X3MC Making a Whining Sound on Startup

btks · 01-27-2021, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottX3M

Following this thread. I have this issue as well on my 2020 X3M non comp. I do not daily mine and it's currently below 40 degrees in Missouri. I get the same sound for about 10-15 seconds on cold start.

I can confirm replacing the lower idler pulley resolved the problem for me. It appears the pulley wore out prematurely, as the whining noise is an indicator of a worn pulley.

They also replaced the alternator and alternator belt tensioner, but those were the first two attempts and not the root cause.

spta97 · 02-09-2021, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btks

I had this repaired under warranty. It took a little over two weeks, but they ended up replacing the alternator belt tensioner, alternator, and lower idler pulley. The noise is now gone, both at idle and cold start, according to the service invoice I just received. I’ll pickup my vehicle tomorrow.

On other cars when this happened, it was either the belt or the tensioner that needed replacing.

Brian-f · 03-02-2021, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btks

I can confirm replacing the lower idler pulley resolved the problem for me. It appears the pulley wore out prematurely, as the whining noise is an indicator of a worn pulley.

They also replaced the alternator and alternator belt tensioner, but those were the first two attempts and not the root cause.

Forgot to reply the other week to say the sound has disappeared now that its not feezing temps anymore, however did your car whine in time to the revs? Noticed when it was idling after first start up(while scraping windscreen of frost) that as i heard the revs drop down the whining also slowed to a stop at the same time?

cookiesowns · 03-17-2021, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btks

I recently hit 12K miles and starting the other day I am experiencing a whining noise on startup on my 2020 X3MC. I’ve never heard this noise before. It goes away after about 10 seconds. In addition, I have also noticed that there is a slight, but noticeable shake when the car is idling.

Link to X3MC Startup Whine on Vimeo

Thanks

Where'd you get the PPF for the gauge cluster?

ObsessedM3C · 03-05-2024, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btks

I can confirm replacing the lower idler pulley resolved the problem for me. It appears the pulley wore out prematurely, as the whining noise is an indicator of a worn pulley.

They also replaced the alternator and alternator belt tensioner, but those were the first two attempts and not the root cause.

has the noise came back since? another member with the s58 replaced tensioner thinking it fixed it but noise came back on the next cold snap winter

Th3Walrus · 03-05-2024, 01:54 PM

My previous one (X3M) had the belt squeal only when cold. They replaced the tensioner only, and the next cold snap it was still there. I didn't get a chance to take it back to get the lower idler done as it was written off in an accident.

With my replacement X3MC, it hasn't been cold enough since I got it 2 weeks ago.

edcvin · 03-06-2024, 10:38 AM

I also have this same noise on cold start in cold temperatures. I mentioned it during my last service and they found no issues. Still currently having the noise when its cold out.

Sayzar · 03-06-2024, 10:56 AM

Also, the same noise only when at cold start when the temp is below 35 degrees. Recently had the car service and the tech found no issues. These cars act weird when temps are cold.

Th3Walrus · 03-06-2024, 11:30 AM

They need to let it sit outside for 4+ hours in below freezing temps.

Krisp97 · 03-14-2024, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayzar

Also, the same noise only when at cold start when the temp is below 35 degrees. Recently had the car service and the tech found no issues. These cars act weird when temps are cold.

I promise you there is an issue with one of the pulleys. Apparently BMW Canada has released a Service Bulletin about it, I dont believe in the USA yet to my knowledge.

I am in the USA, my dealer has already replaced the belt and tensioner last year to no avail, apparently the Canadian bulletin specifies to replace the belt, the tensioner, and the lower idler pulley. I believe my dealer has just replaced the idler pulley and I am awaiting further tests to verify the noise went away and my hopes are pretty high!

Krisp97 · 03-14-2024, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

My previous one (X3M) had the belt squeal only when cold. They replaced the tensioner only, and the next cold snap it was still there. I didn't get a chance to take it back to get the lower idler done as it was written off in an accident.

With my replacement X3MC, it hasn't been cold enough since I got it 2 weeks ago.

Same exact thing with my G80. If you miss the cold weather and it warms up again, its pretty much a done deal til next cold season. That is the most frustrating part about chasing this issue!

YolkyPalky · 03-14-2024, 04:56 PM

Being in San Diego, all my whining sounds at startup are from having a woman in the car.

danniexi · 03-15-2024, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

all my whining sounds at startup are from having a woman in the car.

is she a lease? see if there's any equity in the vehicle for an early trade in. if not, check with your lawyer about lemon laws.

03-05-2024, 01:54 PM	#28
Th3Walrus Lieutenant 341 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 2020 X3MC Alpine White/Sahkir Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	My previous one (X3M) had the belt squeal only when cold. They replaced the tensioner only, and the next cold snap it was still there. I didn't get a chance to take it back to get the lower idler done as it was written off in an accident. With my replacement X3MC, it hasn't been cold enough since I got it 2 weeks ago.
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03-06-2024, 10:38 AM	#29
edcvin Captain 126 Rep 880 Posts Drives: 2006 M5 \| 2011 M3 \| 2020 X3M Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	I also have this same noise on cold start in cold temperatures. I mentioned it during my last service and they found no issues. Still currently having the noise when its cold out. __________________ BMW GARAGE: 2006 M5 \| 2011 M3 \| 2020 X3M IG: @THEIRRATIONALCARGUY Retired: 99' BMW M3 - 05' BMW M3 - 08' BMW M3- 07' Porsche 997TT - 09' Audi R8 - 94' Toyota Supra TT - 16' F80 M3 AND MANY MORE
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03-06-2024, 10:56 AM	#30
Sayzar Major 2581 Rep 1,315 Posts Drives: 2016 435i GC 2020 X4M Comp Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Also, the same noise only when at cold start when the temp is below 35 degrees. Recently had the car service and the tech found no issues. These cars act weird when temps are cold.
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03-06-2024, 11:30 AM	#31
Th3Walrus Lieutenant 341 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 2020 X3MC Alpine White/Sahkir Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	They need to let it sit outside for 4+ hours in below freezing temps.
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03-14-2024, 04:56 PM	#34
YolkyPalky Captain 333 Rep 687 Posts Drives: ‘23 X3MC Dark Graphite Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Being in San Diego, all my whining sounds at startup are from having a woman in the car. __________________ 2011 E90 M3 ZCP Space Gray - gone but never forgotten. 2002 E46 M3 Carbon Black - my “M” first love.
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