325xi loud noise

[Maaz]

I have a 2003 325xi with 97k miles on it. Recently, I've noticed a loud noise coming from underneath my car when driving. It almost sounds like a vacuum cleaner running under my car. The noise is not noticeable when the car is idle and is most noticible when accelerating. The problem does not appear to be related to the exhaust nor does it appear to affect anything else. Any idea on what it could be?

Thanks,

Maaz

 

[zman]

I also have 2003 325xi. I heard noises like air buble rushing through liquid within a pipe, or something. I am almost sure it is in the fule line. It comes and goes. Some time it happens during idling, some time when I am driving.

I tried to bring it to the dealer, but of course they said that they could not hear the noise.

Let me know if you have the same problem and perhaps you have more luck than I with the dealer.

 

[Maaz]

Hmmm, not sure if it's a related problem. I haven't been able to hear it as of yet when idling, only when driving. Sometimes it is more noticeable than other times though.

I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow. We'll see what they say.

Maaz

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Keep in mind if it does not interfere with the drivability or mechanical integrity of the car, the dealer will not consider it a problem... That's just how it works, from a business stand point it seems sensible. Logically, to avoid having to explain this to the upset customer they prefer the infamous "No Problem Found (NPF)" excuse.

 

[Maaz]

Well, I took it to the dealer today to get the bad news. Something has happened to the front axle on my 325xi. I was starting to suspect the axle, based on when I could hear the noise, but I didn't believe that it could happen since I wasn't in any accidents. It turns out that something melted, possibly from the heat this past summer and me driving it a lot (I put almost 98k miles in less than 3 years). In addition, whatever melted leaked on the front brakes so they need to be replaced too. I also remember that them saying that the problem is more common in AWD.

I don't remember the exact details of the problem. If someone is interested, I can post once it is fixed. Unfortunately, it's going to cost like $1,300 to fix everything including the brakes.

In the meantime, I got a new 325i as a loaner. I get to test drive the new 3 for a couple of days so at least I got something good out of it.

And regarding the comment on dealers not wanting to fix noise issues: Obviously, this was not just a noise issue, but I'm curious to know why they would not want to take your money to fix something? I suppose if the car is still under warranty, then they may try to convince you that nothing is wrong but I don't believe all dealers are dishonest like that.

Maaz

 

[zman]

Make sure you share with us your findings when it is fixed. I like to know for my reference.

Furthermore, how could it cost you $1300 if the car still under warranty?

The way I see it is that during warranty period the dealers try to not fix anything if they don't have to. Fixing costs them money. Wait until the warranty is over, they will come with a loong list what need to be fixed/replaced. They will then charge you "an arm and a leg".

 

[Maaz]

Furthermore, how could it cost you $1300 if the car still under warranty?

The car is not under warranty. I did not purchase the extended warranty. I have almost 98,000 miles on it. The standard warranty is only 50,000 miles.


Maaz

 

[Maaz]

Well, it's been fixed. One of the wheel bearings had to be replaced too so it ended up being even more expensive. They replaced that, the left front axle, RFMD output shaft, front brakes (all parts), and swaybar link. I also had the wiper inserts and a light bulb replaced. So it ended up being almost $1600. Way too expensive of a repair, but I'm glad to see my car working properly again.

Maaz

 

[zman]

So, what got melted? Was it really because of the heat?
Or, will all AWD face the same fate at about 98K?

 

[Maaz]

It was the axle cap that got melted and leaked onto the brakes. The heat may have contributed to it, but not all AWD are going to have the problem. I'm sure if the wheel bearing was related to the same problem or not.

Maaz