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Old 03-05-2013, 03:00 PM
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Engine whistle diagnosed - details

I originally posted about this here:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ak-squeal.html

reference - 2011 E70 X5 fully loaded, very low mileage, pristine, not abused, etc.

Because there now appears to be something specifically diagnosed and recognized by BMW NA as an issue, I thought I'd start a new thread.

For those that haven't heard this noise... lucky you. It sounds like three gophers whistling and is usually audible at cold idle and on rare occasions can be heard while driving. However, the seriously audible moment is immediately after the engine is shut off. The whistles are quite pronounced (loud and long).

I originally thought it might be belts/pulleys or alternator bearings. But it doesn't sound like metal on metal. It was more of a whistle and a whistle means air. So I thought i might be the manifold gasket, or a cracked tube, or something related to the turbos.

Several weeks ago, the otherwise mystified Dealer acknowledged the noise and tried to solve the issue by replacing the manifold gaskets. Best intentions. No complaints. But the noise did not go away. Alternator bearings seemed fine. Tubes, belts and pulleys too.

Then the Dealer said they received word from BMW NA that several engines out there need to have their front and rear crank bearings inspected and likely replaced due to a manufacturing defect. Based on presenting symptoms from several vehicles including X5s and X3s they suggest that this is the solution for me. I hope so.

Dealer ordered some special collection of parts and tools under instruction from BMW NA. Took the X5 in yesterday as the supplies have arrived after a considerable delay. So, my X5 is in for the warranty front and rear bearing replacement.

I have been unable to find the mystery service bulletin or find any other official reference to this sound/issue. I have seen a few posts asking about a whistling noise involving a wide range of X5s. This may be the reason.

Anybody want to discuss this?

Last edited by EenyBear; 03-05-2013 at 03:40 PM.
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Old 03-05-2013, 05:20 PM
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This statement made me think it might not be crank bearings:

"However, the seriously audible moment is immediately after the engine is shut off. The whistles are quite pronounced (loud and long)."

If the whistles are there after engine is shut off, how can it be crank bearings if the crank is not in use?

I hear whistles after shutting off the engine (35d) or when turning on ignition, but those are (I assume) electirc pumps and other equipment. Does not sound like "airy"..
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Old 03-05-2013, 05:49 PM
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Thanks for the reply.

Apparently, it's not that the bearings are making the noise. It's the seal that isn't perfect, according to BMW NA. At least, that's the current theory. I'll keep you posted.

This has been described to me as "faulty bearings that are allowing the passage of air". I presume they meant "bearing seals" because if the bearings, per se, were an issue there would be a whole different set of problems and thankfully, I don't think we've come to that.

So, when the crank stops, the pressure inside and outside the block attempt to equalize and some air squeaks by one or both of the bearing seals. That's the story....

Seems plausible. It's beyond my expertise, unfortunately.

Last edited by EenyBear; 03-05-2013 at 05:57 PM.
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Old 03-05-2013, 09:59 PM
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Just got the X5 back. Completely fixed as far as I can tell.

According to the dealer, mine is the second such factory initiated repair to address the same symptoms.

Happy ending for now.
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Old 03-10-2013, 12:59 PM
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I bet they replaced either the rear or front main seals. There is a bulletin.
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Old 03-10-2013, 10:55 PM
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Yeah, they actually replaced both seals.
Whistle no more....

Do you have a link to the bulletin?
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