M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: geezerman402 on May 06, 2010, 10:08:19 PM

Title: Engine whine (noise question)
Post by: geezerman402 on May 06, 2010, 10:08:19 PM
New-to-me car, had this sound since I bought it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mIH5eBbbrI

In the video, when there isn't copious amounts of wind noise, you can here a whine from the engine. Sounds a bit like a supercharger, or something. Is this a normal sound for the m42 to make? I only ask because every other car I've ever driven had a timing belt instead of a chain, so for all I know it could be that. Or something could be on the verge of exploding.

It's definitely the engine, and you an really hear it as it winds down in the video. The engine has a cone filter on the front, so if the engine naturally whines, that could make it slightly louder.
Title: Engine whine (noise question)
Post by: flyinglizard on May 06, 2010, 11:26:41 PM
The replacement timing chain rails are hard plastic. These make more noise than the OE hard rubber, kinda like a strait cut gear drive, but a little more subtle. The AC compressor clutch can make some noise, the PS pump often makes a whine.  There are a few noise makers in these cars.  They are for sure not quiet. IMHO.