High pitched whistle?

Gangplank · 02-09-2019, 06:00 AM

Recently I've had a high pitched whistle sound coming from the drivers side of the engine bay. It sounds almost like a dog whistle. It changes slightly with RPM. It's loud enough to hear outside the car.

Any ideas?

02Pilot · 02-09-2019, 06:27 AM

That type of noise is most likely either air (vacuum leak) or friction (bearing). A mechanic's stethoscope is your first option - there are several rotating assemblies over there. If nothing turns up, smoke test would be the next option.

Gangplank · 02-09-2019, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02Pilot

That type of noise is most likely either air (vacuum leak) or friction (bearing). A mechanic's stethoscope is your first option - there are several rotating assemblies over there. If nothing turns up, smoke test would be the next option.

Yep, I'm pretty sure you are spot on. I dropped it off to get diagnosed today. The whistle is there with the A/C on & off so I doubt it's the compressor, but there is another noise, a "moan" when I turn on the AC which I think is unrelated.

The service advisor was thinking vacuum leak for the whistle & possible compressor starting to act up for the other noise. The tech will be diagnosing today I hope. More to follow.

Gangplank · 02-09-2019, 07:14 AM

Cool photo at the dealer when I was there. 3.0 CSi I believe.

Gangplank · 02-12-2019, 06:45 PM

Turned out to be a bad vacuum line for the exhaust flap. Not all that expensive at $280 but not actually something I could diagnose & fix myself I don't think.

It's quiet as should be now.

02-09-2019, 06:00 AM	#1
Gangplank Brigadier General 1542 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	High pitched whistle? Recently I've had a high pitched whistle sound coming from the drivers side of the engine bay. It sounds almost like a dog whistle. It changes slightly with RPM. It's loud enough to hear outside the car. Any ideas? __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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02-09-2019, 06:27 AM	#2
02Pilot Malcontent 188 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	That type of noise is most likely either air (vacuum leak) or friction (bearing). A mechanic's stethoscope is your first option - there are several rotating assemblies over there. If nothing turns up, smoke test would be the next option. __________________ Life's tough. It's tougher when you're stupid. -John Wayne
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02-09-2019, 07:14 AM	#4
Gangplank Brigadier General 1542 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Cool photo at the dealer when I was there. 3.0 CSi I believe. Attached Images __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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02-12-2019, 06:45 PM	#5
Gangplank Brigadier General 1542 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Turned out to be a bad vacuum line for the exhaust flap. Not all that expensive at $280 but not actually something I could diagnose & fix myself I don't think. It's quiet as should be now. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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