[forumman83]

Hi Everyone, could use some help here:

My 2009 328xi has started acting up (as usual). I'm getting the following symptoms:

Loud squealing noise (intermittent) coming from the engine area

Check engine light with no code (trust me, it's not the gas cap)

Engine shuts off intermittently when I come to a stop.

I've uploaded some videos to YouTube and would like some opinions before I take it to the stealership.

Thanks everybody!

[ki_soarer]

What happens when you pop the oil cap open with it running? Sounds like the rear main seal to me. Can't be sure though since my computer speakers suck.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by ki_soarer

What happens when you pop the oil cap open with it running? Sounds like the rear main seal to me. Can't be sure though since my computer speakers suck.

Interesting, I'll have to try and check it out. I just got my oil changed as well. If this is the issue, how do I remedy?

[FLYIN4D]

Check the serp belt and ALL your pulley's, especially the crank pulley. I had the same noise happen on my '96 Coupe. The crank pulley somehow got loose - caught it in time! But it has the same symptoms you're having.

[forumman83]

Thank you. I'm not exactly a "car guy". How do I check it and what do I look for. If that's the problem, is it an easy fix?

[forumman83]

Need some help

[FLYIN4D]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thank you. I'm not exactly a "car guy". How do I check it and what do I look for. If that's the problem, is it an easy fix?

Look at how the groove side of the SERP belt looks, and then look at the pulleys. Mine were looking shiny (belt and pulley grooves). The loose pulley was causing the belt to move around while running, which caused the squealing noise. Also look to see if the belt is wearing improperly. To check the pulley you’ll need to loosen/remove the belt.

[forumman83]

Thanks for the response, I've checked them and can't see anything out of the ordinary.

My car is still randomly stalling when I am coasting to a stop. I'm not sure how this could be related to the belts or if anyone else has some ideas?

Check engine light still permanently on with no error code.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thanks for the response, I've checked them and can't see anything out of the ordinary.

My car is still randomly stalling when I am coasting to a stop. I'm not sure how this could be related to the belts or if anyone else has some ideas?

Check engine light still permanently on with no error code.

Possible failing alternator.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Possible failing alternator.

Thanks for the response. Need to go to the mechanic with an understanding of what's happening so they can't just make stuff up.

But the problem is still happening and I can't see how a failing alternator would lead to the squeaking noise and also the shaking car....

[bimmerguy1210]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thanks for the response. Need to go to the mechanic with an understanding of what's happening so they can't just make stuff up.

But the problem is still happening and I can't see how a failing alternator would lead to the squeaking noise and also the shaking car....

I recently experienced a failed alternator and had similar symptoms. My car would shake/vibrate under load and felt like it wanted to stall at a stop. My dash also lit like a christmas tree. Something to note, my alternator failed 10 minutes after replacing my serp belt and pullies.

[relative4]

There is no such thing as a check engine light with no code. All the light means is "code present". If the scanner you're using isn't up to the task, get your hands on a BMW-capable scanner.

The noise could be belt, accessory, or collapsed oil filter. A $3 mechanic's stethoscope from Harbor Freight will narrow it down in seconds. In any case, if you're not a car guy and don't want to become one overnight, take it to a reputable, trustworthy, independent German car repair shop. Driving it around with that noise is unwise. So is taking it to the stealership.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

I recently experienced a failed alternator and had similar symptoms. My car would shake/vibrate under load and felt like it wanted to stall at a stop. My dash also lit like a christmas tree. Something to note, my alternator failed 10 minutes after replacing my serp belt and pullies.

Thanks, but what about the squeaking? That leads me to believe it is NOT the alternator....

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thanks, but what about the squeaking? That leads me to believe it is NOT the alternator....

Your tensioner belt and pullies are on the way out.. When you hear the squeak, open the hood and pour a little bit of water on the belt.. If it stops for a few seconds than that is your problem as well as the possible alternator.

[FLYIN4D]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thanks for the response, I've checked them and can't see anything out of the ordinary.

My car is still randomly stalling when I am coasting to a stop. I'm not sure how this could be related to the belts or if anyone else has some ideas?

Check engine light still permanently on with no error code.

I missed the part about it stalling. I think its time to find a decent shop and get it looked at before something relatively cheap to fix gets expensive. Once you get it figured out report back. Good luck. I still think its a belt/pulley/tensioner issue.

[bimmerguy1210]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Thanks, but what about the squeaking? That leads me to believe it is NOT the alternator....

The squeaking is certainly the belt/pullies. Your OFGH is more than likely leaking onto your belt causing intermittent squeaking. My OFGH was ok and the squeaking was only on cold start, just needed new pullies.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by FLYIN4D

I missed the part about it stalling. I think its time to find a decent shop and get it looked at before something relatively cheap to fix gets expensive. Once you get it figured out report back. Good luck. I still think its a belt/pulley/tensioner issue.

Thanks, I'm on it.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

The squeaking is certainly the belt/pullies. Your OFGH is more than likely leaking onto your belt causing intermittent squeaking. My OFGH was ok and the squeaking was only on cold start, just needed new pullies.

That's good information, I appreciate it. Yeah the squeaking for me is cold or hot but I'm hoping it's just belts and pullies, thanks.

[forumman83]

Taking car to mechanic today for diagnostic, will keep everyone posted. Starting to think its the alternate. The squeak has strangely disappeared.

[moderat0r]

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1599888

Read this up, I had sound issues as well, took some work to diagnose it.

[speedfreeq]

Originally Posted by FLYIN4D

Check the serp belt and ALL your pulley's, especially the crank pulley. I had the same noise happen on my '96 Coupe. The crank pulley somehow got loose - caught it in time! But it has the same symptoms you're having.

If you're not a car guy, then you need a trustworthy mechanic who either knows BMW's or willingly look at the things you bring from here (the forums).

So far, you need somebody to check your belt and tensioner.

And your crank pulley. My local BMW guru has found a rash of loose crank pulleys on N52 engines, and if it comes all the way loose, it is BAD.

And your alternator.

If you ask for help here, and get a bunch of suggestions, but can't act on them, then how can we help you?

[forumman83]

Okay update, my mechanic ran the code and it came back as "cam adjuster solenoid valve" which, according to him, could be as simple as cleaning or replacing the solenoids, or as severe as a whole cam shaft replacement. Any thoughts