e46 Whirring/Whining Noise on over run?

Soldato
Joined
27 Nov 2004
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10,332
Location
North Beds
Hey,

When i lift off the throttle, i can hear a whirring noise that sounds almost like a jet engine.

I've made a quick crap video last night on the way from from Gibbo's, we were both thinking possibly diff? I don't think it would be wheel bearing as if you disengage the gear and let it roll the sound nearly goes.

http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd482/rG-tom/?action=view&current=video-2011-07-23-22-44-53.mp4

From 5 to 10 seconds, you will need to turn your speakers up. Car is a 2002 e46 330i Sport saloon.

Anyone have a better idea?

Thanks guys,

Tom.
 
Is it a common problem do you know fox? If so, is it generally costly?

Damnit :(

It's not as common as say the cooling system, but its not unheard of either.

If you want a new diff it's a 4 figure job. If you do it with a used diff you can probably get it done for £500 to £600 inc labour but of course there is no guarantee it wont happen again.
 
It will be the diff - it went on my 530i and did exactly what you describe. Be careful if you continue to drive it - if it's anything like mine it'll destroy itself within 200 miles of the noise first starting!
 
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Ohh bugger, i noticed a similar noise in my e46 last time i drove it... maybe time for me to trade up to the e91 325i/330i :(

Ill take mine to the local specialist on Wednesday and see if he confirms my diff is also on its way out.
 
Who do you use Darryn and do you trust them? Only one I've found who seem to half know what they're on about is BMTec in m'cr city centre, which is far from convenient.
 
Is it worth changing the oil as someone suggested? Thinking back now I had an advisory about 18 months ago on a service for the diff having a leak, but forgot to do anything about it. I've had 2 services since then and neither have picked up on it again.

Probably could've stopped this by actually listening to the advisory! :( On the other hand, it might just be low on oil, so a dump + refill might fix it, or am i being too optimistic.
 
I use "Forshaw's BMW & Mini Specialist" in Nelson, i trust him to not try and rip me off, he's done the servicing and other work on both my BMWs. Main guy, Tony used to work for BMW and uses all genuine parts etc. Plugged my E46 in and reset fault codes for free quite recently after my ABS/TC pump thingy decided to have a hiccup.
 
I've got a high-pitched whine when I lift off the throttle, and I think it's getting louder.
I thought it could be the diff, but it doesn't have the jet-like noise Tom had..

FWIW, the car clunks when you change between 1st and 2nd gear but apparently they all do that.
Z3 Coupe, and I'm hoping the rear subframe is still attached.
 
It was practically empty of oil, filled it up and it's nearly completely gone. 2k miles later and it's not getting any worse :)
 
It was practically empty of oil, filled it up and it's nearly completely gone. 2k miles later and it's not getting any worse :)
I'll get the dealer to change the oil at the Inspection II.
I'm going to get raped anyway, so might as well go the whole hog.

You going to sell the E46?
 
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