whirring noise when accelerating

lbjgh · 07-15-2013, 05:47 PM

Recently my car has started to make a whirring noise when accelerating. It seems to happen under moderate acceleration when the car is warmed up to operating temps.

Maybe a bad bearing but the pitch changes with each gear change.

To me it sounds like it may be an accessory driven part because when I disable the a/c and radio I can't hear the noise. (no it isn't radio static) ...so at this point the noise is somewhat erratic.

The next service for the rear brakes is in about 5000km so hopefully the car will fix itself (not likely) or the part that's making the noise fails or gets worse making it easier to diagnose.

Anyone else have a whirring noise?

sard · 07-19-2013, 06:06 PM

I have a whirring noise of sorts with moderate acceleration. It only happens roughly between 2-3.5K RPM. For example I'll start accelerating in 1st gear and I wont hear it until about 2500 rpm..then it stops by 3500 rpm. It'll change to 2nd gear and as it's climbing back up I hear it again at about 2500-3000 rpm and it stops again at around 4000 rpm. I made a little video long time ago and posted it on this thread. The dealer said they couldn't hear it. Although I can reproduce it every single time. Sometimes you just don't care enough to bother with it.

richard in NC · 07-19-2013, 06:38 PM

To me, I think I hear an auxilary fan at times.

lbjgh · 07-19-2013, 09:06 PM

I've narrowed the noise down the the AC accessory belt or AC compressor clutch. I pretty much expect the dealership to be "hard of hearing" when I bring the car in to be checked out.

Rodion · 07-22-2013, 03:17 AM

Do you hear it while lifting the gas pedal up and slowing with "engine"?

I have that, as well as when at idle or accelerating, and it disappears when A/C is off.

So it must be something with the AC compressor. Maybe it is dry and makes a little noise because of no lubrication in it.

Or the engine itself is now quieter and that is normal AC compressor noise.

lbjgh · 07-22-2013, 11:25 AM

If you have ever driven a vehicle with a faulty bearing you'll recognize the noise.

The noise is synchronous with the engine RPM when the AC is engaged.

ccobka · 07-22-2013, 08:07 PM

do you notice the noise at hot weather temperatures? Mine did it last week, while it was 100 degrees outside. No issues this week

Rodion · 07-23-2013, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

If you have ever driven a vehicle with a faulty bearing you'll recognize the noise.

The noise is synchronous with the engine RPM when the AC is engaged.

Mine is synchronous with the engine RPM when the AC is engaged.

So the problem must be within the AC compressor.

Or, then again, it is not a problem, it is a feature...

lbjgh · 07-23-2013, 09:38 AM

Rodion,

I think your problem is that your hearing is better than the BMW technician's hearing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodion

Mine is synchronous with the engine RPM when the AC is engaged.

So the problem must be within the AC compressor.

Or, then again, it is not a problem, it is a feature...

S459 · 11-04-2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

Rodion,

I think your problem is that your hearing is better than the BMW technician's hearing.

has anyone found what caused the problem and got it fixed. Thanks

buze · 11-05-2013, 09:04 AM

I also sometime hear a whistling noise, even when the AC is off. However, I suspect the AC is never /entirely/ off... It's definitely not turbo (it's at quite low regime). And it's not all the time.. Been wondering about it for a while...

roadkillrob · 02-09-2014, 06:14 PM

Mine does it, started recently, my 2011 X5 35i did it also. The X5 did it soon after noon and I figured eventually something would break, never got better or worse for 3 years and traded it on the X3, now the X3 does it.

Going to go with normal at this point!

buze · 02-11-2014, 03:29 AM

After many more hours of listening, it only does it when the car is warming up. Once it reaches temperature, it stops. Still sounds wierd...

