Engine emits rattling noise between 2k to 3k rpm

ImStig · 10-27-2011, 01:39 AM

Hi all,

Since about 2k miles, my M3\'s engine makes a rattle noise between 2k to 3k rpm for higher gears (3rd to 6th, more pronounce on higher gears) when I try to accelerate harder on those gears. The rattle is more pronounced with the power bottom on. On the other hand, no rattles in 1st or 2nd gear, or neutral. The sound emits from the driver side of the engine bay it seems.

This is the first v8 for me, and I was wondering if this is common? My transmission is 6mt.

Thanks for the guidance here!

Rshane · 10-27-2011, 10:16 AM

Yep, most likely the normal intake rattle. It got really loud for me when I installed my Akrapovic exhaust.

Boosted-M · 10-27-2011, 12:31 PM

Does it almost sound like the engines pinging and only makes the noise under light load between 2k to 3k rpm..?

ImStig · 10-27-2011, 06:08 PM

The rattling noise is like a fluttering sound, but only there when under load (more aggressive throttling)

SPQR M3 · 10-30-2011, 07:30 PM

Yes, I have the exact same sound under the same conditions. I would love to know the reason too.

Locksmythe · 11-01-2011, 06:57 AM

It is normal engine noise coming back out through the intake. If you are hearing it more on the left side that is because the hood vent on the left is connected to the intake. The dual-layer 2008-2009 US intake filter silences the rattle, at cost of air flow. Newer US or Euro filters and aftermarket filters do not.

After 9 months with an aftermarket filter I put the stock 2009 back in.

Thebigbus · 12-27-2012, 06:46 PM

So is the general consensus that this is all airbox related?? I test drove a used m3 dct yesterday, and heard, upon acceleration, a rattling/fluttering...like wind trapped under paper....from what seemed to be the front left part of the vehicle? Almost a "crackling" or "rustling" actually...hard to describe. It wasn't there when the car was revved in neutral...

phlliphethe · 12-27-2012, 08:01 PM

The dual-layer 2008-2009 US intake filter silences the rattle, at cost of air flow.

aussiem3 · 12-27-2012, 08:23 PM

Very interesting. Five years and 35k km later I am yet to hear this. I am about to install a BMC filter sometime today. Mine is a '07 car.

Munit · 12-27-2012, 09:33 PM

Totally normal. Its not the airbox, its rather that it is a very open, large air filter and box so emitting all the sounds from the engine which what you here is the clatter and natural resonance of the valvetrain at those RPMS' and gears.

Love the mechanical sound of this car!

The one thing is you really never should be in a situation where you are accelerating in this rpm range in a high gear. You need to keep this thing about 5k rpms so it is never an issue in real life driving, atleast for me!

Thebigbus · 12-27-2012, 09:46 PM

I hope that is what I'm hearing! Can definitely live with it if that's what's going on. I guess I mainly noticed it at lower speeds, when I would have to be in the lower rev range. Soot is the "air under paper" sound, correct". Almost a hybrid rattle/flutter sound?

Freaked me out, though

. I have a GTO rt now, which makes a few noises, but not like that.

qbix · 07-23-2013, 04:59 AM

This forum is just amazing! Was looking for an answer to exactly same issue and guess what! Found it here

My car (late 2012) makes exactly same noise when accelerating at higher gears and low rpm.

It means green light to mod my car now

Longwong · 07-23-2013, 09:02 AM

Part is a rattle but also I have logged data and if you are in too high of a gear and bogging the engine the knock control system is going wild as given this engine, if rpms are too low and you are in a high gear you are loading the system and the engine will knock unless the knock control starts working overtime so not sure if its a combination of dialed back combustion as it shows on the logging data.

MMMMM3 · 07-23-2013, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longwong

Part is a rattle but also I have logged data and if you are in too high of a gear and bogging the engine the knock control system is going wild as given this engine, if rpms are too low and you are in a high gear you are loading the system and the engine will knock unless the knock control starts working overtime so not sure if its a combination of dialed back combustion as it shows on the logging data.

Does this sound like a fast clattering noise? Mine does it between 1,600 and 2,200 revs on partial load but stops if you take your foot off the accelerator pedal altogether. Much more noticable at lower speeds as well. I've had the car for 12months but only noticed it last week! Must be because the stereo is usually turned up.

BDO · 01-03-2015, 07:10 AM

Also have this sound, it is exactly like pinging at sub 2000 rpm, whereafter it disappears completely. Is it a cause for concern/investigation?

