00 E39 M5 Question on engine sound - BMW Forum

Trevize · 09-27-2005, 08:42 AM

The other day when a neighbor was standing next to it he commented that my car sounded like a deisel engine as it was idling. He actually thought it was a deisel powered car. He knows nothing of BMW of course :-). But ya I'd have to agree with him it does sound like a deisel engine at idle. This is not exhaust noise. Behind the car at the exhaust it sounds like a normal M5. It doesn't matter if the engine is hot, cold, been driving a while or just started. It sounds like a deisel when standing in front or next to the front of the car.

I've not stood next to another E39 M5 in a very very long time so I have nothing to compare. Next time I have the car out I'd be willing to make an MP3 if any here think it would be worthwhile to determine if there is an issue or if it is normal.

-Trev

dutchbmw · 09-27-2005, 09:21 AM

It is probably the clicking noise of the VANOS system. Once in a while you need to change the filter of that unit otherwise there can be a lack of oil whereafter the system can get damaged.

Trevize · 09-28-2005, 05:31 PM

This filter is or is not part of the Inspection II service?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchbmw

It is probably the clicking noise of the VANOS system. Once in a while you need to change the filter of that unit otherwise there can be a lack of oil whereafter the system can get damaged.

dutchbmw · 09-29-2005, 09:46 AM

I actually don't know if it is in the inspection II service. A BMW mechanicer told me about it. It's located in the red circle in the attached image. Probably it is the same on the M5 engine, but I'm not sure.