DBB888 · 08-29-2016, 10:09 AM

Reviving old post- My 2010 diesel would make a whistling whirring noise- found my exhaust gas pressure pipe-rubber piece on pipe split- part # 13627812806 - replaced that - all good.

dscollins · 12-07-2019, 11:11 AM

Hi my bmw x3 f25 auto as been making a whirring noise for some time now seems when its reached operating temperature, theirs no change in noise if a/c is on or off more noticeable at low speed , the noise seems to come from passenger side of car uk model,

383vett · 12-07-2019, 01:23 PM

I've been told that sometimes the tensioner pulley can make noise when it is starting to go out.

dscollins · 01-31-2020, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

Recently my car has started to make a whirring noise when accelerating. It seems to happen under moderate acceleration when the car is warmed up to operating temps.

Maybe a bad bearing but the pitch changes with each gear change.

To me it sounds like it may be an accessory driven part because when I disable the a/c and radio I can't hear the noise. (no it isn't radio static) ...so at this point the noise is somewhat erratic.

The next service for the rear brakes is in about 5000km so hopefully the car will fix itself (not likely) or the part that's making the noise fails or gets worse making it easier to diagnose.

Anyone else have a whirring noise?

Yes i have the same problem have you had any luck solving this issue , my noise seems to come and go , i have had the car for six months now and turning the radio up to distract .

BMWM0t0rsp0rt · 10-07-2021, 11:50 AM

Subscribing to this thread. Maybe some solutions will emerge in time.

The N20 on our F25 is making the sound when the AC is on. Goes away when shut off. Car is new to us and 128k miles. I'm guessing either the belt system driving the compressor, or the compressor itself (bearing and/or low on refrigerant). Will update if I dig into it.