4corners · 01-03-2015, 03:20 PM

Plugs?? Keep it fresh. These engines love new spark plugs.

jagman · 09-27-2015, 02:47 AM

I have it too. Very annoying. I thought it was the heat shield as it became really noticeable when I went from the stock xpipe to a catless one (no resonators, too). Happens only when under load, 2500-2800 rpm. It is the worst when the engine is bogged and under load. This is unfortunate since I have the DCT and prefer to use auto mode in the neighborhood since it is quieter.

jagman · 09-27-2015, 02:48 AM

Could it be the heat shield instead of the intake?

thekurgan · 09-27-2015, 05:35 PM

Put up a vid?

BMRLVR · 09-28-2015, 09:44 AM

Relax guys, it is just the sound of the engine breathing!

Rcase · 09-30-2015, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4corners

Plugs?? Keep it fresh. These engines love new spark plugs.

Agree, even when my rod bearings were nearly gone it sounded better with fresh plugs!

jagman · 10-06-2015, 03:38 PM

Is there a way to fix the intake rattle without going back to the old filter? I removed the one that came with my 08 M3 (I got othe car second hand) and put in a Stage 2 AFE filter and arm. Around the same time I went catless and resonatorless so the sound is on steroids.

10-27-2011, 01:39 AM	#1
ImStig Private First Class 23 Rep 110 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Mercer Island, WA iTrader: (0)	Engine emits rattling noise between 2k to 3k rpm Hi all, Since about 2k miles, my M3\'s engine makes a rattle noise between 2k to 3k rpm for higher gears (3rd to 6th, more pronounce on higher gears) when I try to accelerate harder on those gears. The rattle is more pronounced with the power bottom on. On the other hand, no rattles in 1st or 2nd gear, or neutral. The sound emits from the driver side of the engine bay it seems. This is the first v8 for me, and I was wondering if this is common? My transmission is 6mt. Thanks for the guidance here! __________________ 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Manual 2022 G05 X5 xDrive40i 2014 X1 xDrive28i (Sold) 2000 E46 323i (Sold) "Some say, he has a stripy top, just like mine" - James May
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10-27-2011, 10:16 AM	#2
Rshane M-Flight Member 42 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas iTrader: (0)	Yep, most likely the normal intake rattle. It got really loud for me when I installed my Akrapovic exhaust. __________________ 2011 Le Mans Blue M3// Black extended Novillo w/ Blue Grey Aluminum trim/DCT/ZTP/ZCW/ZPP/ZCP Premium Sound ///Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust 2015 Audi S4 Prestige, Brilliant Black S-tronic 2012 Le Mans Blue 135i M Pkg DCT
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10-27-2011, 12:31 PM	#3
Boosted-M First Lieutenant 43 Rep 339 Posts Drives: F10 535D XDrive (USA) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Northeast PA & NJ iTrader: (2)	Does it almost sound like the engines pinging and only makes the noise under light load between 2k to 3k rpm..?
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10-27-2011, 06:08 PM	#4
ImStig Private First Class 23 Rep 110 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Mercer Island, WA iTrader: (0)	The rattling noise is like a fluttering sound, but only there when under load (more aggressive throttling) __________________ 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Manual 2022 G05 X5 xDrive40i 2014 X1 xDrive28i (Sold) 2000 E46 323i (Sold) "Some say, he has a stripy top, just like mine" - James May
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10-30-2011, 07:30 PM	#5
SPQR M3 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 330 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 325i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Yes, I have the exact same sound under the same conditions. I would love to know the reason too.
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11-01-2011, 06:57 AM	#6
Locksmythe First Lieutenant 51 Rep 378 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 M3 AW/FR Join Date: May 2009 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	It is normal engine noise coming back out through the intake. If you are hearing it more on the left side that is because the hood vent on the left is connected to the intake. The dual-layer 2008-2009 US intake filter silences the rattle, at cost of air flow. Newer US or Euro filters and aftermarket filters do not. After 9 months with an aftermarket filter I put the stock 2009 back in.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2012, 06:46 PM	#7
Thebigbus Private 6 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Central Texas iTrader: (0)	So is the general consensus that this is all airbox related?? I test drove a used m3 dct yesterday, and heard, upon acceleration, a rattling/fluttering...like wind trapped under paper....from what seemed to be the front left part of the vehicle? Almost a "crackling" or "rustling" actually...hard to describe. It wasn't there when the car was revved in neutral...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2012, 08:01 PM	#8
phlliphethe New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: see you body iTrader: (0)	The dual-layer 2008-2009 US intake filter silences the rattle, at cost of air flow. __________________
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12-27-2012, 08:23 PM	#9
