N54 rattle/whining noise

bartllp · 01-13-2020, 05:27 AM

Hi, I want to buy 335i or 135i and I have seen a car yesterday but one thing bothers me.
There is a rattle-whining sound coming from under the oil filter. Do any of you recognise this sound and know what could that be?

Car pulls very well, boost is fine and I have connected INPA and there were no errors stored.
The sound does not come off when the engine is warm.

My suspicion is on alternator or maybe A/C compressor as the AC does not work?

Thanks

bartllp · 01-13-2020, 08:03 AM

Or maybe a belt tensioner?

GTwice · 01-13-2020, 10:32 AM

Check if you have all the bolts for the alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor in place

bartllp · 01-13-2020, 10:57 AM

I don't have an access to the car now... Why there would be such a sound if there was a bolt missing from alternator, power steering pump or AC compressor?

ewicky · 01-13-2020, 11:12 AM

If you search the forums enough, you'll see several folks with a similar issue. Myself included, at one time. The fix? Do an oil change, and replace the oil filter. I always use MANN filters and one of them made a similar noise after a couple thousand miles. Replace and good to go!

Leucosticte · 01-13-2020, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewicky

If you search the forums enough, you'll see several folks with a similar issue. Myself included, at one time. The fix? Do an oil change, and replace the oil filter. I always use MANN filters and one of them made a similar noise after a couple thousand miles. Replace and good to go!

I had a similar noise that was fixed with an oil change, I really don't understand how an oil filter can make that noise but if it can be fixed like that then I'm fine with it.

AngelFarelli · 01-13-2020, 02:10 PM

Use the old fashioned method and next time you see the car stick a long screwdriver across the various parts near the noise to pin point it's origin. I would tell the guy that you will need to replace the alternator to fix the sound and maybe the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. That will scare him enough to give you a decent price. Otherwise unless you find out the source I would be careful what you pay for that car!! Your can can make sounds like these for years sometimes before leading to damage that will throw a code so be extra cautious as well.

bartllp · 01-14-2020, 03:20 AM

Thanks guys. I think you might be right wit the oil filter. I have received a video with a very similar sound where the cracked oil filter was the cause:

I think the sound on my video is basically the same but stronger

01-13-2020, 05:27 AM	#1
bartllp New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	N54 rattle/whining noise - is it alternator? Hi, I want to buy 335i or 135i and I have seen a car yesterday but one thing bothers me. There is a rattle-whining sound coming from under the oil filter. Do any of you recognise this sound and know what could that be? Car pulls very well, boost is fine and I have connected INPA and there were no errors stored. The sound does not come off when the engine is warm. My suspicion is on alternator or maybe A/C compressor as the AC does not work? Thanks
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01-13-2020, 08:03 AM	#2
bartllp New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Or maybe a belt tensioner?
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01-13-2020, 10:32 AM	#3
GTwice Private 12 Rep 89 Posts Drives: E85 Z4 3.0si / F87 M2 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Check if you have all the bolts for the alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor in place
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01-13-2020, 10:57 AM	#4
bartllp New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I don't have an access to the car now... Why there would be such a sound if there was a bolt missing from alternator, power steering pump or AC compressor?
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01-13-2020, 11:12 AM	#5
ewicky Lieutenant 204 Rep 525 Posts Drives: '07 335xi 4D AT Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	If you search the forums enough, you'll see several folks with a similar issue. Myself included, at one time. The fix? Do an oil change, and replace the oil filter. I always use MANN filters and one of them made a similar noise after a couple thousand miles. Replace and good to go!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2020, 02:10 PM	#7
AngelFarelli Second Lieutenant 59 Rep 276 Posts Drives: BMW n52 e90 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Use the old fashioned method and next time you see the car stick a long screwdriver across the various parts near the noise to pin point it's origin. I would tell the guy that you will need to replace the alternator to fix the sound and maybe the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. That will scare him enough to give you a decent price. Otherwise unless you find out the source I would be careful what you pay for that car!! Your can can make sounds like these for years sometimes before leading to damage that will throw a code so be extra cautious as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-14-2020, 03:20 AM	#8
bartllp New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. I think you might be right wit the oil filter. I have received a video with a very similar sound where the cracked oil filter was the cause: I think the sound on my video is basically the same but stronger
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