Questions and Answers

BMW M3 Engine Noise Q. 1998 BMW M3. I get a constant whining noise that increases with engine RPM. The car has 105,000 miles just went through a clutch replacement due to bad pilot and release bearings. While we were in there we replaced the clutch lining, engine rear seal, transmission rear seal, clutch slave, flex disk.

The whining noise was present prior to the clutch replacement, and now it is clearly identified as emanating from the engine bay. It sounds like a fan at high speed, and also seems to be similar to a worn bearing. Just looking for some hints here. Perhaps the alternator? Fan clutch? Can you suggest an effective method for diagnosing this?

Thanks!
Joe

A. Anyone who's worked on BMWs has learned that as they get older, the engines get louder. This is just a general noise that you would be hard pressed to pinpoint.

They way I look for engine noise is to use a 36" screwdriver, put the tip on what I want to listen to and my ear to the handle. Or you can but a mechanics stethoscope. You will hear the noise and it will get louder as you get closer to the source.

I always start with pulleys, pump bearings and so forth. By placing the tip on different areas of the valve cover and timing chain cover, you can find an internal engine noise.