2011 N55 Squeaking Engine

jdhiman · 06-24-2015, 10:13 AM

I've tried

already, no results.

Starting last week, I have been hearing an audible squeaking/squealing coming from the engine bay. Early last week, I also installed a VRSF Catless Downpipe, COBB Cat-back exhaust, and O2 Simulators. Now, I don't think the squealing is due to the mods because the car just hit 50,000 miles and is due for service. I've attached a few videos below. Crankshaft pulley issue? Serpentine belt?

I'm asking your help, and will talk to my indy shop before brining it in to BMW. I am still under CPO warranty, and worried I will have to switch out the VRSF DP in order to bring it in to BMW:

gabylonfive · 06-24-2015, 10:56 AM

definitely sounds belt-related. Check the condition of your belt and pulleys. Tensioner and idler pulleys are likely culprits.

Miller335 · 06-24-2015, 11:20 AM

Remove the belt and run the car for a few seconds, does it go away?

humbertob · 06-24-2015, 10:22 PM

Just pour some water in the belt area with car idling, if squeak disappears then you need to replace your belt and tensioner. Easy DIY !

jdhiman · 06-24-2015, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humbertob

Just pour some water in the belt area with car idling, if squeak disappears then you need to replace your belt and tensioner. Easy DIY !

Then I "need" or "don't need" to replace the belt and tensioner? And wouldn't that be only a temporary fix? Since the water will dry out? It's still hitting 90 degrees where I am.

humbertob · 06-24-2015, 11:13 PM

Pouring water is just to make sure that the culprit is the tensioner and/or belt, not to remedy the issue ! You still need to replace the tensioner and belt !

jdhiman · 06-24-2015, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humbertob

Pouring water is just to make sure that the culprit is the tensioner and/or belt, not to remedy the issue ! You still need to replace the tensioner and belt !

Gotcha, thanks!

924er · 06-24-2015, 11:25 PM

What the hell is that knocking sound?

Sounds worse than my n54 on a cold start

esberelias · 06-25-2015, 01:55 AM

my advise... change those tensinor(s), pulley(s) and belt regardless if you haven't before...

trust me... it worth spending the 250 dollars if you haven't done it before because it WILL fail and it will leave you stranded even worse... damage your engine

MSuperE92 · 03-22-2017, 02:27 PM

jdhiman Hey what ended up being the cause of that squeak? I have the same car and I am currently hearing that exact same squeak, trying to figure out if its the belt tensioner or idler pulley. Thanks!

jdhiman · 03-22-2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSuperE92

jdhiman Hey what ended up being the cause of that squeak? I have the same car and I am currently hearing that exact same squeak, trying to figure out if its the belt tensioner or idler pulley. Thanks!

Hey there, it's quite possibly both. I would go get it checked immediately. Chances are the belt will shred and go into the engine, requiring a $5-6K repair.

Have them replace the belt and pulley and you should be ok.

Good luck

delmarco · 03-22-2017, 02:34 PM

squeaks and chirps are usually belts and pulleys

MSuperE92 · 03-22-2017, 06:33 PM

Thanks! I'm planning to replace both of them, hopefully that solves the problem!

Welcome to NBA Jam · 03-22-2017, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSuperE92

jdhiman Hey what ended up being the cause of that squeak? I have the same car and I am currently hearing that exact same squeak, trying to figure out if its the belt tensioner or idler pulley. Thanks!

I did all of mine at once, mainly because one of the pulleys in the tensioner was wobbling and they're not separately replaceable (well...technically you could, but there's a lot of effort and unknowns). Here are the parts you'll need:

Tensioner assembly: 11287582946
75mm idler pulley: 11287578674
90mm idler pulley: 11287578675
Drive belt: 11287628650

With tensioner: $180.38
Without tensioner: $87.78

And, some time this year, you'll be able to upgrade your power steering pulley from plastic to aluminum courtesy of Hamburg-Technic! That part number is 32427582947.

jdhiman · 03-22-2017, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSuperE92

jdhiman Hey what ended up being the cause of that squeak? I have the same car and I am currently hearing that exact same squeak, trying to figure out if its the belt tensioner or idler pulley. Thanks!

I did all of mine at once, mainly because one of the pulleys in the tensioner was wobbling and they're not separately replaceable (well...technically you could, but there's a lot of effort and unknowns). Here are the parts you'll need:

Tensioner assembly: 11287582946
75mm idler pulley: 11287578674
90mm idler pulley: 11287578675
Drive belt: 11287628650

With tensioner: $180.38
Without tensioner: $87.78

And, some time this year, you'll be able to upgrade your power steering pulley from plastic to aluminum courtesy of Hamburg-Technic! That part number is 32427582947.

