoped that someone may have had a similar or identical issue and found a resolution. In this case, I will take a look at the alternator.

Thanks Watrob.

Cheers.

Could it be that this "oily residue" is simply road grime that just happens to be in the spot where metal shavings are? In other words, completely unrelated?

It could be but I am just throwing out ideas. The other side of the block is clean so that is why i am assuming it may be related. Obviously if I knew what the problem was I wouldn't ask the question. Just saying. I am more interested in hearing people's inputs with CPOs than anything else.

And I'm wondering why isn't there more people trying to help...
:dunno:
Haven't even opened the hood to check, I was also throwing ideas, but it seems like you've all figured it out for yourself.
You should maybe send out a sample of the sound, plus a picture of the residue, we should be able to pose a diagnostic with this...
:rolleyes:

Sorry, if I sense sarcasm I tend to through it back. I would have posted a sound clip or picture but it was at the dealer by the time I thought of asking around here to see if someone else has had the same issue. Didn't mean to come off as a prick.:banghead:

Good luck. But I have a 3L so not much help here. But is the alternator over on that side. Sounds like a good guess.

I was told that the alternator is cooled by the engine coolant. A real pain....

:wow::wow:
Are you sure about that ?

That's what the recall was, the power steering pump shaft was machined wrong and it may cause to leak? X5's built in the first quarter of this year I think?

Problem resolved, AC compressor went. Being replaced under CPO warranty. While its there, since the dealer is so far from my house, should I have them look at anything else?

OK, this is VERY important.

When the compressor goes out, it generally contaminates the entire AC system- evap valve, lines, condenser and evap are all fouled wit shrapnel. These bits can circulate if not meticulously cleaned out, and cause failures a year, two or three later. The dealer will of course say these subsequent are unrelated to anything they did.

On other cars Ive worked on, there are detailed work instructions (TSBs) on cleaning/flushing the system. Not sure about BMW as Ive (thankfully) not had to get into any of mine.

You can assume the dealer will do the job right...but personally I'd have tried to express my concerns such that the mechanic takes his time and does it right. Not sure how....write up a note on it, have a chat with the actual mechanic, etc.... not pushy or accusatory, 'just have concerns and want to hear what you'll be doing to make sure...'

I asked the service manager about that today and he said that they would go through it thoroughly. I was planning on talking to him or bringing it up with him when I pick it up too. That is a really good point though. Thanks!