bunker1960

Hello to all. I have a 2010 528XI with 232000 miles. At 214000 replaced the engine due to bad main bearing. About 6-7 weeks ago after coming to a stop at a light noticed the whole car had a vibration and drone type noise. No faults, no smoke, no performance issues at all, little loss of gas mileage and the vibration and noise. Thus far have done the following, some from common sense and some from BMW service notes.

Replaced the exhaust vibration dampener. From 83mhz to 33mhz (service note)
Replaced both motor mounts
Replaced the first inline exhaust bracket
Replaced the crank shaft harmonic pulley
Replaced the plugs (service note)
Replaced the oil (service note)
Did a transmission service (service note)
Had the same shop that installed the new engine open the top end back up and re-inspect the vanos, nothing found. (service note)

At this point between the motor, and all the other labor and parts I am $6500 into a cart that is currently worth maybe $3000. Unfortunately I cannot sell the car with the vibration and noise.

Any help, recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all,

Jeff

mrshaky

My 528i with 135k miles (N52 engine) also drones at idle. I swear it didn't do that, or do it as badly, when I bought it around 85k. I've also replaced the motor mounts and spark plugs and was considering that exhaust damper. I'd really like to hear if you figure it out.
I had a transmission issue that was solved by programming. I wonder if the issue could be related to the torque converter, maybe it should be in a low-angle state at idle and it's staying at higher angle.

bunker1960

Thanks mrshaky. they have also pushed up on the transmission checking the tranny mounts, no change. typically the car idles around the 650ish mark. 200 RPM more and I have nothing. If solved I will definitely post!

bunker1960

Update, spoke to a tech yesterday who stated that being their are no codes and that no shavings were found in the oil believe it to be fuel related. Will start by testing the injectors and go from there.

E6095

Guys check your vanos solenoids, they are a huge cause of rough idle on these engines, you can either replace them (definitely go OEM the chinese ones are garbage) for $150usd a piece (2 needed for N52 engine) or you can try the engine degreaser (or brake cleaner) method of cleaning them and then compressed air to spray dry them before replacing them in the engine (remember which one goes in which hole) they are located on the front of your engine and is a simple 10mm plus a connector harness to remove from the engine they pop right out.

E6095

Try VANOS solenoids first, they want your money

mrshaky

I'm going to replace the VANOS solenoids. Are there adaptations that need to be reset?

mrshaky

I replaced my VANOS solenoids with new BMW ones. The car runs no differently. Idle speed goes below 500 when I pull to a stop, with harsh vibration, then after a moment it goes back up to around 600. Any thoughts?