Z4 e89 30i whistle noise

[Lizard84]

Greetings everyone ! I am a returning member after having owned for several years an E85 2.5 si and now the proud owner of an E89 30i! However, I would greatly appreciate If anyone could help me out with an issue I noticed this morning when starting up the car, a persistent whistling noise coming out of the engine bay..

Thanks All!!

*video couldn't be uploaded unfortunately..

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry I can't help with diagnosing your problem though. Hopefully someone can!

 

[Baza]

LIke wise sorry can't help. I have a E89 3.0i but have not experienced this. hopefully a simple explanation

 

[Lizard84]

Thanks for your replies and interest!

For more clarity I uploaded a short video in yt and sharing the link below to hopefully get some more info!

https://youtu.be/0HdaWJAVXkA?si=KJfFN3FCxhi0mMhQ

Thanks !

 

[Reamesy]

Sounds like a pulley. Remove the drive belt. Two min job. Then run it. It will not be present if so.

 

[javis20]

Yes, sounds like the idler/tensioner pully bearing. Cheap and easy to fix.

 

[Lizard84]

Thanks guys, really appreciate it. Very glad also it sounds like a potential easy/ cheap fix!

As I am very new to the Harlow / Essex area , would you happen to know or recommend a good honest mechanic please?

 

[Z4Dude]

If it's a the tensioner or other pulley in the system, I would likely remove the belt as Javis20 suggested, but check all of the pulleys by hand (spinning and checking for play) to determine which one it is exactly.... throwing parts at a suspected problem is one of the most expensive fixes ....speaking from personal experience.

If you remove the belt, just make sure to note the map of how it's routed .... there are multiple routings. Might as well order a new belt as well for cheap insurance... worn pulleys can also damage the belt


Good how to video for diagnose and repair ... not an E89, but VERY similar process... The fan removal is easier than it looks. If you're not the DIY type it's still not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with it to have better discussions with your shop.
https://youtu.be/EBCDIW5PoVg?si=J_n5fbOxQ7zncWu9

Best of luck

 

[Reamesy]

On the E89 you do not need to remove the fan. The tensioner bolt can be easily accessed. Literally a 10 min job.

 

[Z4Dude]

You are likely correct .... I forgo t this was the 3.0 not the 3.5 with the N54 that has a turbo inlet that runs directly in front of the pulleys and sandwiched between the fan and engine. that stuff has to be removed for access (or at least one of them).

 

[Lizard84]

Seems pretty straightforward and all the info very useful.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate it!

 

[Lizard84]

Hi everyone, just a quick update from my side on the issue so anybody who ever faces the same thing will have at least an idea!

Indeed it was the tensioner/pulley which had a slight play when the belt was removed and checked. I replaced the belt as well as it was also slightly worn but since it was removed for the job I thought might as well put a new one.

Thanks!!

 

[Reamesy]

Glad you got it sorted. Happy motoring