[mtpockets]

I have noticed that the heater on my 2013 x3 281 sounds like a loud turbo fan when it is on high. It's hard to describe the sound. It has a deep bellowing sound like the air is being forced through a tunnel. As you lower the fan speed the noise gets quieter. Has anyone else had this experience?

[kozzi]

I set mine on "auto" in the winter and leave all my vents open...front and back. Does a nice job of getting the interior warm quickly. I agree it sounds like a leaf blower on the highest setting when you set the fan speed manually.

[mtpockets]

Thanks,

I'll try the same thing. It bothers my wife more then me, I just turn the radio up loader

[snowboardjoe]

I have not noticed any noise here, but the coldest we've had here in Seattle is 35oF. Typically the highest fan speed is pretty loud on almost every BMW, but that's only when it's on max to get the temperature to the set level (really hot day or really cold morning). Could be it's adjusting some vents for maximum effect as well. Of course, this should all diminish as the cabin gets close to human temperature.

Does it sound any different (better or worse) when you activate the front defroster?

I would just leave it in auto and let it do its thing. Even my 2003 325xi did a great job at this and learned to forget it. Drives me insane when my partner adjusts the temperature when he first get in the car--just leave it alone!

[Horsey]

From new, my car had a mild whistle at high fan speed. I considered this a fault, but did not do anything as I suspected that I would be told it was normal.

Recently the whistle was replaced with a mild grating noise at high fan speeds. Like a mild flapping or something. In my opinion this was clearly outside of operating parameters.

I sent the car in and was told that there was nothing wrong.

I strongly objected and told them to compare it to another X3, they came back and agreed that it was not the same.

Further investigation found that one of the fan blades had sheared off.

The replaced the blower unit and everything is now quiet...

[Horsey]

... my next challenge is to convince them that the auto boot actuators are clicking and is not normal.

When sorting out the fan they told me they couldn't hear anything ... I decided to make do with the small victory of the fan and leave the boot for another day!

[mtpockets]

If I turn on the defrosters it get's even loader

[cadman50]

Originally Posted by Horsey

... my next challenge is to convince them that the auto boot actuators are clicking and is not normal.

Are you saying the struts that open the rear hatch are noisy? One of mine makes a sound that doesn't seem normal but I've been told that it is but it might be a little louder than others. it's a worm gear inside they say. I was surprised by that. I'm going to take it to another dealer to see what they say.

[snowboardjoe]

Originally Posted by mtpockets

If I turn on the defrosters it get's even loader

Yeah, that's the loudest it will ever get--everything at full blast through the front defrosters and recirculating the air.

Best advice is to compare it to a friend who has the same car and compare. Of course, it will be when the car and air is cold and them warm it up.

[Horsey]

Originally Posted by cadman50

Are you saying the struts that open the rear hatch are noisy? One of mine makes a sound that doesn't seem normal but I've been told that it is but it might be a little louder than others. it's a worm gear inside they say. I was surprised by that. I'm going to take it to another dealer to see what they say.

Yup, probably the same ...