Real Differential Whine

[tico]

I've got a 2000 323Ci manual. At certain speeds, in certain gears, at a certain load, the car makes a loud whine (loud enough that you can't drown it out with the radio). The whine is most problematic at highway cruising speeds (in 5th gear, travelling 90+ mph.

It took a few years, but the dealership finally narrowed it down to the rear differential. Apparently, BMW has issued a TSB on this for 2000 and 2001 3 series. Despite many attempts, the dealerships have given up and declared the problem unresolvable.

Has anyone else encountered this, or found a way to fix the problem?

[WestEast]

I posted something similar (see "High Pitched Sound", 24Mar2004). I only hear it if I lightly touch the accelerator, at steady speed anywhere between 50 - 100 KPH. It starts mid-pitch, and rises slightly in pitch as the speed gets higher. It sounds like it is coming from the rear. When I lift off the lightly touched accelerator, it disappears. I would have guessed something like a fuel pump... anyway, car has appointment with BMW engineers tomorrow to investigate.

Dave used

[tico]

What make/year/transmission do you have? Please post the diagnosis of your serviceman. Thanks

[WestEast]

Originally posted by tico@Apr 7 2004, 11:09 AM
What make/year/transmission do you have? Please post the diagnosis of your serviceman. Thanks

Mine is a 2003 320iA. I just came back from AutoWest BMW, Richmond, BC. The 'chief engineer' accompanied me on a test drive. He heard it, and took lots of notes. Didn't think it was the fuel pump - because that runs at a single speed. He did mention "differential". Ugggh. They want the car in for a few days - as he said, could be hours, could be several days. It goes back to them next week, and I'll be given a loaner. Glad it is under warranty!!

Dave

[peterkulesza]

this happens often when the diff is filled with improper lubricant (gl-4 vs gl-5). i do not know the answer here, but if they give you a new diff, make sure what the spec lube should be....

peter

[WestEast]

My car was in with the dealer today. Just got a report from them, they did some adjustments, changed the diff oil - but still had the whine. They have decided to change the whole diff. The order has been placed, apparently has to come from Germany and will take 2 weeks to arrive. Will this be the cure ? I'll report back.

[e36_m3_Turbo]

this is a very known problem in the diff. in the e46. i thikn our memeber az325ci had a problem too.

[lenk]

I have just bought a 2003 320iA demo with 29K on the clock and have found the same whine problem. Very pronounced whine at 100 -120 km per hour. Dealer rebalanced tires and rotated tires with no affect. Same as you guys, whine goes if you take foot off throttle. Suggests to me a transmission problem probably the diff. Taking car back to dealer.
LenK

[WestEast]

Following on from my previous correspondence, the car went in for a new diff. THE WHINE HAS GONE. How nice to cruise in silence!! Work was done under warranty. Hey Lenk - are you in Canada ? Mine is a 2003 320iA with 23K km. The dealer who fixed this was AutoWest BMW in Richmond, BC. The chief engineer is a guy named Andy. They ended up calling BMW Canada to get approval for the new diff.

[e36_m3_Turbo]

its common in e46 like i said. just demand a read differential replacement.

[lenk]

Hey WestEast great news to hear your diff whine has gone. Yes I am in Canada in Oakville, Ontario. Took my BMW back to the dealer and they are following a process of eliminating the problem. First they tried the tires to no avail. Now they have ordered a new drive shaft under warranty to see if that is the problem. I know it is the diff and wish they would get on with it and replace it under warranty. The whine is really getting on my nerves now. Wish me luck