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Whining Noise

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strugglinauthor

Member
...and before anyone says it - no, it's not the wife! :)

Did a long(ish) run today and when I arrived at my destination I noticed a background whine/drone, which seemed to be coming from the rear although it's hard to tell. It was present at idle and while doing low speeds but seemed to disappear as I accelerated. Having said that it might have just been drowned out by engine/road noise. The whine was fairly constant but occasionally dropped in and out while at idle; revving the engine made no difference. All went silent as soon as the engine was switched off.

I've had a look on the net and noticed a couple of posts from E89 owners with 35i models who had a similar experience and it turned out to be a faulty/failing rear fuel pump. Not sure if my 3.0i has a rear fuel pump...

I'd love to say exactly where it's coming from and perhaps post a sound clip but right on cue, the heavens have opened and I just know when I start it up in the morning, it's gonna be quiet.

Still, anyone experienced anything similar?
 
No whine from the rear of the car but with a hot engine I get a rev related whine from the engine. Put it down to belts etc as its not a turbo (it would page behind revs) noise..
 
If its fuel pump related, with the fuel pump in the tank, I think you would probably hear something over your right shoulder...?
 
Z4 Beemer said:
If its fuel pump related, with the fuel pump in the tank, I think you would probably hear something over your right shoulder...?
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Funny you should say that as I found myself winding down the driver's window to have a listen when I first heard it. When this damned rain stops I'll get out there and turn Sherlock.
 
Hi all,

Contrary to my prediction the noise was there again today, but only once the car had fully warmed up. It's definitely not coming from the engine bay but instead appears to be coming from the rear nearside. It's loud enough that you're not going to miss it but not loud enough that passers-by stare at you. As before, it's dependent on the engine running but seems unaffected by revs, Very odd. :?

Anyway, here it is. Any ideas?

[vimeo]69317418[/vimeo]
 
Hi Maniac. Done some Googling on lpfp and found lots of hits talking about this noise, mainly on US sites. There seems to be some discrepency between countries: some where BMW say it's a normal noise and will not replace it and others where they change it without question. I've sent a copy of the sound clip to my dealer to see if they can diagnose for sure.
 
As its a different engine to mine it's hard to say, I don't have that noise (plenty of others tho). You can get a bit paranoid about noises (I did) and I just run mine now unless its a noise that sounds like an explosion may result!

My brother, a Honda owner, often comments on my car with the word 'Diesel?'
 
Maniac said:
As its a different engine to mine it's hard to say, I don't have that noise (plenty of others tho). You can get a bit paranoid about noises (I did) and I just run mine now unless its a noise that sounds like an explosion may result!

My brother, a Honda owner, often comments on my car with the word 'Diesel?'
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Agreed - noises are easy to get paranoid about. My old S2000, although bullet proof in the reliability stakes, wasn't quiet and certainly not as quiet as the Z4. The whining noise isn't horrendous but because the engine sounds so good, it makes the whine sound all the more weedy and farty! Got to get it sorted.

Bit harsh calling your Z4 a diesel though... :o
 
flybobbie said:
Going off a slight tangent, watched the other video with engine tapping. Did you get that sorted.
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Hi flybobbie. Yes, got that sorted and to date no repeat of the noise. It required a new Vanos, new camshaft and new hydraulic lifters. The car was off the road for over a week as a lot of the parts had to come from Germany. Not good for a new(ish) car with only 15k on the clock but on the bright side it's running well now. :)
 
I have exactly the same noise in my car. The car is only 2 months old so I got it checked out under warranty. The dealer gave me the all ok, but it is very annoying so I'm taking it back on Tuesday as the noise has become more prominent. I'll let you know if they confirm a fault.
 
Lots of noises from these cars.. I gave up chasing them down unless it sounds like the car may explode any minute. Seems noises are not of concern to the Germans.
 
thoth18 said:
I have exactly the same noise in my car. The car is only 2 months old so I got it checked out under warranty. The dealer gave me the all ok, but it is very annoying so I'm taking it back on Tuesday as the noise has become more prominent. I'll let you know if they confirm a fault.
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Be interested to hear what they say. It's a difficult one because, as Maniac suggests, these cars can make a number of strange noises. That said, I suspect that if Top Gear decided to do a feature on the Z4, they wouldn't want the example they sent making that noise. Enough said.

Mine's not been looked at yet. The garage has asked me to take it in but, infuriatingly, the noise now occurs sporadically and so you can guarantee that if I make the 90 mile round trip it will be blissfully silent.
 
I have a 30i with the noise, took it to sytner and they are replacing the fuel pump under the extended warranty. It makes more noise on a tank ore than half full.
 
I've also confirmed that the noise is from the fuel pump, now waiting for the new part to arrive from germany. obviously it'll be covered under warranty but with only 3k miles on the clock its a bit disappointing! :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:
 
thoth18 said:
I've also confirmed that the noise is from the fuel pump, now waiting for the new part to arrive from germany. obviously it'll be covered under warranty but with only 3k miles on the clock its a bit disappointing! :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:
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I have to smile about things like this, not being funny, but if the only issue with the car is a slight whine, think yourself lucky...
 
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