[Pittsburger]

Hi all,

I recently changed from a 330xi to a 328i.
The 328i, I thought this was normal since i knew 328i engine is weaker, but having doubts now, it makes a whine noise from the engine. It sounds similar to this YouTube video:

is this normal?

Gonna change my oil and also look at powe steering first.

[W8forMe]

Similar to what happen to my car a year ago, was the alternator. It had broken bearings.

[AlanAZ]

Originally Posted by W8forMe

Similar to what happen to my car a year ago, was the alternator. It had broken bearings.

+1

[Rollo`]

wow...mine is doing this too but it's not that loud yet. I will have the dealership look into it.

thanks!

[Pittsburger]

Originally Posted by Rollo`

wow...mine is doing this too but it's not that loud yet. I will have the dealership look into it.

thanks!

Yes, mine is not loud either (sound level isn't extreme, but is noticeable since I like to listen to the engine humm and pay attention to the shifting of gears despite the fact that its an automatic).

Yesterday, I opened my hood and then I really noticed it was something wrong. However, I had a friend in the driver's seat, when he got out - he closed the door and the noise went away. (It's intermittent)

Rollo, let me know what the dealer does and how it goes. Thanks. I'm W8forMe's advice and am looking into the replacement of the alternator bearings. I might also look to replace the serpentine belt and check the power steering fluid. But first, I'm gonna try to diagnoise where the noise is exactly coming from by putting pressure ("touching with a short stick") on some of the spinning components.

[Rollo`]

I'm taking it in for service and some other stuff on Tuesday next week. I'll let you know what they say.

[Pittsburger]

Originally Posted by Rollo`

I'm taking it in for service and some other stuff on Tuesday next week. I'll let you know what they say.

Hey Rollo,

What's the news? Did the dealer find out what the problem was? Was it the alternator?

I examined my belts and used a foot long tube to try and diagnose where the sounds is coming from and I couldn't tell. I think the alternator is at least $500... some people talk about changing out their bearing, dyi style, but not so sure it will be easy without equipment like a press.

I'm considering also going to the dealer, but not sure if its covered under Limited Warranty or the 4 year maintenance service.

[Tim M]

I know there's the normal whine that comes from the car, but mine has never done this! It's kinda scary! Luckily, the alternator is in an easily accessible location to be worked on!

[nate5ks]

My car was doing this also. It got worse when I turned the steering wheel so I checked the power steering fluid and it was very low. Topped it off and it's fine now.

[Pittsburger]

So I took out my serpentine belt, sprayed some silicone spray on it. Felt the pulleys, all seem fine. The idler pulley seems to rotate freely, but no noise or sand like feel in rotating.

Then I checked the power steering fluid. It was pretty dark. So I replaced the fluid in the reservoir and did another replace one more time. Was running low, so I didn't redo it.

I'm wondering if this isn't the cause for the slight whine noise, so I might buy more and keep replacing until it runs clear.

Thoughts anyone?

[Pittsburger]

Ok, after listening around the engine compartment and doing more online research. I have come to the conclusion that it is a whine from the alternator. Here's a good example:

I am calling my local dealer to see if it's covered under the maintenance plan.

[Pittsburger]

I found out this whine is normal for 328i, sat in a brand new 328 and it did the same thing. It sounds cheap now that I have noticed it

[Rollo`]

Sorry I didn't post back to this thread...my dealer informed me that the noise was normal as Pittsburger has reported.

[Breakspear]

I had my 09 328i in for the warranty lifter replacement, I had originally taken the car in for the whining noise as described in the first video, my car was not as loud. SA said same thing that it was normal engine noise.

When I dropped off the car for the warranty work I asked the SA to take a drive with me this time to have him hear the noise, of course he said the same story that it was normal engine noise. Interestingly enough when I picked up the car after the lifter work the SA told me they had reviewed the alternator and tested it and that it was in fact failing and BMW would be replacing it under warranty.

So just waiting for the call now to say the alternator is in stock, I'm really looking forward to this replacement, the whine/howl is intolerable.

If you're still under warranty keep taking it back, it's clear these alternators are far from perfect and expensive to replace your self.

[Breakspear]

Just a follow up to my previous post; I had the alternator replaced under warranty and I could tell the difference when the car was at idle and reving the engine that the alternator whine was gone. Great, thanks BMW!

The only problem now is that I still have the whine/rumble when I drive the car, just up to 70km then it gets absorbed by the other road noises and is un-noticable at highway speeds.
The SA said it's normal for the 328i's with automatic transmission and that seems to be supported by posts on other forums but I just can't imagine BMW making a car in 2009 that sounds like an old truck going through the gears, love the car but this drive whine/rumble is really anoying and I can't help but wonder if it's a harbinger of problems to come.

Has any one else had this experiance with their 328i and what solutions if any have been talked about?

[Pittsburger]

Originally Posted by Breakspear

The only problem now is that I still have the whine/rumble when I drive the car, just up to 70km then it gets absorbed by the other road noises and is un-noticable at highway speeds.
The SA said it's normal for the 328i's with automatic transmission and that seems to be supported by posts on other forums but I just can't imagine BMW making a car in 2009 that sounds like an old truck going through the gears, love the car but this drive whine/rumble is really anoying and I can't help but wonder if it's a harbinger of problems to come.

Has any one else had this experiance with their 328i and what solutions if any have been talked about?

This whine - the "normal" whine is also what my SA said is normal.
I drove a brand new 328i 2012 with only 1 or 2 months in and it also had the same whine.

Now, I just ignore the "normal" whine since its normal to 328 engine/alternator designs.

Note: The 330 engine does NOT make this whine (and I assume 335 engine also doesn't).

[andremina]

Hi everyone,

I had the exact same problem in my car for 4 months and 2 days ago found the fix. The noise was coming from the power steering pump (Which my BMW dealer said was normal). I had the pump replaced and the noise is gone.

Hope that helps!