WHAT IS THIS...it's not in my manual

[resq45hero]

I have a 1998 323IS...
I have been having noise issues from this unit but am not sure what it is to search for a replacement. It seems to be a vacuum of some sort. It turns on when I start the car in the cold and runs for about 3 minutes then turns off until the next start. Anyone have problems with this unit also?? Is this a common problem and it sounds like a bearing issue.
It is right next to the firewall on the passengers side next to the positive terminal access.
Help Please!!



Darren

[johnnyBgood]

That is a Secondary Air Pump......

The secondary air pump, located near the firewall on the passenger side of the engine compartment, draws air from the engine compartment and injects it into the exhaust manifolds to provide extra oxygen to the catalytic converter and reduce cold start emissions. A non-return valve mounted on the exhaust manifolds normally prevents exhaust gases from flowing back into the pump.

johnny,