Whistling noise - BMW Forum

golf4me · 07-25-2011, 10:57 PM

Can anyone help with this,I have this whistle noise that sounds like a air leak,You can only hear it from inside the car and when accelerate with the windows up.I have had the PCV valve off and noticed the small ribber ring is floppy inside could this be making the noise I don't wont to buy a new one if this is not the problem.The whistle noise has does nothing to the performance it is just annoying and would like to know what it is. Only series answers please.The car is a E36 318is 1996

Morgion · 08-29-2011, 03:57 PM

Is this a recent development or has the sound been there always? Does it come from the speakers or somewhere in the engine? If former, it might be grounded electricity from the generator affecting the speakers. If latter, it might be the transmission and nothing to worry about, as E36s are known for their loud and obnoxious yet unbreakable transmissions.

I'm no expert, so you might check from someone who is more familiar with cars than I am, but these are some possible causes you might want to check for.

golf4me · 08-29-2011, 09:27 PM

Hi,The noise is new ,It idles good does not stall at lights it seems to be coming from engine bay it sounds like a air leak and only hear it with windows up and accelerating,it only started when I had a new stop light switch put in .someone told me it could be the alternator so will take of the belt in weekend and see what happens.

Morgion · 08-30-2011, 06:32 AM

Yeah, the alternator is also a possibility. Does the noise sound when stationary and giving some gas with the clutch up and the gear on neutral (or if you have automatic, gear on neutral) or only when actually accelerating?

brettski · 08-30-2011, 07:17 AM

Welcome to the Werkz

Does the pitch of the whistle vary with the revs? If you at a speed that the whistle is occuring at, and move into neutral and just coast (only when safe to do so) does the noise stay even after the revs have dropped to an idle (but the car is still moving at speed)?

golf4me · 08-30-2011, 09:45 PM

Hi again,Have just had a good listen with bonnet up and I can hear the whistle sound faintly when I reeve up the sound does go up and down but is louder when in car and I accelerate when taking of so i am thinking it could be the alternator .