E46 Sounds

[Mysnergy]

Hi All,
Currently my 2004 E46 makes the following sounds:

1. Aircon clutch makes a loud "tuck" sound when aircon is switched off.

2. Steering wheel makes a "grinding" sound when you turn the wheel, not loud but is there when you listen to it. The steering is not stiff and turns fine.

Was wondering whether any E46 fellow mates have the same issues?

Will make an appointment with PML to check.

Cheers!

 

[russo]

Re: E46 Sounds

Aircon magnetic clutch might be audible when your mileage is around 50,000km onwards. Mostly on 318i. Nothing to worry about. It is most audible when you are at park or neutral.

Grinding noise from steering wheel is from the airbag slip ring. You can get it replaced to solve that noise problem.

 

[Mysnergy]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi Russo,

E46 is about 18 months, so kinda loud when in park position, sounds like a pop sound.

Thanks for the advice on the slip ring noise, I will get PML to change under warranty.

 

[woods]

Re: E46 Sounds

Any update on the steering wheel grinding sound? I also have the same problem, the sound is like bubbles when u turning the steering.

 

[Mysnergy]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hello Woods,

Regarding the steering wheel noise, mine is more of a "scratching" noise than "bubbles".
Seems that lubrication can minimise the noise. Maybe it's good to send it in for PML to check the noise if the car is under warranty? Difficulty is convincing them that the noise is there.

I had an issue with noise coming in from rear left wheel and it took at least 6 visits and 2 weeks in PML before they found the fault, changing many parts in the process. Need to be patient.

 

[leosp]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi.
Regarding the loud air-con noise, the culprit might be the ageing clutch bearing of the compressor. Do hv it replaced if it is still under warranty. As for the steering noise, it might be the slip ring that is causing the noise or it might be the steering column itself. Try to get an experienced technician to help u pin point the prob.
Hope this helps.

 

[beem]

Re: E46 Sounds

I'm also having this loud tuck sound from the aircond....would there be any cause for concern if the bearing is not changed? Does it come with the compressor or as a separate component. I know that the alternator bearing cannot be replaced individually..is this the same?

 

[Mysnergy]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi Guys,
Just an update on the repair by PML:
1. Steering noise - slipring was changed
2. Compressor "tuck" noise when switching off - compressor was changed.

All repaired under warranty. Must have cost $$ if there is no warranty.
Thanks LeoSP and the rest of the brothers for the advice.

Tested the car and still find the "tuck" sound when compressor cuts off. According to Service Advisor (SA), this is normal.

BTW, also found that below the engine should there be a pan cover or something because I did not notice this before and mine does not have one after the repair? Maybe they forgot to put it back. SA says that there is'nt one, so all the stones,rocks, etc from the road may fly into the engine compartment and cause damage?
Can some bro driving a E46 please help me to check if SA is pulling a fast one?

Lastly, anyone has any idea how long the original battery lasts? Should we ask PML to check and change this before the warranty expires?

Cheers!

 

[TobyNik]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi Guys,
Just an update on the repair by PML:
1. Steering noise - slipring was changed
2. Compressor "tuck" noise when switching off - compressor was changed.

All repaired under warranty. Must have cost $$ if there is no warranty.
Thanks LeoSP and the rest of the brothers for the advice.

Tested the car and still find the "tuck" sound when compressor cuts off. According to SE, this is normal.

BTW, also found that below the engine should there be a pan cover or something because I did not notice this before and mine does not have one after the repair? Maybe they forgot to put it back. SE says that there is'nt one, so all the stones,rocks, etc from the road may fly into the engine compartment and cause damage?
Can some bro driving a E46 please help me to check if SE is pulling a fast one?

Lastly, anyone has any idea how long the original battery lasts? Should we ask PML to check and change this before the warranty expires?

Cheers!

Bro

2003 Model onwards does not come with the engine cover at the bottom, you can buy it from PML and shd costs less than S$300

Go have it fixed cos it can help protect from freak incidents like a twig flying into the engine bay and getting caught in some moving parts............

Battery depends on your iCE mods (I think). Mine ICE is stock since day 1 and it has been 3 yrs and 50K Km and still runnning on the factory battery. So, I guess it depends.........


Cheers!

 

[Mysnergy]

Re: E46 Sounds

Thanks Bro for the advice and think best to leave the factory battery alone if it is not giving any trouble. Have a Nice Day!

 

[dinatan]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi, was told factory battery usually lasts abt 3 yrs+ and sometimes 4yrs. Cost abt $200+ to get it changed fr PML.

 

[SL2]

Re: E46 Sounds

I had an issue with noise coming in from rear left wheel and it took at least 6 visits and 2 weeks in PML before they found the fault, changing many parts in the process. Need to be patient.

Yup.. That's PML alright. They'll change like a hundred things before they actually rectify the fault. And they'd create another problem along the way. Haiz... :furious:

 

[BMWSILVER]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi !

Nope ! the bottom engine cover cost more than S$300 exclude installation by PML..

My advice, go and look out for anyone exporting his car. Especially those E46 320i.

As for the battery, I am changing mine soon because I plan to keep my car for another 2.5 years My E46 is 2.5 years with 42K KM.

Cheers!

 

[emiffy]

Re: E46 Sounds

My 2003 E46 320i, and my cousin's 2004 E46 318i SE all come with the bottom engine cover.
Highly recommend you get it!

Battery should be 50-70k km, 3years or thereabout.

 

[Hublot]

Re: E46 Sounds

Hi there,

So any kind angels here whom are exporting their cars are willingly to give away the bottom engine cover free of charge to fellow BMW Enthusiasts.

Hublot

 

[nexus]

Re: E46 Sounds

Apparently the factory battery should last at least 2 and a half years, however some may last 3 and a half to four years tops... depending on ICE setup.

There is an indicator on the factory battery itself which tells you whether or not battery needs to be changed. This is mostly overlooked during servicing even at PML as the battery compartment is at the back.

My battery stopped working at four years and it was quite annoying as it will catch you off guard. The person who came to help me change said that probably best to get battery changed max 3 and a half years.