Engine whining

[coversion]

My e36 is making a whining noise from the engine that amplifies when i press the accelerator... it almost sounds like a remote control car, that kind of electric spinning noise. Any ideas or suggestions, before i let the shop gouge me???

[93 325i]

Right off the bat im thinking alternator.. pop the hood and listen. If the alternator is indeed making noise it is likely on its way out..

[pcy]

Can the E36's alternators be rebuilt ?
(if I understand correctly, usually, the bearing and brushes will be replaced as part of the rebuild process. Typically, this is much less expensive than buying a new alternator).

[pcy]

Originally Posted by coversion

My e36 is making a whining noise from the engine that amplifies when i press the accelerator... it almost sounds like a remote control car, that kind of electric spinning noise.

Take a long screw driver and use it like a stethescope. While the engine is running, carefully put one end of the screw driver on the alternator, and put the other end near your ear (with your fist as the buffer). If alternator is not the culprit, do the same with other components (like the belt tensioners).

good luck

[coversion]

Thanks all

[walke40]

My whiring noise comes from the power pump. as long as it keeps whiring i don't mind

[Red93B3M2W5i]

When I drive my car with aftermarket sterio system on and the A/C or one or the other, my car whines too. I am almost positive that this is my alternator, but it has been going on for like 6 months and nothing has happend yet? Any input? Thanks...

[97alpineM3]

Originally Posted by pcy

Take a long screw driver and use it like a stethescope. While the engine is running, carefully put one end of the screw driver on the alternator, and put the other end near your ear (with your fist as the buffer). If alternator is not the culprit, do the same with other components (like the belt tensioners).

good luck

A wrench or something without the usual plastic end works very well too.

As for the problem... you must first know where the noise is coming from before you can diagnose a whinning noise... search around... listen... feel... you'll find it eventually... or atleast the general area...

Good Luck,

Les