Whirring Noise from Air Conditioning Fan On 2002 CI

[Tennessee Vol]

Does anyone know anything about a noise coming from the air conditioning fan. It is noticible at low rpms. It is a whirring noise goes up and down when the accelerator is applied and released. The noise stops when the AC is turned off. I have had it to the dealer and they just shrug their shoulders. It is very annoying. Any insight as to the problem or source of the noise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[xemo]

You probably have a small leaf or piece of paper lodged in a position that the blades of the fan are striking. I don't know if they have a central fan or different ones for each vent, but try to listen if one is more prominent than the others. You could then try blowing some compressed air to move the object.

 

[DEXTERITY]

or you could have run over a small midget

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

 

[Tennessee Vol]

Thank you,

The whine tends to be louder once the engine warms up. The noise goes away once I turn off the air conditioner. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LeaderP]

Did BMW NA Ever Get Back To You?

I have a 2000 323Ci with 115,000 miles and it just started doing the same thing about 2 months ago.

It's happens intermitttently and usually after I pull off the freeway in the morning on the way to work. The first start from the stop at the end of the exit ramp seems to trigger it and it will deminish when I shift gears and slow down. Stopping the fan stops the noise.

I don't think it's the fan bearings. I think if they're bad, it wouldn't be intermittent.

I think the fan wheel /motor assembly might be loose and the wheel rubs very lightly against the housing.

Would appreciate hearing if you ever got this one solved.

 

[tazza0712]

Mine has been doing this since I've had it, about 15 months now. Have never gotten to the bottom of it but it is an incredibly annoying noise to listen to. I usually opt for the windows instead of the AC during summer because of it. I'm going to book it in to check it out at the dealership. Wonder how much help they will be. Let us know if you have gotten to the bottom of it.

 

[Sharkbite]

My car is going in to the dealership on Monday for this same problem. I did not try though to shut of the climate control as I always leave it in auto mode. The shop foreman test drove it and experienced the same sound so at least he knows it really there!

 

[Sharkbite]

BTW its for my 2001 325ci. The shark was sold!

 

[LeaderP]

Any Fan Noise Solution?

What did the dealer do about your noise problem?

 

[tazza0712]

I've booked my car in for next Thursday. Same day I booked it in (two days ago), it stopped making any noise, then today it started again, so i'm worried they won't even get to hear it. We'll see what happens, I'll let you all know if I get any diagnosis.

 

[Sharkbite]

Dealer diagnosed the problem and repair is not covered under CPO warranty. I chose to live with it. I will look through my paper work on Monday as they described the problem in detail.

 

[LeaderP]

Thanks

Looking forward to hearing what they say is wrong.

I take it you got a cost estimate that was significant.

I see the price of the motor/blower assembly is over $400.

 

[tazza0712]

Well surprise, the car didn't make any noise when they had it and so they have no idea. It hasn't done it since and I've used the AC so I guess it should be alright for now. On the plus side, they replaced the front brakes which weren't doing their job very well, and I got a Mini Cooper S convertible for the day. What an unbelievably fun car. Was glad to get my car back though =)

 

[LeaderP]

Thanks for the follow-up.

If yours behaves like mine, it hasn't gone away for good.

It's a very intermittent problem but annoying none the less.

Hopefully Sharkbite will come through with the detailed diagnosis the dealer gave him.

 

[Sharkbite]

Guys sorry about the delay according to the dealer as I described to the tech a whistling noise from engine when pressing accelerator pedal the noise is due to air leak on the intake air boot. They wanted about $400 to fix I declined and of course why should it be covered by the CPO warranty! BMW's CPO warranty is the worst!

 

[Detrich]

wow bmw na actually combs this board?

 

[LeaderP]

Thanks for the follow-up.

I've heard more noise consistently from my engine compartment too lately and it sounds like it might be an air leak since the noise varies with throttle position but I also have the intermittent noise from by AC blower fan that will stop if I shut the fan off.

I'll keep searching. I also posted this problem on the Roadfly BMW forum but no one has responded about it yet.