aussiem3 Colonel 312 Rep 2,679 Posts Drives: Goggomobil Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kangaroo land iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW X5 ///Spor ... [0.00]	Very interesting. Five years and 35k km later I am yet to hear this. I am about to install a BMC filter sometime today. Mine is a '07 car.
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12-27-2012, 09:33 PM	#10
Munit Banned 43 Rep 220 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Totally normal. Its not the airbox, its rather that it is a very open, large air filter and box so emitting all the sounds from the engine which what you here is the clatter and natural resonance of the valvetrain at those RPMS' and gears. Love the mechanical sound of this car! The one thing is you really never should be in a situation where you are accelerating in this rpm range in a high gear. You need to keep this thing about 5k rpms so it is never an issue in real life driving, atleast for me!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2012, 09:46 PM	#11
Thebigbus Private 6 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Central Texas iTrader: (0)	I hope that is what I'm hearing! Can definitely live with it if that's what's going on. I guess I mainly noticed it at lower speeds, when I would have to be in the lower rev range. Soot is the "air under paper" sound, correct". Almost a hybrid rattle/flutter sound? Freaked me out, though . I have a GTO rt now, which makes a few noises, but not like that.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2013, 04:59 AM	#12
qbix Banned 18 Rep 80 Posts Drives: F15 3.0d, 991 GT3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	This forum is just amazing! Was looking for an answer to exactly same issue and guess what! Found it here My car (late 2012) makes exactly same noise when accelerating at higher gears and low rpm. It means green light to mod my car now
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2013, 09:02 AM	#13
Longwong Banned 50 Rep 370 Posts Drives: e92 m3 catless Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Part is a rattle but also I have logged data and if you are in too high of a gear and bogging the engine the knock control system is going wild as given this engine, if rpms are too low and you are in a high gear you are loading the system and the engine will knock unless the knock control starts working overtime so not sure if its a combination of dialed back combustion as it shows on the logging data.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-03-2015, 07:10 AM	#15
BDO Lieutenant 288 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 2016 X6 40d M-sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Citizen of the World iTrader: (0)	Also have this sound, it is exactly like pinging at sub 2000 rpm, whereafter it disappears completely. Is it a cause for concern/investigation?
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01-03-2015, 03:20 PM	#16
4corners Major 427 Rep 1,137 Posts Drives: 2008 Jet Black M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Yucca Valley, CA - Kelowna, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Blue Bird TC2000 [0.00] 2005 BMW 325Ci [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Plugs?? Keep it fresh. These engines love new spark plugs.
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09-27-2015, 02:47 AM	#17
jagman First Lieutenant 33 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2008 Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (1)	I have it too. Very annoying. I thought it was the heat shield as it became really noticeable when I went from the stock xpipe to a catless one (no resonators, too). Happens only when under load, 2500-2800 rpm. It is the worst when the engine is bogged and under load. This is unfortunate since I have the DCT and prefer to use auto mode in the neighborhood since it is quieter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2015, 02:48 AM	#18
jagman First Lieutenant 33 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2008 Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (1)	Could it be the heat shield instead of the intake?
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09-27-2015, 05:35 PM	#19
thekurgan Bad Lieutenant 245 Rep 3,516 Posts Drives: E39M5 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chattanooga iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Put up a vid? __________________ 02 E39M5 \| TiAg/Schwartz \| Tubi Rumore \| Ultimate Ti Pedals \| E60 SSK \| Coby Alcantara \| StrongStrut STB
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09-28-2015, 09:44 AM	#20
BMRLVR Grease Monkey 339 Rep 2,646 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3,1994 Euro E36 M3/4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada iTrader: (3)	Relax guys, it is just the sound of the engine breathing! __________________ 2011 E90 M3 ZCP - Individual Moonstone/Individual Amarone Extended/Individual Piano Black With Inlay:LINK!!! 1994 Euro E36 M3 Sedan - Daytona Violet/Mulberry:LINK!!!
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10-06-2015, 03:38 PM	#22
jagman First Lieutenant 33 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2008 Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (1)	Is there a way to fix the intake rattle without going back to the old filter? I removed the one that came with my 08 M3 (I got othe car second hand) and put in a Stage 2 AFE filter and arm. Around the same time I went catless and resonatorless so the sound is on steroids.
	Appreciate 0 Quote