"Whir" noise under hood

Here are the symptoms:

A "Whir" noise under the hood regardless of temperature. Noise is contant. The noise is present from what I can tell only when stopped with the car in gear. Once placed in neutral, the noise disappears. Also, while in gear, once the accelerator is pressed, noise goes away rapidly. Idle seems fine. Thanks in advance for all help.

almost sounds like an output shaft bearing but don't think that would be it. It isn't the clutch fan permanently stuck on is it? Auto or stick? If it's a stick it's your throwout bearing.

Its an auto.

I had a noise that would only happen when in gear with the brake on. It was the bottom of the air box rubbing the inside of the fender well.
I used some rubber foam between the two with a sticky side and no more noise.
My car is a 1998 528i

001, amazing coincidence that you would bring this up. I have the same exact problem.

mra 29: what exactly is the air box?

Wait a minute, just noticed that you guys have 528i, would you happen to know if it is the same for the 540i?

Thanks

Not sure if it's the same on 540. I had my wife sit in the car with the car in gear with the brake on and I was able to lift the box just a little and the noise stopped. The box is where the air filter goes connected to the throttle body and mass air flow sensor. You will need to remove the air box only so you can see the bottom where it is rubbing the fender or maybe just needs to be snugged up.

When transmission is placed in park, the noise disappears, but when in gear is present.