328xi Engine Whine??

Hi Folks,

I've driven a number of BMW's and have owned two (a 330Cic and 335i (e93). Today, I test drove a 328xi sedan with an automatic for the first time. While it's no turbo-charged 335 beast, I found the power to be quite acceptable (am looking at getting a sportwagon, but none in stock).

Anyway - I experienced a noticeable whine coming from the engine compartment in front of the driver side (so it seemed). It's pitch rise and fall was directly related to RPM's. At cruising speed on the highway, it pretty much disappeared, but not entirely.

Is this typical for this model? Anyone else experience this sound, or do you think it's something amiss? It almost had that power steering pump whine when it is beginning to fail. I mentioned it to the CA after the test drive and she said she couldn't comment but would have to have a tech check it out. (we didn't) I liked the car, otherwise. But if this is typical, I'm quite disappointed. I intend to ask one of the technicians about this, but was also hoping for feedback from "the real world". Thanks.

Doug

Hmmm.... 31 views, and NO ONE drives a 328xi and can't say if they have this noise????

Doug

No whine that I could notice. Maybe 2011 models have a new whine generator or something...

I have heard this same whine on my 2008 328i, it seems to be directly in sync with the transmission. I hear it most when slowing down, when the transmission is gearing down... I had all but completely forgotten about it until I read this thread.

Things like that drive me crazy too, thanks for reminding me about it...

Not sure what you mean by the "whine," but my car does make some high-pitched whistling noise. It makes that sound when my foot is off the gas pedal at around 40-50 mph. And when coming to a stop as well.

check the tail pipe, male version does not whine

I guess you could consider it a whistle... But regardless of our opinion of what the noise sounds like it does occur under those circumstances...

No whine whatsoever from my 128i or my E91 328i - but both are manual transmission and rwd. Good luck on sorting it out.

Tom

Tom,

Thank you for that. I have a Subaru Outback (AWD of course) and that car has a softer version of this "whine". I'm wondering if RWD versions of the 328i have this same sound or if it is somehow related to the x-drive ?

Doug

OP, is it a sound like in the video at the top of this thread?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...t=engine+whine

This is how mine sounds.

Originally Posted by iwanna330cic

Tom,

Thank you for that. I have a Subaru Outback (AWD of course) and that car has a softer version of this "whine". I'm wondering if RWD versions of the 328i have this same sound or if it is somehow related to the x-drive ?

Doug

My rear wheel drive does that too, as someone mentioned before it must be transmission related, but normal.

At least only whining.....but if your car also moaning and crabbing, you might need to give her more attention?
I have heard about this problem before and as soon as the car warms up the noise goes away...So I think it's normal...

Armando,

Thank you for that link. Somehow I missed that in my search. And - yes that does seem to be what I am talking about. After reading posts in that thread, and some here - it seems MOST find it an unsavory effect of the "GM transmission" in the 328i or 328xi. I find it interesting, though, that some say they don't hear this in their 328. Odd. The 335 does not do that, and I am quite certain the X3 (2.8) I drove also did not. The X3 35 clearly did not... these are different transmissions, so it makes sense that's where the noise is coming from. This is very disappointing to me as I was seriously zeroing in on getting the 328xi sportwagon. I just could not enjoy driving this thing with that sound. Man - I sure wish BMW would put the 3.5 engine in their wagons.

This makes me feel I need to reconsider the new X3. Its a really nice re-do, but more money and possibly a bigger vehicle than I really need.

sigh.

Doug

Originally Posted by armando95

OP, is it a sound like in the video at the top of this thread?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...t=engine+whine

This is how mine sounds.

I watched that video. No such noise in my car And yes, I do have GM A/T (which is awful, esp. combined with somewhat "random" throttle response in "D" mode).

I don't know about you but it sort of adds an unusual flavor to the car. It does not bother me a bit in fact it calms me down a little, but to each his own.

Originally Posted by AlexK

I watched that video. No such noise in my car And yes, I do have GM A/T (which is awful, esp. combined with somewhat "random" throttle response in "D" mode).

Random throttle responses... man you hit the nail on the head.. My 328xi's Trans is driving me nuts!

Originally Posted by AlexK

I watched that video. No such noise in my car And yes, I do have GM A/T (which is awful, esp. combined with somewhat "random" throttle response in "D" mode).

Maybe it's to do with the model year? Not sure. Mine sounds exactly like in the video. It does it in park, neutral, or drive. The whine seems directly tied to the RPMs, almost as if it's just a regular sound of the engine. If I didn't know it was abnormal, I'd think this is just how the engine sounds from inside the cab. That's what I thought, until now, you guys got me worried, haha..

Originally Posted by brewder

Random throttle responses... man you hit the nail on the head.. My 328xi's Trans is driving me nuts!

You can use the "DS" mode instead, it kinda "fixes" the throttle response, though not everyone might like (or need in particular situation, such as in slow-moving traffic) the very "responsive" throttle in that mode. Would be perfect if there would be a "middle ground", without the need to constantly switch between "D" and "DS" mode each time you need to pass someone, get on highway or simply accelerate in a predictable manner.

Depending on whether you like the noise or not.

It is like having sex, if your partner makes a whining sound, you can consider it a good thing that he/she really enjoys your company, therefore getting excited and want to hear more, or you can get distracted and whimped out, never the same man again

Don't hear it with my 6MT.

Originally Posted by dtc100

Depending on whether you like the noise or not.

It is like having sex, if your partner makes a whining sound, you can consider it a good thing that he/she really enjoys your company, therefore getting excited and want to hear more, or you can get distracted and whimped out, never the same man again

Not all the time.
I normally make fake wild noises just to help boost "his" ego and speed things up!!!


Sent from my iPhone using BimmerApp

Originally Posted by GiaGiaJa

Not all the time.
I normally make fake wild noises just to help boost "his" ego and speed things up!!!


Sent from my iPhone using BimmerApp

Luckily our 328i's do not fake sound, here is one guys can always fall back on

Originally Posted by machtnichts

Don't hear it with my 6MT.

+1. The Getrag MT in the 328i is a gem.

I am okay with that. Fake wild noises usually work fine if everyone just goes along with it. You know, GiaGia, you add a lot to this forum. I can't figure out if you are in Thailand or Las Vegas. I am guessing Las Vegas which is fine because it is closer. If I ever get as far away as Bankok, I may not be coming back.

Hot Toddy

Originally Posted by GiaGiaJa

Not all the time.
I normally make fake wild noises just to help boost "his" ego and speed things up!!!


Sent from my iPhone using BimmerApp

Originally Posted by Hot Toddy

I am okay with that. Fake wild noises usually work fine if everyone just goes along with it. You know, GiaGia, you add a lot to this forum. I can't figure out if you are in Thailand or Las Vegas. I am guessing Las Vegas which is fine because it is closer. If I ever get as far away as Bankok, I may not be coming back.

Hot Toddy

Hey that was my idea!

I know I know, if I did not try it, one of our ladies will. They sure keep us in line. What was lacking on that other site was a few ladies keeping those boys in their proper places