Fan Whine Noise and Hummm - Dealer says 'sorry'?
#1
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Well, after putting-up with a high-pitched whine that fluctuates with RPM for 3 months I finally got both the SA and the head mechanic at my dealer to take a ride. They heard the whine and then the low HUM of the e-box fan (that they previously could never replicate). So - They took it in, loaner to me, and off I went.
Two days later - "We determined that it is 'probably' the AC compressor fan (?) and we drove a new X5 with the same engine and heard similar sound but a lot quieter." "BMW said they won't do anything as it's 'normal'." Of course, the noise was NOT there 3 months ago...and they both agreed it was NOT 'normal'. They told me to monitor it and come back if it gets worse.
So - BMW is surely hoping they can just keep saying no and hope my CPO warranty expires (2 yrs to go). Very very annoying...I ended-up calling the SA yesterday and asking what I need to do to escalate this issues as it is NOT a normal operation thing, it needs to be fixed.
Have any of you had experience with this issue (the fan noises) and/or with a problem they would not cover?
Two days later - "We determined that it is 'probably' the AC compressor fan (?) and we drove a new X5 with the same engine and heard similar sound but a lot quieter." "BMW said they won't do anything as it's 'normal'." Of course, the noise was NOT there 3 months ago...and they both agreed it was NOT 'normal'. They told me to monitor it and come back if it gets worse.
So - BMW is surely hoping they can just keep saying no and hope my CPO warranty expires (2 yrs to go). Very very annoying...I ended-up calling the SA yesterday and asking what I need to do to escalate this issues as it is NOT a normal operation thing, it needs to be fixed.
Have any of you had experience with this issue (the fan noises) and/or with a problem they would not cover?
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So nobody has heard of these issues?
I am preparing to make another run at the dealer, who profess to be "working for me". It's just hard to take when both the SA and the head tech say it's NOT normal...yet write it up on the paperwork when I pick it up as "normal operation".
Just was hoping someone had that whirring ac compressor/fan noise and knew what fixed it for them.
Thanks again for looking.
I am preparing to make another run at the dealer, who profess to be "working for me". It's just hard to take when both the SA and the head tech say it's NOT normal...yet write it up on the paperwork when I pick it up as "normal operation".
Just was hoping someone had that whirring ac compressor/fan noise and knew what fixed it for them.
Thanks again for looking.
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Noticed the same "problem" on my E60 550 about 1 month after purchase...Dealer also claimed it was normal operation...Forums define possible culprits as; a/c tensioner, compressor, refrigerant, etc... Girlfriend insisted I not stress, she liked that the 550 sounded like she was "in a jet".... (We've since broken up, and I'm writing this from the Dealership Service Area waiting room.. KIDDING...) The things we do....![Whistling](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/whistling.gif)
If you would like to file a legitimate (dissatisfaction) report against the dealership, just send a clearly-written, well-defined registered letter to BMWUSA, chances are, they'll follow-up within 6 months, then you can deal directly with the "big boys."(Legit claims only please!)
![Whistling](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/whistling.gif)
If you would like to file a legitimate (dissatisfaction) report against the dealership, just send a clearly-written, well-defined registered letter to BMWUSA, chances are, they'll follow-up within 6 months, then you can deal directly with the "big boys."(Legit claims only please!)
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Noticed the same "problem" on my E60 550 about 1 month after purchase...Dealer also claimed it was normal operation...Forums define possible culprits as; a/c tensioner, compressor, refrigerant, etc... Girlfriend insisted I not stress, she liked that the 550 sounded like she was "in a jet".... (We've since broken up, and I'm writing this from the Dealership Service Area waiting room.. KIDDING...) The things we do....![Whistling](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/whistling.gif)
If you would like to file a legitimate (dissatisfaction) report against the dealership, just send a clearly-written, well-defined registered letter to BMWUSA, chances are, they'll follow-up within 6 months, then you can deal directly with the "big boys."(Legit claims only please!)
![Whistling](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/whistling.gif)
If you would like to file a legitimate (dissatisfaction) report against the dealership, just send a clearly-written, well-defined registered letter to BMWUSA, chances are, they'll follow-up within 6 months, then you can deal directly with the "big boys."(Legit claims only please!)
I think my dealer is very good and they have been excellent to-date. This is really the first issue they haven't immediately fixed. They tell me they'll keep "trying" (good-cop-bad-cop 100% with dealer and BMWUSA).
I'd just like it to operate as it did 6-months ago (no whirring up and down noise)...not to mention the e-box fan being loud. Especially if I decide to go get an '08 soon.
Thanks for your response ron_cb550!
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When I take it back next week, I'll get more detailed info and learn the correct parts/terminology and check back...in case it ends-up being interesting to anyone...or entertaining to see how little I now about that system perhaps. ;^)
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The A/C blower motor doesn't increase/decrease with rpm changes.
If you turn off the A/C, the compressor clutch should stay disengaged. If the whine stops then you can isolate the source to the compressor (pulley, etc.)
If the whine still persists it could be any one of the remaining pulleys, most likely the alternator. I've also noticed a slight whine but only when I turn off all the accessories. Funny thing was that when I had it checked during a scheudled maintenance visit I had a very-low-mileage 2011 328i loaner car that also had the noise.
If you turn off the A/C, the compressor clutch should stay disengaged. If the whine stops then you can isolate the source to the compressor (pulley, etc.)
If the whine still persists it could be any one of the remaining pulleys, most likely the alternator. I've also noticed a slight whine but only when I turn off all the accessories. Funny thing was that when I had it checked during a scheudled maintenance visit I had a very-low-mileage 2011 328i loaner car that also had the noise.
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One way to find out if the noise is coming from engine or one of the pullies - remove the engine belt, turn the engine on for a minute. If the noise goes away, then the noise is definitely coming from one of the pullies (A/C compressor, PS pump, alternator, belt tensioner, water pump, if applicable).
Running the engine for a minute without the belt will not harm anything - you will get an error on the dash for the alternator.
Running the engine for a minute without the belt will not harm anything - you will get an error on the dash for the alternator.
#9
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The A/C blower motor doesn't increase/decrease with rpm changes.
If you turn off the A/C, the compressor clutch should stay disengaged. If the whine stops then you can isolate the source to the compressor (pulley, etc.)
If the whine still persists it could be any one of the remaining pulleys, most likely the alternator. I've also noticed a slight whine but only when I turn off all the accessories. Funny thing was that when I had it checked during a scheudled maintenance visit I had a very-low-mileage 2011 328i loaner car that also had the noise.
If you turn off the A/C, the compressor clutch should stay disengaged. If the whine stops then you can isolate the source to the compressor (pulley, etc.)
If the whine still persists it could be any one of the remaining pulleys, most likely the alternator. I've also noticed a slight whine but only when I turn off all the accessories. Funny thing was that when I had it checked during a scheudled maintenance visit I had a very-low-mileage 2011 328i loaner car that also had the noise.
#10
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I had the exact same issue. I have just bring my car in today and will let you guys now what the dealer says. The whinning sound is getting larger as you drive faster (with low speed) and will be gone if you turn the A/C off and run only fan...