Whistling 2011 328i n52 e91

Mike K · 10-11-2021, 04:09 PM

UPDATE OCT 2021:

I just returned from a 2200 mile vacation from Chicago to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota in our 2011 e91. The car performed without a hitch and we got about 28 mpg for the trip. Really fun & scenic BMW drives in the Black Hills to be sure! Super smooth roads in SD too.

I'm not saying I'm "outta the woods" with my faulty Vanos bolts issue, but with the repairs I have profiled in this thread, along with changing the Motul oil every 3750 miles I'm feeling quite a bit better.

I also am changing the oil filter every $1875 miles to make sure I'm getting any stray particulate from the chowed exhaust Vanos bolts too. That and a Liqui Moly engine flush on each of the quick oil changes are my regime for now.

I'm planning on dropping the oil pan to hunt down the three missing bolt heads and also doing the water pump & t stat job in the spring of 2022. Fingers still crossed but feeling much relief!

SCS55 · 10-11-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

UPDATE OCT 2021:

I just returned from a 2200 mile vacation from Chicago to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota in our 2011 e91. The car performed without a hitch and we got about 28 mpg for the trip. Really fun & scenic BMW drives in the Black Hills to be sure! Super smooth roads in SD too.

I'm not saying I'm "outta the woods" with my faulty Vanos bolts issue, but with the repairs I have profiled in this thread, along with changing the Motul oil every 3750 miles I'm feeling quite a bit better.

I also am changing the oil filter every $1875 miles to make sure I'm getting any stray particulate from the chowed exhaust Vanos bolts too. That and a Liqui Moly engine flush on each of the quick oil changes are my regime for now.

I'm planning on dropping the oil pan to hunt down the three missing bolt heads and also doing the water pump & t stat job in the spring of 2022. Fingers still crossed but feeling much relief!

Thx for the update, that's great news and the car looks sweet. + 1 on the Motul…. I changed mine two weeks ago with Motul 5W40 Gen 2, cut open the filter (nothing found), and sent a sample to Blackstone. Good luck on the water pump and T stat refresh, it's very easy to do on the N52.

Mike K · 10-11-2021, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCS55

Thx for the update, that's great news and the car looks sweet. + 1 on the Motul…. I changed mine two weeks ago with Motul 5W40 Gen 2, cut open the filter (nothing found), and sent a sample to Blackstone. Good luck on the water pump and T stat refresh, it's very easy to do on the N52.

Thanks SC555! It was your posts and other helpful folks too about this same issue that encouraged me to proceed with the repairs. I appreciate you man!

SCS55 · 10-13-2021, 05:38 PM

Here is my oil analysis with (3 bolt heads sitting in my pan). So far so good. This sample was Castrol 5W30 Euro Blend. I'm currently running Motul 5W40.

TheGoodTheBadTheUgly · 04-21-2022, 02:26 PM

Hello guys, I come from the N54/N55 platform and I am trying to diagnose my friends 2011 E90 328i.

I have found many symptoms similar to what is described in this thread but I didn't hear any VANOS rattle so far. The whining seems to appear 10 minutes in everytime I start the car. On startuo there is only rough idle, no whining noise at all. Did it use to take time to start whining for you too or was it instant?

Another thing is it throws two VANOS intake codes. I tried cleaning and swapping the solenoids but code still appears on intake.

Do you guys think its only a dead PCV/Valve cover or there is something more like your situation behind it?

Mike K · 04-21-2022, 10:35 PM

As the OP, the whistling would start after a few minutes and the engine was up to temperature. Rough idle, noisy clatter and only a check engine light with no other codes.

Has your friends 328i had the faulty Vanos bolts recall or replacement under the 10 year warranty? Once you open up the VC you’ll see for yourself. Faulty torx bolts have a center “security” center pin.

SCS55 · 04-23-2022, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

As the OP, the whistling would start after a few minutes and the engine was up to temperature. Rough idle, noisy clatter and only a check engine light with no other codes.

