Loud noise

[LanStart]

Hello I am trying to figure out what might be causing my car to be so loud. There are different situatuions that cause this and I am going to try and explain them the best I can. Well the first problem is that I've been told that my car sounds like a airplane, leaf blower,etc. To me it sounds like a fan but I have no idea. I've checked the fan tried moving it but it remains stuck so I dont think its the clutch of the fan. Another noise can be heard from the wheels. I believe my control arms and bearings need to be changed and I will be doing that very soon. There is rattle from my doors I believe its the door panels because previous owner did some stupid work on them. My main concern is the noise that I get from driving. The very loud engine noise is a little disturbing. The cabin noise seems about the same from every other I've seen except when I stay at a constant speed(again thinking its the bearings and so forth). If you all can help me I would very much appreciate it:thumbup:. Thanks

[mksu19]

E36's have been known to be loud. I've heard some with exhaust kits that seemed louder than my Bimmer. Maybe the people you come across with are used to Prius' and the likes. :D But seriously, if it concerns you that much, take it to a competent Bimmer tech to get analyzed. OR, post a sound test or video.

EDIT: Just re-read your post, maybe your thermostat is stuck to the on position which makes the "Fan" come on at all times (or something like that). Anyways, I remember seeing a thread here before about a guy who constantly had his fan on. Do a search on it and you're bound to find the thread I was just talking about.

[LanStart]

My only concern is if that noise isnt normal. but thanks never thought of the thermostat.

oh and I will try to get some sound/vid. up thanks again :)

[bboyvek]

sounds like you either need to get a new drive belt or pulleys.

[LanStart]

Will the pulleys make that noise? I kno for sure I need new pulleys Im waitin for better weather to change them though. Thanks for the reply

[E36 Phantom]

I've checked the fan tried moving it but it remains stuck so I dont think its the clutch of the fan.

You've solved your own problem dude. If the engine is off, the fan should move freely. If it sounds like an airplane or semi taking off, it means your fan clutch is locked up. Replace it, quick. It's a huge draw on your engine, and it could EXPLODE at any time. The fans are made out of some cheap plastic that can't take the abuse, and they can literally just explode and send shards through the hood, your radiator, hoses, etc.

If you also have a loud whirring from the wheels, check your bearings. But again, sounds like the fan clutch definitely needs to be replaced.

[LanStart]

Really??? I looked at another post and they said that it should be stuck.. oh the confusion lol thanks a ton Im going to change that as well. Is it hard I hear its time consuming if you dont have the tools. Thanks a bunch. lol hopefully with this good weather I can do a lot of good for my car :D

[E36 Phantom]

What the? No! It should be stuck when the car is hot and it needs the help. All other times, it should rotate freely. In fact, when the car is idling (and not hot) you should be able to stop it very gently and easily with a finger (use a thin section of rolled up newspaper, not a finger, to check it.....:rofl:). If the car isn't that hot and it shreds it, it's stuck engaged.

Yes, it is kind of a PITA just cause there's not a whole lot of room. Not very complicated, though. Read the DIYs, it seems like I might have read that it's held on with left hand bolts, but I could be wrong.....

[MrAbbs325is]

It is left handed, its also is a pain to get off. You need a rubber mallet and probably a 3 ft. pry bar to lock and slip in between the bolts of the clutch. Wack it good & hard because it being left handed, it tightens itself. Thats just to take the fan off BTW.

[LanStart]

Ahahahaha if I were to try and stop the fan I think I would be without a arm right now. Thanks for the info you've been very helpful :D

[LanStart]

thanks mr abbs