Noise

Will_460cs · 02-08-2024, 08:11 AM

N55 - Psiibly Vaccum pump Noise?

Does anyone have any views on this noise (random rattle/click sound most easiest to hear by front grills. It not the tensioner/serpentine as I have removed and checked.

NO error codes or unusual behaviour (ie the brake booster is normal and no oil in vacuum lines)

Its just a noise at startup until the car is run (and normally doesn't return untill next true cold start)

On my car its very subtle and not as pronounced as the examples below but its the same exact sound..

Only on cold starts goes away once warm/taken for a run
Everything seems to be pointing at Vaccum pump but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm this - thoughts?

And if this is the case that they all do it?

After a bit of youtube diagnosis I came up with several examples of the same thing (with no resolution) here are the best 2 interns of audio:

anjuna · 02-08-2024, 11:20 AM

mine does this. I've never really given it a care though.

Will_460cs · 02-09-2024, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anjuna

mine does this. I've never really given it a care though.

Thanks for commenting! I hate not knowing when it comes to strange noises probably a hypercondriact about it..

It would be great if we could get a few more inputs on whether any one has this noise and for how long.

I think it’s vacuum pump noisy but I’m far from be certain.

I only noticed it because over the last year I have done so much work to it including rod bearings and chain guides so was always looking out for noises etc.

oVeRdOsE. · 02-09-2024, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anjuna

mine does this. I've never really given it a care though.

same .

Hard to tell if its new or Ive never noticed it. Actually it was my dad noticed this since he's not use to bmw funny noises.

Probably because of the mic on your camera, but mine is not that loud thick.

anjuna · 02-09-2024, 02:04 PM

I tried tracking it down a while back and thought it was VANOS slap at first, but eventually settled on either HPFP or vacuum pump.

Then again, everything is working fine with my tune... so there's that.

I do know the startup HPFP pressures are much higher than "warm" HPFP pressures.

DeGe · 02-06-2025, 03:18 AM

Hello, I also have this rattling noise, it is very obvious after cold start, and it can't be heard until the engine gets hot. There is a video on my video homepage. What is this about? The noise has been bothering me for a year. I really need help to solve it.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2-OBV...ts/SilgkkLyapY, help me!

DeGe · 02-06-2025, 03:18 AM

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SilgkkLyapY

DeGe · 02-06-2025, 03:19 AM

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2-OBV7fPQNA

DeGe · 02-12-2025, 04:32 AM

I replaced the vacuum pump with a brand new one, but the noise still exists. Have you solved it? I look forward to your reply, it will be very appreciated.

Will_460cs · 02-12-2025, 08:21 AM

No haven’t traced it - I found a few clips online exactly the same. I did try it without the drive belt and it is still there for me onky on cold start after the car has sat for a few days.

Perhaps fuel pump? Perhaps oil pump noise with cold oil

wheela · 02-12-2025, 09:08 AM

Check out this thread. Does yours sound like these? Apparently all n55's and s55's can develop this problem. BMW even released a TSB about it (but no recall). Not sure if this is your problem, but it's probably worth a listen.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2149049

fastboatster · 02-12-2025, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheela

Check out this thread. Does yours sound like these? Apparently all n55's and s55's can develop this problem. BMW even released a TSB about it (but no recall). Not sure if this is your problem, but it's probably worth a listen.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2149049

this is crazy, yet another major issue.

DeGe · 02-12-2025, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheela

Check out this thread. Does yours sound like these? Apparently all n55's and s55's can develop this problem. BMW even released a TSB about it (but no recall). Not sure if this is your problem, but it's probably worth a listen.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2149049

The noise in the link you sent is a different problem, that one is a problem with the exhaust camshaft, while the noise in this post comes from the front of the engine

DeGe · 02-12-2025, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will_460cs

No haven’t traced it - I found a few clips online exactly the same. I did try it without the drive belt and it is still there for me onky on cold start after the car has sat for a few days.

Perhaps fuel pump? Perhaps oil pump noise with cold oil

Did you remove the belt to test the noise as well? I still doubt it is the vacuum pump, my engine noise video is on YouTube, I sent you the link, can you check if it is the same?

DeGe · 02-12-2025, 10:07 PM

whyzee125 · 02-12-2025, 11:25 PM

I don't know what it is but definitely not normal. My N55 didn't make any such noises.

Will_460cs · 02-14-2025, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeGe

Did you remove the belt to test the noise as well? I still doubt it is the vacuum pump, my engine noise video is on YouTube, I sent you the link, can you check if it is the same?

Yes I removed the belt and the noise is still there - mine is only on cold start and quickly goes away

Goose350 · Yesterday, 09:49 PM

Hello from the other side from the E82 forums, but I believe I have an answer for anyone curious - I posted this exact same sound here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2149374
I recorded this from my vehicle with the engine covers off: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EJY5hqpP5vU (You can hear it clearing right at the 0:07 mark)

I received this reply from someone in my thread explaining it:

Quote:

This sound comes from the vacuum pump sprocket/chain, which is what drives the HPFP essentially as pass thru. The early n55s are notorious for this happening at any mileage really. Usually goes away or quiets down when fully warmed up. The later cars with the updated smaller HPFP and different chain tensioner set up do not suffer from it.
Replace the pump, or live with it.