Has your friends 328i had the faulty Vanos bolts recall or replacement under the 10 year warranty? Once you open up the VC you'll see for yourself. Faulty torx bolts have a center "security" center pin.

^^^This +1^^^
My squealing started fairly instantly followed by the engine chattering a few days later. I too swapped Vanos Solenoids to no avail. In the end, the fix was a new Valve Cover (mine cracked during removal) and replacing the Vanos adjuster screws and that solved everything. A little pricey for the VC and a tedious screw replace procedure, but completely doable.

Frankenstein_135 · 10-21-2022, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

UPDATE FROM BMW NA: My BMW NA "genius" Colin called to say that "the engine in my e91 is not in the recall range". I told him I'm still proceeding with the NHTSA formal complaint as my 2011 e91 engine IS actually in the recall range and contains the faulty bolts. But he couldn't tell me what the recall range actually was. I don't think he knew..

He did finally apologize for insisting my engine was a 4 cylinder however! A small victory. If the NHTSA complaint folks get back to me, I'll post updates here.

In the meantime 2009-2011 e91 folks, check thos Vanos bolts and save yourself a major headache!

Hi Mike, any updates on the complaint? I'm having the exact same issue and was told that my car is not included in the recall and that I have passed the 10-year extended warranty for the VANOS bolts. Thinking about filing a complaint as well.

My thread: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1959160

Mike K · 10-23-2022, 07:57 AM

So far no traction on the NHTSA complaint. I think if more e91 folks take the few minutes to file a complaint, it could indeed help. In the meantime, check and replace those faulty security pin Vanos torx bolts!

bryanjb · 11-30-2022, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

So far no traction on the NHTSA complaint. I think if more e91 folks take the few minutes to file a complaint, it could indeed help. In the meantime, check and replace those faulty security pin Vanos torx bolts!

Mike,

My E91 is very similar to yours, except being an Xi. It is up for the winter, but first thing this spring I will be checking those bolts. Glad its worked out for you. I'm glad you helped get this on my radar, so thank you.

I'd like to see this thread kept alive. I may preemptively file a NHTSA complaint to add depth to their database.

I'll be posting back here in a few months at the most with my findings and / or work.

Mike K · 11-30-2022, 09:44 PM

Thanks Bryan. Yeah along with the inexpensive Vanos replacement bolts, I did the VC, ESS sensor, Vanos solenoids and filter cleaning, plugs, and coil packs.

But how us e91 folks got left out of this recall is beyond me!

I keep dreaming that the NHTSA will take some action on this, but not holding me breath. Additional complaints is the only way it will ever happen.

SCS55 · 12-01-2022, 03:48 PM

Update here….. last week my intake cam adjuster started making the same rattling sound and evidently threw a "Camshaft A over re tarted" code. As I should have done a year ago when I did the exhaust cam bolt upgrade, I took the valve cover off and all 4 bolts were migrating off. :30 minutes of replacing the bolts and a new VC gasket back on with no issues.
Bottom line…do both cam adjusters while you are in there!

Mike K · 11-16-2023, 01:11 PM

UPDATE 11-15-23 BMW has FINALLY issued recall #23V-707 to replace the faulty Vanos bolts 2 years on from this original thread! Get yours repaired on their nickel!

Run your Vin on the BMW Recall site here:

https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls.html

Let us know how it goes?

