Hi all,

I have an 08 528xi, 1195xx miles. At lower speeds, mostly when pulling away from lights, I am getting a whine from under the hood/transmission. It only happens under throttle load and seems to be most prominent around 2000-2500 rpm.

I have a fear that it is the torque converter, but I am hoping its something a little easier, maybe a power steering pump? Does anyone have any tips how to either diagnose the true problem or have any experience with something similar? If so, please let me know what your problem was, how you resolved it, and what it cost.

Thanks


Matt

 

could be a multitude of things.
is the noise in sync to engine rpm, or vehicle speed?

 

Seems to be in sync with revs, which leads me to almost think its one of the accessory pumps...water/power steering. I am not getting any of the rev drops or transmission slips that would normally come with a torque converter issue.

I checked the level of the power steering fluid and it seems to be ok...about half of the bulb is full. And the noise doesnt seem to change or happen when sitting still in the driveway and turning the steering wheel.

 

you could remove the belt and BRIEFLY run the engine a bit, and see if the noise goes away. the car may throw a code for no voltage from alternator. not sure if it would reset on own. and while you have the belt removed, spin all the accesories and pullies by hand to see if any make noise.

 

I hear a whine under low engine load at lower speeds, but in my case is whining AC compressor or belt because the whine is lost when AC is switched off.

 

I've heard the same whine as Laco19. Only happens when the AC is on.

 

Same with mine. Dealer told me that it's normal when the AC is on. It is quite annoying. My wife's '05 MDX makes no noise like that when the AC is on. Oh well.