I don't think there's anything we can do about the sound aside from what is suggested, but I was definitely sweating when I was hearing it after I did my OFHG recently thinking it was some rod knock forming

I've also heard a similar sound on another video, but I think it may be two different things that essentially goes away after it warms up as well:

Drinkthirty5 · Today, 12:49 AM

[QUOTE=Goose350;31872941]Hello from the other side from the E82 forums, but I believe I have an answer for anyone curious - I posted this exact same sound here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2149374
I recorded this from my vehicle with the engine covers off: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EJY5hqpP5vU (You can hear it clearing right at the 0:07 mark)

I received this reply from someone in my thread explaining it:

I don't think there's anything we can do about the sound aside from what is suggested, but I was definitely sweating when I was hearing it after I did my OFHG recently thinking it was some rod knock forming

I've also heard a similar sound on another video, but I think it may be two different things that essentially goes away after it warms up as well:

My friend n55 had the same noise and i'm pretty sure its just the vanos opening and closing maybe try a little bit thicker oil? What do you run?

02-08-2024, 08:11 AM	#1
Will_460cs Lieutenant 230 Rep 483 Posts Drives: E46m3 e91 N53 e90 n55 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Cambridgeshire iTrader: (0)	Noise - do they all do it? N55 - Psiibly Vaccum pump Noise? Does anyone have any views on this noise (random rattle/click sound most easiest to hear by front grills. It not the tensioner/serpentine as I have removed and checked. NO error codes or unusual behaviour (ie the brake booster is normal and no oil in vacuum lines) Its just a noise at startup until the car is run (and normally doesn't return untill next true cold start) On my car its very subtle and not as pronounced as the examples below but its the same exact sound.. Only on cold starts goes away once warm/taken for a run Everything seems to be pointing at Vaccum pump but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm this - thoughts? And if this is the case that they all do it? After a bit of youtube diagnosis I came up with several examples of the same thing (with no resolution) here are the best 2 interns of audio:
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02-08-2024, 11:20 AM	#2
anjuna First Lieutenant 318 Rep 399 Posts Drives: f25 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: houston iTrader: (0)	mine does this. I've never really given it a care though.
	Appreciate 1 Will_460cs230.00 Quote

02-09-2024, 02:04 PM	#5
anjuna First Lieutenant 318 Rep 399 Posts Drives: f25 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: houston iTrader: (0)	I tried tracking it down a while back and thought it was VANOS slap at first, but eventually settled on either HPFP or vacuum pump. Then again, everything is working fine with my tune... so there's that. I do know the startup HPFP pressures are much higher than "warm" HPFP pressures.
	Appreciate 1 Will_460cs230.00 Quote

02-06-2025, 03:18 AM	#6
DeGe New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: bmw 740Li Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: beijing iTrader: (0)	Hello, I also have this rattling noise, it is very obvious after cold start, and it can't be heard until the engine gets hot. There is a video on my video homepage. What is this about? The noise has been bothering me for a year. I really need help to solve it.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2-OBV...ts/SilgkkLyapY, help me!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2025, 03:18 AM	#7
DeGe New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: bmw 740Li Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: beijing iTrader: (0)	https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SilgkkLyapY
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02-06-2025, 03:19 AM	#8
DeGe New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: bmw 740Li Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: beijing iTrader: (0)	https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2-OBV7fPQNA
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02-12-2025, 04:32 AM	#9
DeGe New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: bmw 740Li Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: beijing iTrader: (0)	I replaced the vacuum pump with a brand new one, but the noise still exists. Have you solved it? I look forward to your reply, it will be very appreciated.
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02-12-2025, 08:21 AM	#10
Will_460cs Lieutenant 230 Rep 483 Posts Drives: E46m3 e91 N53 e90 n55 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Cambridgeshire iTrader: (0)	No haven’t traced it - I found a few clips online exactly the same. I did try it without the drive belt and it is still there for me onky on cold start after the car has sat for a few days. Perhaps fuel pump? Perhaps oil pump noise with cold oil
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2025, 09:08 AM	#11
wheela Major 582 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X1 35i M-sport Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Twin Cities MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 X1 35i M-Sport [0.00] 2025 X7 M60i [0.00]	Check out this thread. Does yours sound like these? Apparently all n55's and s55's can develop this problem. BMW even released a TSB about it (but no recall). Not sure if this is your problem, but it's probably worth a listen. https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2149049
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2025, 10:07 PM	#15
DeGe New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: bmw 740Li Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: beijing iTrader: (0)
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02-12-2025, 11:25 PM	#16
whyzee125 Brigadier General 2072 Rep 4,132 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	I don't know what it is but definitely not normal. My N55 didn't make any such noises.
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Today, 12:49 AM	#19
Drinkthirty5 Drinkthirty5 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: Bmw 335xi 2010/ Bmw 535i 1992 Join Date: Feb 2025 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=Goose350;31872941]Hello from the other side from the E82 forums, but I believe I have an answer for anyone curious - I posted this exact same sound here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2149374 I recorded this from my vehicle with the engine covers off: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EJY5hqpP5vU (You can hear it clearing right at the 0:07 mark) I received this reply from someone in my thread explaining it: I don't think there's anything we can do about the sound aside from what is suggested, but I was definitely sweating when I was hearing it after I did my OFHG recently thinking it was some rod knock forming I've also heard a similar sound on another video, but I think it may be two different things that essentially goes away after it warms up as well: My friend n55 had the same noise and i'm pretty sure its just the vanos opening and closing maybe try a little bit thicker oil? What do you run?
	Appreciate 0 Quote