10-11-2021, 04:09 PM	#45
Mike K First Lieutenant 322 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i e91 [0.00]	UPDATE OCT 2021: I just returned from a 2200 mile vacation from Chicago to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota in our 2011 e91. The car performed without a hitch and we got about 28 mpg for the trip. Really fun & scenic BMW drives in the Black Hills to be sure! Super smooth roads in SD too. I'm not saying I'm "outta the woods" with my faulty Vanos bolts issue, but with the repairs I have profiled in this thread, along with changing the Motul oil every 3750 miles I'm feeling quite a bit better. I also am changing the oil filter every $1875 miles to make sure I'm getting any stray particulate from the chowed exhaust Vanos bolts too. That and a Liqui Moly engine flush on each of the quick oil changes are my regime for now. I'm planning on dropping the oil pan to hunt down the three missing bolt heads and also doing the water pump & t stat job in the spring of 2022. Fingers still crossed but feeling much relief! Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-13-2021, 05:38 PM	#48
SCS55 Lieutenant 291 Rep 408 Posts Drives: E90,F30, F80 Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Space Coast Florida iTrader: (0)	Update, Blackstone UOA Here is my oil analysis with (3 bolt heads sitting in my pan). So far so good. This sample was Castrol 5W30 Euro Blend. I'm currently running Motul 5W40. Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 Mike K322.00 Quote

04-21-2022, 02:26 PM	#49
TheGoodTheBadTheUgly Captain 258 Rep 674 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Gatineau iTrader: (0)	Hello guys, I come from the N54/N55 platform and I am trying to diagnose my friends 2011 E90 328i. I have found many symptoms similar to what is described in this thread but I didn't hear any VANOS rattle so far. The whining seems to appear 10 minutes in everytime I start the car. On startuo there is only rough idle, no whining noise at all. Did it use to take time to start whining for you too or was it instant? Another thing is it throws two VANOS intake codes. I tried cleaning and swapping the solenoids but code still appears on intake. Do you guys think its only a dead PCV/Valve cover or there is something more like your situation behind it? Attached Images __________________ TOTALED \| 2011 E90 335i xDrive - BMS Cold Air Intake - ETS Charge Pipe - ETS 7" FMIC - MHD Stage 2+ - GFB DV+ - PE Mod - VRSF Catless Downpipe - xDelete - xHP Stage 3 2015 E84 X1 35i M-Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2022, 10:35 PM	#50
Mike K First Lieutenant 322 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i e91 [0.00]	As the OP, the whistling would start after a few minutes and the engine was up to temperature. Rough idle, noisy clatter and only a check engine light with no other codes. Has your friends 328i had the faulty Vanos bolts recall or replacement under the 10 year warranty? Once you open up the VC you’ll see for yourself. Faulty torx bolts have a center “security” center pin.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2022, 07:57 AM	#53
Mike K First Lieutenant 322 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i e91 [0.00]	So far no traction on the NHTSA complaint. I think if more e91 folks take the few minutes to file a complaint, it could indeed help. In the meantime, check and replace those faulty security pin Vanos torx bolts!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2022, 09:44 PM	#55
Mike K First Lieutenant 322 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i e91 [0.00]	Thanks Bryan. Yeah along with the inexpensive Vanos replacement bolts, I did the VC, ESS sensor, Vanos solenoids and filter cleaning, plugs, and coil packs. But how us e91 folks got left out of this recall is beyond me! I keep dreaming that the NHTSA will take some action on this, but not holding me breath. Additional complaints is the only way it will ever happen.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2022, 03:48 PM	#56
SCS55 Lieutenant 291 Rep 408 Posts Drives: E90,F30, F80 Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Space Coast Florida iTrader: (0)	Update here….. last week my intake cam adjuster started making the same rattling sound and evidently threw a "Camshaft A over re tarted" code. As I should have done a year ago when I did the exhaust cam bolt upgrade, I took the valve cover off and all 4 bolts were migrating off. :30 minutes of replacing the bolts and a new VC gasket back on with no issues. Bottom line…do both cam adjusters while you are in there!
	Appreciate 1 Mike K322.00 Quote

11-16-2023, 01:11 PM	#57
Mike K First Lieutenant 322 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i e91 [0.00]	UPDATE 11-15-23 BMW has FINALLY issued recall #23V-707 to replace the faulty Vanos bolts 2 years on from this original thread! Get yours repaired on their nickel! Run your Vin on the BMW Recall site here: https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls.html Let us know how it goes?
	Appreciate 0 Quote