[Ricapar]

This started not too long ago.. and it's a really annoying noise, and it doesn't sound quite healthy either.

The noise seems to kick in at almost exactly 1k RPM. Not sure if it goes away at a certain RPM.. usually the engine sound itself will overpower whatever is making the whirring.

I don't know how best to describe it, so here's a video:

I took the video at night while in my driveway, so it's dark and there isn't much to see. The sound is impossible to miss though.

The sound doesn't seem to be dependent on how hot or cold the engine is from what I've seen so far. The video above was taken after I arrived home from work, so the engine was warm at that point.

The sound is still there while driving or while parked (as long as the engine is over 1k RPM).

Anyone have any ideas?

[Ricapar]

Some more info..

It seems that it is fine when the engine is cold. It starts shortly after warming up (5-10 mins or so).

I asked around some other places, someone mentioned it may be the AC blower motor going, and to see if the noise went away when the AC/heat was off. Turned the heat and fans off... and the sound is still there.

I couldn't get too far by putting my ear around the engine while someone revved it up for me. It sounds like it is coming from the middle when I'm under the hood. From inside the car, it sounds like it is coming from the passenger side of the engine bay. I'm thinking about getting one of those mechanic's stethoscopes and seeing if I can pinpoint it any closer with that.

Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated though

[Blackhawk36]

Is the car running well. I sounds like an air leak in the charge air system. Basically downstream of the turbos.

[Ricapar]

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

Is the car running well. I sounds like an air leak in the charge air system. Basically downstream of the turbos.

That sounds plausible.. minus the turbos. No turbos on this car :P (328i)
Car seems to be running well. Just making that noise that bothers me.

It's also an incredibly annoying sound.

I'll check around the intake though.

[sandman0615]

i recently discovered a similar sound in my car, kicks in at 1.2k rpm, clutch in or out, neutral, drive etc. it doesnt increase with engine speed or anything, just a constant annoying whirring noise. stops completely at idle or below 1k rpm

op you figure out the problem? how many miles you have btw?

anyone know if the electric water pump variable speed or on/off? cuz my only guess is it could be about to fail or something

[bamboostk86]

Hello did you find out what was making this sound? mines doing the same thing and I have no idea what it is any help would be great, thnx

[TiminCT]

Check your AC. Sounds like an AC compressor running on low pressure. When you get below .5L of system volume, it will sound like a Volvo turbo diesel truck. Hope that's it, because a can of coolant will take care of it.

Anyway, in your video, that's what it sounds like to me. Turn off your AC and fan, start the car up again and you'll know right away if that's it.

-T

[samulis]

I'm having the exact same issue. Has anyone found out what it is?

[btmn]

I think i am having the same issue. It seems to come on strong at around 2500 - 3500 rpm. Engine temp does not have an effect either. I dont believe that the A/C is the issue because I have had that service recently; and the sound is present when the A/C is not running.

[toryjlarsen]

Did you ever find the culprit?

[ewicky]

Originally Posted by toryjlarsen

Did you ever find the culprit?

for what it's worth, I had this issue and couldn't find anything on the forums after hours of searching. then I searched youtube and some idiot vlogger said he had a similar issue replaced the oil filter to fix it. I thought he was nuts; there's no way an oil filter makes a whining noise at certain RPMs. I figured it's only $10 so I gave it shot. Works great and I don't think he's an idiot anymore. BTW the "faulty" and replacement oil filters were both MANN kits with o-rings.

[toryjlarsen]

Originally Posted by ewicky

for what it's worth, I had this issue and couldn't find anything on the forums after hours of searching. then I searched youtube and some idiot vlogger said he had a similar issue replaced the oil filter to fix it. I thought he was nuts; there's no way an oil filter makes a whining noise at certain RPMs. I figured it's only $10 so I gave it shot. Works great and I don't think he's an idiot anymore. BTW the "faulty" and replacement oil filters were both MANN kits with o-rings.

Yeah I'm curious, because I just started noticing this faint whirring noise as the engine climbs RPMs, in gear or not, ac/heater not on, etc... it sounds similar to this kinda.

[toryjlarsen]

I'm pretty sure I can count out idler pulley and tensioner and belt though because I replaced those a couple months ago, plus sounds from those are more of a "squealing" noise.

[toryjlarsen]

Yeah I'm definitely having the exact same issue, sound and all. Any tips guys??

[toryjlarsen]

After more research I am pretty damn convinced that it is the oil filter, last one I got I forget which brand but it was from autozone, after hearing others with the same exact sound from the oil filter being faulty, I am sure this is the culprit

[toryjlarsen]

Yeah so the oil filter was definitely the issue, it was an STP from autozone, normally I'd get all BMW parts because I got a large discount from the company I worked for, from now on I will only be using BMW parts again.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by ewicky

for what it's worth, I had this issue and couldn't find anything on the forums after hours of searching. then I searched youtube and some idiot vlogger said he had a similar issue replaced the oil filter to fix it. I thought he was nuts; there's no way an oil filter makes a whining noise at certain RPMs. I figured it's only $10 so I gave it shot. Works great and I don't think he's an idiot anymore. BTW the "faulty" and replacement oil filters were both MANN kits with o-rings.

same same.
also MANN filters.

started making noise around 7500 miles into the oil change.

only made noise above 2K RPM or so. super annoying.

[BadContrakt]

Wow that's some scary shit. A noise like that from a filter? No thanks. I only use mann parts for oil changes and don't go past 5k miles per change on full synthetic.

[mfish123]

Went back to my mechanic that put the alternator in. (BMW tech who does side work) and he touched a long screw driver (kind of like a stethoscope) to the alternator, power steering pump and ac compressor) and held the other end up to his ear. The noise was much louder from the alternator. I do go aftermarket to save a buck.

There is a 1 year parts warranty on it so we're going to warranty the alternator and put an other one in.

He said it sounds like the bearing in the pulley on the alternator crapped out and is making that noise which would make sense.