[AdrianSi]

My 2008(58) lci 330d has developed a bit of an engine noise between certain rpm. Its a metallically type of sound, almost rotary as if its auxiliary belt related however it doesn't seem to be. The car is still under warranty until the end of the year so I have it booked in to Sytners, Sutton Coldfield on 20th Sept. Im wondering if it could possibly be in injector issue as these quite often sound like this metallically ticking type of sound. There are no warnings on the dash display or through the idrive display, other than service required in 3800miles. Also no smoke black smoke and doesnt feel like there is a misfire.

The car has done 56K, so is probably one of the highest mileage N57 engines seen on here so far? So im just wondering if injectors are a known issue? If im honest there does seem to be a bit of a buffeting noise in the car on idle, as if its slightly off song. It does drive fine tho and having not driven another E90 330d model, its difficult to compare. There is also a good misting of oil on the drivers side intercooler piping. Again is this usual?

Whilst it is being investigated for this engine noise i have mentioned "premature bolster wear" on the drivers seat. As mentioned above, the car has done 56K but imo the wear looks more like 100K. From reading a few threads on here it seems that quite a few owners have experienced this and have managed to get warranty claims on them.

What do we think?....

[coopersim]

That bolster wear is much worse than mine (2008 40k) Even when I purchased the car at a year old and 15k miles the dealer wouldn't entertain a replacement, he simply had the leather "repaired" and 2 years on I'm back to square one...

Good luck getting a warranty claim - I think yours deserves to be replaced.

[Kerr]

Are you wearing jeans a lot and pressing your arse hard against the bolster whilst getting in and out?

The wear goes around to the outside of the bolster.

[AdrianSi]

Originally Posted by Kerr

Are you wearing jeans a lot and pressing your arse hard against the bolster whilst getting in and out?

The wear goes around to the outside of the bolster.

I've only just purchased the car so can't really comment on how it has been treated prior to my ownership. My mother has a 1 series that is suffering wear at sub 30k due to the position that she has the seat in, so chances are this has been treated in a similar way. The taller you are the further behind the B pillar the seat bolster will be and reduce the amount of wear. I'm not particularly tall by anymeans but have the seat in a position that should prevent further wear as I also don't sit hugging the wheel!

I have read quite a few threads on here about the wear on the bolsters and the replacements under warranty. My car is still under warranty, and whilst in for assessment of the noise I feel it worth mentioning. These items should be real world tested, therefore imo should not be worn as it is.

If the bolster is repaired under warranty, then I will so my upmost to ensure that future wear is kept to a minimum. I've purchased the car knowing the condition of the seat and planned to recolour/disquise it, but reading the forum I certainly think that it is worth an enquiry?

[Kerr]

If you don't ask, you don't get.

You can only ask the question and see how the dealer views it.

I've seen some videos about repairing worn leather with simple equipment and they seem to get great results. If BMW will not replace the leather, I'd imagine someone else could repair or replace.

[AdrianSi]

Well thanks for the positive thinking there and indeed I was of the same opinion with if you not ask you'll never know.

I'm more concerned about the engine noise currently though, although there is no indication of any issues acccording to the on-board computer and the on-board system check comes back all 'OK'. It's a definate noise tho... I'm not sure if I have gotten used to the power, but performance seems to be lagging a little too.

Can anyone else confrm that this noise isn't common on an LCi 330d between 2-3000 rpm? Also I have a lot of induction noise at these rpms, along with the oil deposits on the lower intercooler piping?

[chris330D]

I've got the same engine and don't recognise the noise you are describing the noise mine makes is fairly linear and relative to revs. It's worth checking it isn't harmonic vibration with something else. Otherwise get the dealer to have a look under warranty. Same goes for the seat.