Cold start up squeal on 328i

[Gibby]

Does anyone know why my 98 328 has a high pitch squeal for 2-4 minutes after starting on cold mornings? It idles fine from the start. After running a few minutes the noise fades away.
It's only got 66,000, and the belts were changed around 50k. Could it be the chain tensioner?

 

[mjbst111]

probably one of your new belts just needs to be re-adjusted. (tightened)

try pushing on each one, see if any have a decent amount of play

 

[Joe_31]

Ya I have that too with my 97 328i. I haven't found out why yet though. Mind you I have 189 000 kms...

 

[Gibby]

I guess we should not worry too much about the noise, as long as the engine seems to be running smooth?

 

[mjbst111]

if it is a loose belt, I would worry about it as it will wear out quickly. The belts run accesories like your alternator, power steering, A/C, rad fan clutch. If you break one you could overheat or be stranded because your battery ran out of charge.

just push/pull on all the belts where they are not in contact with a pulley. if one is more loose than another, tighten it up!

 

[328ischef]

yeah, its most likely your alternator belt. Definitely take care of it, either 5 mintues now, or an hour later

 

[Bimmer1928]

mjbst111 please contact me if you ever want to sell your car i am 14 now and realy plan on getting a bmw i was thinking about getting a fixeruper when i was 15 but let me know if you might be selling in the near future i live in New Kensington PA so its about 30 min from pittsburgh.
Thanks and i love the car,
Alex

 

[VANCE]

check your tensioner. mine was doing exactly the same thing. changed the belts and it went away for a day or so untill the belt stretched a little. replaced the tensioner just like new now

 

[hawsbmw]

I have the same problem, my mechanic told me that it sounded like the secondary air pump, he said the bearings may be going bad, but the air pump itself is working because the check engine light didn't come on.

 

[Big Daddy]

Vance is right on, it is usually the tensioner. Squirt some WD-40 in the bearing area with the car running, if the squeal stops...you found it!