Squeal at startup on 330cic

[njmurvin]

My wife's 2001 330cic (82k miles) has started to squeal for about 20 seconds upon cold startup. It doesn't do it all the time, but when it does it's always a cold startup. After about 20 seconds, it abruptly stops. It sounds like a belt or pully bearing giving up. Are there any know issues like this? I still have CPO coverage if it turns out to be a water pump or something more involved. I just don't want her to be stranded. Any suggestions?

 

[mjbst111]

Just tug on some belts and see if they are loose. Probably an alternator belt. Tighten it or replace it.

 

[bmwboi]

I brought my 02 325i to the dealership for the same problem. Here are the mechanics notes:

Verified screaching noise when first started cold. Found noise coming from old style alt belt tensioner. Replaced tensioner with hydraulic type as per SIB 11 04 03. Also replaced noisy alt belt idler pulley. Noise gone at this time.

Hope this helps. done under new vehicle warranty

 

[njmurvin]

I brought my 02 325i to the dealership for the same problem. Here are the mechanics notes:

Verified screaching noise when first started cold. Found noise coming from old style alt belt tensioner. Replaced tensioner with hydraulic type as per SIB 11 04 03. Also replaced noisy alt belt idler pulley. Noise gone at this time.

Hope this helps. done under new vehicle warranty

Mine's under CPO, so not sure this would be covered. But it sounds exactly like what we've been hearing. Thanks for the tip. I'll run it by the dealer and see if it would be covered. I'm sure it's more than my deductible.

 

[Tom]

CPO, you should be covered to 100K miles. Definitely take advantage of that and take it in to the dealer.