[ConorM22]

Hi All,

First time poster, bear with me:

2012 BMW 535xi M Package (F10) N55 with about (128,000 miles)

Looking for some help diagnosing a whirling/whining/squealing sound (video below).

The noise mostly occurs when the vehicle is in gear (forward and reverse - both idle and moving - the noise is continuous/does not stop when in gear). The noise tends to cut off immediately upon parking. However, the noise does pop up for a few seconds even when parked at times (every 2-5 minute intervals you might hear it squeak for a few seconds before going away).

I had my neighbor who is a licensed mechanic, give it a quick 10 minute look-over and he had no guesses. He mentioned the pulleys, tensioner, and belts all seemed fine in his opinion. To me, it seems to more seated towards the bottom of the engine and towards the cabin rather than the front bumper (sort of generally near the transmission/oil pan area) but I could be off. About to order a stethoscope and see if I can better pinpoint.

I recently replaced the HVAC blower motor so i'm ruling that out along with the water pump and thermostat which I replaced both about 10k miles ago. Otherwise, no known issues with the car to-date so any suggestions/hunches would be more than welcomed!

The video is short but the noise does not change from whats in the video.

Thanks everyone.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tpsTxHQZgFk?feature=share

[Surly73]

Pull the oil filler cap while it's making the noise if you can. If the noise stops and/or there is high vacuum holding the filler cap on it is your CCV. Replace the valve cover.

If this is the problem, the noise is air being sucked past the rear main seal and squealing like a blade of grass between your thumbs. Stop running it in this condition, you're ruining the seal. It may already need replacing.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Originally Posted by ConorM22

Hi All,

First time poster, bear with me:

2012 BMW 535xi M Package (F10) N55 with about (128,000 miles)

Looking for some help diagnosing a whirling/whining/squealing sound (video below).

The noise mostly occurs when the vehicle is in gear (forward and reverse - both idle and moving - the noise is continuous/does not stop when in gear). The noise tends to cut off immediately upon parking. However, the noise does pop up for a few seconds even when parked at times (every 2-5 minute intervals you might hear it squeak for a few seconds before going away).

I had my neighbor who is a licensed mechanic, give it a quick 10 minute look-over and he had no guesses. He mentioned the pulleys, tensioner, and belts all seemed fine in his opinion. To me, it seems to more seated towards the bottom of the engine and towards the cabin rather than the front bumper (sort of generally near the transmission/oil pan area) but I could be off. About to order a stethoscope and see if I can better pinpoint.

I recently replaced the HVAC blower motor so i'm ruling that out along with the water pump and thermostat which I replaced both about 10k miles ago. Otherwise, no known issues with the car to-date so any suggestions/hunches would be more than welcomed!

The video is short but the noise does not change from whats in the video.

Thanks everyone.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tpsTxHQZgFk?feature=share

Sounds like a pulley or tensioner to me honestly. I'd buy a kit and replace it all.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Originally Posted by Surly73

Pull the oil filler cap while it's making the noise if you can. If the noise stops and/or there is high vacuum holding the filler cap on it is your CCV. Replace the valve cover.

If this is the problem, the noise is air being sucked past the rear main seal and squealing like a blade of grass between your thumbs. Stop running it in this condition, you're ruining the seal. It may already need replacing.

Keep this in mind as I am aware that this also makes odd noises when it is going bad.

[NikMN]

Also check your oil filter. Collapsed filter will make "leaf in the intake" noise. Not sure how it does but it happened twice on my n55

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by NikMN

Also check your oil filter. Collapsed filter will make "leaf in the intake" noise. Not sure how it does but it happened twice on my n55

"How" for that scenario is usually either

1/ cheap aftermarket oil filter - use Mann, Mahle or Hengst, they aren't even expensive

2/ the cage normally attached to the oil filter cap which goes inside the oil filter has broken off and is stuck inside an old oil filter and discarded. I don't think #2 usually squeals but it's bad news for your engine so is worth checking.