Cam gears whining sound?

[dreamspeed]

So i've been trying to figure out what the whining sound coming from the engine bay is and i believe it is the cam gears. I was able to find some info on the forums but not a whole lot about this topic

I was wondering if you guys can take a look at my descriptions below and give your opinion on whether it is the cam gears

- whining sound coming from engine bay area

- sound is similar to supercharger whine or that whining sound from your transmission when you accelerate quickly in reverse or that "feedback" sound you get with aftermarket stereos OR that whining/whirling sound of a high speed RC car

-sound is evident both while stationary (idling) and moving (on the throttle)

- sound volume goes up and down in relation to amount of throttle

- sound is very noticeable in 1st and 2nd but less prevalent in 3rd gear and higher

- sound is independent of steering

- sounds like it is coming from the left side of the engine bay when you are standing at the front of the car (passenger side)

- i'm not an expert but do know my way around cars and in my opinion it doesn't sound "offensive".... meaning it doesn't sound like something is broken...of course i know that these sounds can be quite tricky

[elm3]

That is your cam gears making that sound. It is totally normal.

[Peahi]

The sounds of sweetness! When I see other local m3s that the signature sound. Must drive 335 guys nuts that their cars' engine sound is anemic in comparison. Lol!!!

[Pontrelli]

4 cams.. Double-VANOS = lots of noise..all normal.

[M3PO]

Definitely the cam gears and totally normal.

[Mike van D]

...love the sound of gear drive vs old timing chains, etc. Unique sound for this engine that most who own recognize from a distance.

[dreamspeed]

Yah I actually prefer my sports/sporty cars to be noisy, just wanted to make sure it's not the bad sort of noise i'm hearing

I love how the car sounds really raw on a cold start

[dreamspeed]

Just to provide an update since I know a lot of people wonder about the whining sound.

I took the car in to the dealership to have the hood latch adjusted recently and asked them about the whining noise. They said the noise was normal.

Now whether or not they can be trusted (or if they even know what they are talking about)... well that's up to you to decide.

[Curry33343]

Glad I found this thread just got an e93 and it's been driving me crazy. I'm thinking alternator, power steering pump all types of shit lol hopefully it's the case. Thanks guys

[ksteckba]

Interesting...a sound I don't have...

[Umi|all|day]

Originally Posted by ksteckba

Interesting...a sound I don't have...

Listen to it carefully on cold starts. Mine only does it on cold starts and it has been since I've got it.

[dreamspeed]

4 years later and the sound is either gone or I'm just so use to it I don't even hear it anymore lol

[superchink]

Not sure what your cause was, especially if it went away on it's own, but mine ended up being the power steering fluid.

It started becoming more obvious on colder days when I first start driving.

Eventually it was almost all the time. Turned out I had low power steering fluid. Topped it off and the sound was gone instantly.

Just dropping this note here in case someone else has the same issue.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by dreamspeed

So i've been trying to figure out what the whining sound coming from the engine bay is and i believe it is the cam gears. I was able to find some info on the forums but not a whole lot about this topic

I was wondering if you guys can take a look at my descriptions below and give your opinion on whether it is the cam gears

- whining sound coming from engine bay area

- sound is similar to supercharger whine or that whining sound from your transmission when you accelerate quickly in reverse or that "feedback" sound you get with aftermarket stereos OR that whining/whirling sound of a high speed RC car

-sound is evident both while stationary (idling) and moving (on the throttle)

- sound volume goes up and down in relation to amount of throttle

- sound is very noticeable in 1st and 2nd but less prevalent in 3rd gear and higher

- sound is independent of steering

- sounds like it is coming from the left side of the engine bay when you are standing at the front of the car (passenger side)

- i'm not an expert but do know my way around cars and in my opinion it doesn't sound "offensive".... meaning it doesn't sound like something is broken...of course i know that these sounds can be quite tricky

The S65 is a noisy beast! I would suggest going to some car shows or enthusiast meets in your area and tracking down an M3. Listen to it and compare. I came from the 335 to the M3 and I was shocked by the change in engine noise at first. Now I really love the sound and appreciate it.

[deathbunny]

The sound is there. Try rolling down the windows and drive in first gear. If you still can't hear it you might be do for a hearing exam