Squealing noise on a 1999 E36 Compact?

Question

I have a really bad sqealing noise from my engine bay. It's really high pitched and can become VERY loud at times. It only starts after about 7 - 10miles of driving. It's at it's loudest at idle and eases off when accelarating until it eventually stops at about 2500rpm. I have taken it to a couple of garages and they can't seem to find where it is coming from. The car has just had a full service. It is a 1999 BMW E36 316i Compact 1895cc.

The noise doesn't change pitch or volume when turning the steering wheel or dipping the clutch. The car does not have air conditioning. The belts have not been replaced but have had a brief check and sprayed with oil as a quick check, so although it still maybe the belt it is unlikely.

Any ideas of what it could be would be great! Thanks!!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I work with someone who's dad has the same problem on his BMW and it's been a sod to trace the fault. He finally discovered the other day that if you remove the dipstick or oil filler cap and rev the engine the noise goes away!! That set us thinking it could be a blocked breather or pipe. Try doing this and see what happens.

bobweb · Answer

Spraying belts with anything but water is not recommended. I would have the belts replaced with new ones. But the stuff that was sprayed on the belts has to now be thoroughly cleaned off the metal pulley surfaces, or the new belts may slip and make noise as well. The tensioner pulley on your serpentine belt may need replacing if it's not keeping tension on the belt, so have it changed as well.

spreader · Answer

If it were an automatic, I would say it sounds like the gearbox. Might be worth your while having the gearbox checked out.

I have a BMW 525d.  I hav e a problem with the illumination on the clock, it fades out with its mileage and gearbox selector light.

Anonymous · Answer

That is the alternator drive belt.

DONT SPRAY OIL ON IT!!!!!!!!

Get the belt changed and tell them to get all the oil you sprayed off the cogs, then take it back to the garage in 2 weeks to be re-tentioned.

Anonymous · Answer

consider the above positioned up that it sounds like an adjunct belt that's worn/loose. They sell a twig that prevents belt sqeal, this are able that may additionally assist you diagnose it and fasten it. If its loose regardless of the shown fact that no approximately of the spray will sparkling up the concern.

Anonymous · Answer

Could be the distributor drive-common fault that many "Mechanics" overlook

sal · Answer

check your pulleys and belt tensioner if equipped with one

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Squealing noise on a 1999 E36 Compact?

7 Answers