Right, I wish it would've cost that little. Unfortunately it was caught too late. The belt shredded into the engine while driving, causing engine failure on the road. Wouldn't go into drive, let alone get into 1st. Had to push it into a parking lot and tow it to BMW. It was awful.

Ended up having to take the engine apart to clean it all up. Luckily I was under CPO warranty.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 03-22-2017, 10:34 PM

Ouch. Really sorry to hear that. At least the CPO covered it. Out of pocket on that would be a nightmare.

The E9X seems to have a very nasty habit of shredding the belt and sucking it into the engine when it wears out completely. I've never seen so many cases of it compared to other earlier BMWs.

MSuperE92 · 03-23-2017, 12:07 AM

Wow thanks for giving me the heads up on that! I'm definitely not driving it till I get it repaired!

playground · 03-23-2017, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

I did all of mine at once, mainly because one of the pulleys in the tensioner was wobbling and they're not separately replaceable (well...technically you could, but there's a lot of effort and unknowns). Here are the parts you'll need:

Tensioner assembly: 11287582946
75mm idler pulley: 11287578674
90mm idler pulley: 11287578675
Drive belt: 11287628650

With tensioner: $180.38
Without tensioner: $87.78

And, some time this year, you'll be able to upgrade your power steering pulley from plastic to aluminum courtesy of Hamburg-Technic! That part number is 32427582947.

Where did you get these prices? If so please let me know, I would like to order a set also.

racermp · 03-23-2017, 07:41 AM

i have the same exact noise and issue. ordered the ecs kit for 165. looks like the price went up a bit

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...1287582946kt2/

Welcome to NBA Jam · 03-23-2017, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playground

Where did you get these prices? If so please let me know, I would like to order a set also.

OEMBimmerParts.com

Looks like the price went up for the tensioner since the last time I bought it, so the total cost of everything would be $196.78. It appears that the ECSTuning kit posted above is the cheapest right now.

bjt135psu · 08-17-2017, 02:36 PM

Found this post and I need some advice. I purchased my '11 335i about 2 months ago and have been fighting the belt squealing most of my ownership. Below is what I have done or experienced in order.

Noticed squealing
Belt Replaced - squealing stopped
Few weeks later - starting squealing again
Replaced both deflection pullys and belt tensionor - squealing continued
Completed water test and squealing paused
Belt Replaced - squealing stopped
Few weeks later - squealing started again
Identified coolant leak and replaced vent line (coolant leaked over belts; cleaned engine bay)

Squealing still continues as I start the car. It's not as loud as or as constant as it was before the tensionor, belt and pulleys were replaced. I've tried turning off the AC and the squealing persists.

What next?

delmarco · 08-17-2017, 02:58 PM

Check Power Steering Levels!
I 'think' I am having the same issue as you and was told that could be a cause.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjt135psu

Found this post and I need some advice. I purchased my '11 335i about 2 months ago and have been fighting the belt squealing most of my ownership. Below is what I have done or experienced in order.

Noticed squealing
Belt Replaced - squealing stopped
Few weeks later - starting squealing again
Replaced both deflection pullys and belt tensionor - squealing continued
Completed water test and squealing paused
Belt Replaced - squealing stopped
Few weeks later - squealing started again
Identified coolant leak and replaced vent line (coolant leaked over belts; cleaned engine bay)

Squealing still continues as I start the car. It's not as loud as or as constant as it was before the tensionor, belt and pulleys were replaced. I've tried turning off the AC and the squealing persists.

What next?

