I got a 99 a few months ago, and I'm still getting to know the car.
recently I've been noticing a faintly audible noise at idle and I'm hoping somebody can tell me whether this is normal or not normal.

When stopped, every second or two, very faint, there is a very tiny "clunk." It sounds kind of like if you hit a wood desk with a knuckle, as light as you can tap and still hear a sound.

Car runs fine.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

JO:confused:

could this be the Vanos?

Beats the heck out of me. If it is vanos, what then?

I noticed the same thing on my '98 M3/4 that I've had for two months, and most replies to this question centered around either the exhaust / cats warming up or the climate control system getting spooled up. The first sounded more likely, though I'm no Master Tech. :) Regardless, I was advised that it's nothing to worry about. I'd love to hear if you get more information, though!

Are you sure it's not the A/C compressor clicking on and off? That can be heard when at a stop. To see if that is what the noise is turn off the A/C and see if you no longer hear it.

Bob ///M3

Sounds similar to a noise I had on my car 97M3/4. Ended up being the serpentine belt with a 1/2 inch section of the ribs missing. Weird, new belt with about 4k miles on it.

Good luck
Carrera

Originally posted by Johno
recently I've been noticing a faintly audible noise at idle and I'm hoping somebody can tell me whether this is normal or not normal.

When stopped, every second or two, very faint, there is a very tiny "clunk." It sounds kind of like if you hit a wood desk with a knuckle, as light as you can tap and still hear a sound.

JO:confused:

Johno,

I have the exact same noise as you. Initially, my noise only ocurred when I had the HVAC blower running. But ever since my steeler replaced the LCD blower control module inside my car, the noise always ocurrs at idle regardless of whether or not the blower is on or off. I've had the car since brand new, and I have honestly never paid attention to this until a month ago, so I have no idea if it's always been there.

When I opened my hood with the car running, I noticed the sound was coming from just under the black grill that is situated right beside the front window. I think this noise is HVAC related. Not necessarily the AC compressor, as I have not had my AC on in quite some time(summer ended here a while ago).

Let me know if you find out more.

Take it easy.

Originally posted by David

When I opened my hood with the car running, I noticed the sound was coming from just under the black grill that is situated right beside the front window. I think this noise is HVAC related. Not necessarily the AC compressor, as I have not had my AC on in quite some time(summer ended here a while ago).


Mine does it faintly as well, doesn't have aircon so it's not that. I read another post somewhere about it - it's a normal noise, but I can't remember the cause..

Jon

That sound has been bugging me for a while now. I don't have A/C though.