ok so i drive a 2003 540i..with about 76k..i've been running into this noise for the past 2 weeks..and still don't know the problem..

its a constant squeaking noise coming from the engine bay..it does it when im driving or idling ...BUT it stops when i turn the wheel...what could this be? any help?

and one more thing..my fan also seems to be turning on more often even after a short drive..the temperature reading from inside the car is fine..it doesn't go up or anything..but the fan ridiculously goes off and sounds like the car is literally about to explode...?

thx in advancehttp://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/images/smilies/smile3453453.gif

anyone ?!?!

Hmm... hows your PS fluid level?

Is it comin from the left or right of the engine?

how are your belts?


:dunno

I would start with the cheap solution and replace your belts. LIke $40 for both belts. (only one is required here, but might as well do both). NORMALLY if you are low on steering fluid, it will be quiet until you try to turn. Then it will 'moan'. If it's just a fluid level issue, it will do this in both directions. If there is a problem with your pump it's self it will 'moan' typically in just one direction, regardless of fluid level. But personally, I don't believe that it's ANY of the above. Symptoms don't settle there.

For some reason, the first thing that popped into my head when I read this was you have a bad bearing in your tensioner pulleys for that belt. But that is just hunch.

i want to see pics of your car...

I would start with the cheap solution and replace your belts. LIke $40 for both belts. (only one is required here, but might as well do both). NORMALLY if you are low on steering fluid, it will be quiet until you try to turn. Then it will 'moan'. If it's just a fluid level issue, it will do this in both directions. If there is a problem with your pump it's self it will 'moan' typically in just one direction, regardless of fluid level. But personally, I don't believe that it's ANY of the above. Symptoms don't settle there.

For some reason, the first thing that popped into my head when I read this was you have a bad bearing in your tensioner pulleys for that belt. But that is just hunch.

thats an idea..but heres the thing..it starts to happen like maybe within 45 minutes of driving..it doesn't moan once the car starts...with that, the fan also is on at the same time..and it just sounds real jacked up...

just checked the PS fluid level and its fine......hmmmmm

Could be one of the pulleys going out or the fan clutch. It might be the warning sound before the dreaded cooling system failure (hope not).

Could be one of the pulleys going out or the fan clutch. It might be the warning sound before the dreaded cooling system failure (hope not).
i hope not..i'll probably get it checked by a local bimmer shop...

well i just came back from Valley Motorwerks here on White Rock Rd.. and they said that its either a vacuum leak or the alternator? but everything is fine..its just the noise..so the tech said to leave it alone..

he advised me to change the fan clutch as it is leaking oil...$250.00 sound decent? well yea i know its BMW..but hows it sound? anywhere cheaper?

he advised me to change the fan clutch as it is leaking oil...$250.00 sound decent? well yea i know its BMW..but hows it sound? anywhere cheaper?

For a shop, that doesn't sound terribly out of line.

It is definitely something you can do yourself.

You'll need to invest in a 32mm wrench, a good hammer (a 2.5lb deadblow is a good choice), and about 2 hours of your time (at the most).

A new fan clutch can be had for about $130 with free shipping from BMAParts.com.

It's a good idea to replace the fan, while you're at it. Older fans tend to get brittle and have been known to occasionally break and go through the hood (seriously!).

A genuine BMW fan is $75 from BMAParts.com.

sorry i meant as $250.00 for everything including labor..

sorry i meant as $250.00 for everything including labor..

Yes, I understood that.

The $250 does not include the cost of a new fan, I am guessing -- it is probably just the fan clutch, and one hour of labor to replace.

Yes, I understood that.

The $250 does not include the cost of a new fan, I am guessing -- it is probably just the fan clutch, and one hour of labor to replace.

yea just the fan clutch and labor..so you think i should try it on my own?

yea just the fan clutch and labor..so you think i should try it on my own?

If you're kinda-sorta mechanically inclined and want an excuse to buy a 32mm wrench (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944519000P?vName=Tools&keyword=32mm+wrench), then yes you can save a few bucks by doing it yourself.

yea just the fan clutch and labor..so you think i should try it on my own?

I got a new fan clutch from FPS in downtown Sac for $150 I think... It was a pretty easy swap, not worth ~$100 labor...