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E39: New whine/howl when cold...air pump maybe?

 
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cybernicus



Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 11
Location: Sandpoint, ID

PostPosted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:02 pm    Post subject: E39: New whine/howl when cold...air pump maybe? Reply with quote

1998 E39 528i Automatic.

On starting the car I'm getting a whine/howl under the hood. Once it's warmed up it goes away. The car doesn't suffer any power loss...it's just a noise.

Is there an air pump or pressure switch/valve that could be going bad? I searched this forum but didn't see anything similar...I can record and post a sound clip if that would help...
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Todd Robinson
'98 528iA

"Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together."
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walshja



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 1139
Location: guilford, ct, usa

PostPosted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a belt tensioner that went bad, squealed when cold, stopped when warm.

can you narrow down the location of the noise? does it sounds mechanical? or something like a vacuum leak?
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joe

1994 325iC, 195k miles
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edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It might be the aux air pump. I seem to remember that moisture can get into it and destroy it. May want to search here. The pump and related stuff lives (or dies) behind the RF fender liner.

The pump only runs a short time during startup, depending on the outside temp.

If no info here, try this forum:

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/forum.php
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.
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cybernicus



Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 11
Location: Sandpoint, ID

PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It sounds to me like it's coming from the right front of the engine bay. It almost a sound like an airplane. My wife jokes that it sounds like our jet is ready for takeoff...

And of course the maddening thing is that when I went to record a sound clip, it's not doing it.

The car is kept in a heated garaged (min 60F), but here in North Idaho it does see its share of cold weather driving (but nothing like MN or WI drivers face).

At the most recent major servicing we replaced the serpentine belt. So it's interesting you mention the tensioner. But it's not a squeak like a slipping belt at all.

Ed, I searched for air pump but didn't find anything relevant to the E39, just older 5 series mostly. I'll check out your link. Thanks!
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Todd Robinson
'98 528iA

"Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together."
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cybernicus



Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 11
Location: Sandpoint, ID

PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/8258382-1.html

Sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing.

Again, gentlemen...thanks for all your help. You guys on here are a wealth of information!
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Todd Robinson
'98 528iA

"Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together."
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cybernicus



Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 11
Location: Sandpoint, ID

PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ed,

I see you replied on that other forum about this issue...

Mine just started making the jet engine noise about 2 weeks ago, and yesterday/today it's not. So does the sound itself mean "replace it ASAP" or does it simply mean this is an item I should address at the next servicing? I guess I'm unclear on the jet noise vs a "boiling" noise...
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Todd Robinson
'98 528iA

"Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together."
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edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wish I could tell you more; I nave no experience with the six.
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