06-24-2015, 10:13 AM	#1
jdhiman Private 18 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2011 335i E90 M-Sport, BSM Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: The Best Coast, United States iTrader: (0)	2011 N55 Squeaking Engine I've tried already, no results. Starting last week, I have been hearing an audible squeaking/squealing coming from the engine bay. Early last week, I also installed a VRSF Catless Downpipe, COBB Cat-back exhaust, and O2 Simulators. Now, I don't think the squealing is due to the mods because the car just hit 50,000 miles and is due for service. I've attached a few videos below. Crankshaft pulley issue? Serpentine belt? I'm asking your help, and will talk to my indy shop before brining it in to BMW. I am still under CPO warranty, and worried I will have to switch out the VRSF DP in order to bring it in to BMW: __________________ 2011 335i BSM 6AT ///M-Sport \| Gloss Black Kidney Grill - ///M Stripes \| Matte Black "335i" Re-Badge \| BSM iND Side Refl Delete \| LUX H8 160W Angel Eyes \| Smoked Side-Markers \| Window Tint \| VRSF 3.5" Downpipe \| COBB 4" Cat-back Exhaust \| 19" Staggered, AVANT GARDE M510 Dolphin Grey Wheels
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06-24-2015, 10:56 AM	#2
gabylonfive First Lieutenant 52 Rep 335 Posts Drives: 04 M3, 05 Elise Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (3)	definitely sounds belt-related. Check the condition of your belt and pulleys. Tensioner and idler pulleys are likely culprits.
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06-24-2015, 11:20 AM	#3
Miller335 Colonel 293 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Remove the belt and run the car for a few seconds, does it go away? __________________ 2007 E92 335 6MT w/335is clutch FBO MHD E60 Wedge map 49k miles
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06-24-2015, 10:22 PM	#4
humbertob First Lieutenant 137 Rep 318 Posts Drives: '16 BMW M235i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Laredo, Tx. iTrader: (0)	Just pour some water in the belt area with car idling, if squeak disappears then you need to replace your belt and tensioner. Easy DIY ! __________________ (OO)-(////)(\\\\)-(OO) '16 F22 M235i '19 G01 X3 \| Wife's '15 F30 335i M-Sport \| Son's '10 Porsche Boxster
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06-24-2015, 11:13 PM	#6
humbertob First Lieutenant 137 Rep 318 Posts Drives: '16 BMW M235i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Laredo, Tx. iTrader: (0)	Pouring water is just to make sure that the culprit is the tensioner and/or belt, not to remedy the issue ! You still need to replace the tensioner and belt ! __________________ (OO)-(////)(\\\\)-(OO) '16 F22 M235i '19 G01 X3 \| Wife's '15 F30 335i M-Sport \| Son's '10 Porsche Boxster
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06-24-2015, 11:25 PM	#8
924er Colonel 351 Rep 2,049 Posts Drives: e92 335i '10 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	What the hell is that knocking sound? Sounds worse than my n54 on a cold start __________________ '10 e92 N54 DCI intakes, ER chargepipe, TIAL BOV, VRSF 5in FMIC, BMS Downpipes COBB e30
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06-25-2015, 01:55 AM	#9
esberelias Private First Class 26 Rep 142 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB, CAN iTrader: (0)	my advise... change those tensinor(s), pulley(s) and belt regardless if you haven't before... trust me... it worth spending the 250 dollars if you haven't done it before because it WILL fail and it will leave you stranded even worse... damage your engine
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03-22-2017, 02:27 PM	#10
MSuperE92 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i x-drive Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i X-Drive [0.00]	jdhiman Hey what ended up being the cause of that squeak? I have the same car and I am currently hearing that exact same squeak, trying to figure out if its the belt tensioner or idler pulley. Thanks!
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03-22-2017, 02:34 PM	#12
delmarco Major 499 Rep 1,416 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi Deep Sea Blue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Westchester County, NY iTrader: (1)	squeaks and chirps are usually belts and pulleys __________________ VISIT MY GARAGE TO SEE MY BMW E90 MODS: http://directory.e46fanatics.com/use...Mod&UcId=20832
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03-22-2017, 06:33 PM	#13
MSuperE92 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i x-drive Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i X-Drive [0.00]	Thanks! I'm planning to replace both of them, hopefully that solves the problem!
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03-22-2017, 10:34 PM	#16
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3893 Rep 5,111 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Ouch. Really sorry to hear that. At least the CPO covered it. Out of pocket on that would be a nightmare. The E9X seems to have a very nasty habit of shredding the belt and sucking it into the engine when it wears out completely. I've never seen so many cases of it compared to other earlier BMWs.
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03-23-2017, 12:07 AM	#17
MSuperE92 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i x-drive Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i X-Drive [0.00]	Wow thanks for giving me the heads up on that! I'm definitely not driving it till I get it repaired!
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03-23-2017, 07:41 AM	#19
racermp Major 192 Rep 937 Posts Drives: F30 330i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	i have the same exact noise and issue. ordered the ecs kit for 165. looks like the price went up a bit https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...1287582946kt2/
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08-17-2017, 02:36 PM	#21
bjt135psu New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Coupe MTech Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: San Angelo, TX iTrader: (0)	Found this post and I need some advice. I purchased my '11 335i about 2 months ago and have been fighting the belt squealing most of my ownership. Below is what I have done or experienced in order. Noticed squealing Belt Replaced - squealing stopped Few weeks later - starting squealing again Replaced both deflection pullys and belt tensionor - squealing continued Completed water test and squealing paused Belt Replaced - squealing stopped Few weeks later - squealing started again Identified coolant leak and replaced vent line (coolant leaked over belts; cleaned engine bay) Squealing still continues as I start the car. It's not as loud as or as constant as it was before the tensionor, belt and pulleys were replaced. I've tried turning off the AC and the squealing persists. What next?
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