07-15-2013, 05:47 PM	#1
lbjgh Lieutenant Colonel 104 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2013 AW X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North of Toronto iTrader: (0)	whirring noise when accelerating Recently my car has started to make a whirring noise when accelerating. It seems to happen under moderate acceleration when the car is warmed up to operating temps. Maybe a bad bearing but the pitch changes with each gear change. To me it sounds like it may be an accessory driven part because when I disable the a/c and radio I can't hear the noise. (no it isn't radio static) ...so at this point the noise is somewhat erratic. The next service for the rear brakes is in about 5000km so hopefully the car will fix itself (not likely) or the part that's making the noise fails or gets worse making it easier to diagnose. Anyone else have a whirring noise? __________________ 2013, AW, xDrive35i, M Sport Package, Technology Package, Dynamic Comfort Package, Premium Package, 3M Clear Bra, Euro foglight switch, a few coded fixes
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07-19-2013, 06:06 PM	#2
sard Major 235 Rep 1,334 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	I have a whirring noise of sorts with moderate acceleration. It only happens roughly between 2-3.5K RPM. For example I'll start accelerating in 1st gear and I wont hear it until about 2500 rpm..then it stops by 3500 rpm. It'll change to 2nd gear and as it's climbing back up I hear it again at about 2500-3000 rpm and it stops again at around 4000 rpm. I made a little video long time ago and posted it on this thread. The dealer said they couldn't hear it. Although I can reproduce it every single time. Sometimes you just don't care enough to bother with it. __________________ E92 M3 - DCT - 20" BBS LM-R - KW Clubsport - Akrapovic Exhaust - Powerchip Tune - Arkym Aero Kit - HID Halo
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07-19-2013, 06:38 PM	#3
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	To me, I think I hear an auxilary fan at times. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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07-19-2013, 09:06 PM	#4
lbjgh Lieutenant Colonel 104 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2013 AW X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North of Toronto iTrader: (0)	I've narrowed the noise down the the AC accessory belt or AC compressor clutch. I pretty much expect the dealership to be "hard of hearing" when I bring the car in to be checked out. __________________ 2013, AW, xDrive35i, M Sport Package, Technology Package, Dynamic Comfort Package, Premium Package, 3M Clear Bra, Euro foglight switch, a few coded fixes
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2013, 03:17 AM	#5
Rodion First Lieutenant 27 Rep 350 Posts Drives: X3 (F25) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Helsinki, Finland iTrader: (0)	Do you hear it while lifting the gas pedal up and slowing with "engine"? I have that, as well as when at idle or accelerating, and it disappears when A/C is off. So it must be something with the AC compressor. Maybe it is dry and makes a little noise because of no lubrication in it. Or the engine itself is now quieter and that is normal AC compressor noise.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2013, 11:25 AM	#6
lbjgh Lieutenant Colonel 104 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2013 AW X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North of Toronto iTrader: (0)	If you have ever driven a vehicle with a faulty bearing you'll recognize the noise. The noise is synchronous with the engine RPM when the AC is engaged. __________________ 2013, AW, xDrive35i, M Sport Package, Technology Package, Dynamic Comfort Package, Premium Package, 3M Clear Bra, Euro foglight switch, a few coded fixes
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07-22-2013, 08:07 PM	#7
ccobka Private First Class 13 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 3.5 AW Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	do you notice the noise at hot weather temperatures? Mine did it last week, while it was 100 degrees outside. No issues this week
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11-05-2013, 09:04 AM	#11
buze Owner 132 Rep 566 Posts Drives: G05 30d M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Berkshire, Powys iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X5 G05 30d ... [0.00] 1999 Z3 2.8L Roadster [0.00]	I also sometime hear a whistling noise, even when the AC is off. However, I suspect the AC is never /entirely/ off... It's definitely not turbo (it's at quite low regime). And it's not all the time.. Been wondering about it for a while... __________________ Received 190911: X5 30d M-Sport:Artic Grey:Comfort Pack:Tech Pack:Visibility Pack: Driver Assist Pro Pack:Heat Pack:Glass Roof:Leather Dash
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02-09-2014, 06:14 PM	#12
roadkillrob Major General 853 Rep 5,443 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	Mine does it, started recently, my 2011 X5 35i did it also. The X5 did it soon after noon and I figured eventually something would break, never got better or worse for 3 years and traded it on the X3, now the X3 does it. Going to go with normal at this point! __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
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02-11-2014, 03:29 AM	#13
buze Owner 132 Rep 566 Posts Drives: G05 30d M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Berkshire, Powys iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X5 G05 30d ... [0.00] 1999 Z3 2.8L Roadster [0.00]	After many more hours of listening, it only does it when the car is warming up. Once it reaches temperature, it stops. Still sounds wierd... __________________ Received 190911: X5 30d M-Sport:Artic Grey:Comfort Pack:Tech Pack:Visibility Pack: Driver Assist Pro Pack:Heat Pack:Glass Roof:Leather Dash
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08-29-2016, 10:09 AM	#14
DBB888 Private 5 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X5 35d Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Reviving old post- My 2010 diesel would make a whistling whirring noise- found my exhaust gas pressure pipe-rubber piece on pipe split- part # 13627812806 - replaced that - all good.
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12-07-2019, 11:11 AM	#15
dscollins dscollins 1 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW X3 F25 2.0D SE 2014 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: LEEDS UK iTrader: (0)	Hi my bmw x3 f25 auto as been making a whirring noise for some time now seems when its reached operating temperature, theirs no change in noise if a/c is on or off more noticeable at low speed , the noise seems to come from passenger side of car uk model,
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12-07-2019, 01:23 PM	#16
383vett Major 626 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2012 X3 Xdrive35 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Moraga, California iTrader: (0)	I've been told that sometimes the tensioner pulley can make noise when it is starting to go out. __________________ 2016 Z06 Vette, 10.53@132 1984 Vette, 406, 10.23@131 2021 SQ5
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10-07-2021, 11:50 AM	#18
BMWM0t0rsp0rt Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: E39T E36/5 F25N20 Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Virgnia iTrader: (0)	Subscribing to this thread. Maybe some solutions will emerge in time. The N20 on our F25 is making the sound when the AC is on. Goes away when shut off. Car is new to us and 128k miles. I'm guessing either the belt system driving the compressor, or the compressor itself (bearing and/or low on refrigerant). Will update if I dig into it.
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