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E46 Random chirping noise on cold starts

10K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  zsmith 
#1 · (Edited)
I have this random chirping noise that occurs during cold starts. It doesn't really have a pattern to it and I have already replaced the belts and idler pulley and tensioner pulley. It still makes the same noise as if before anything was replaced. You can heard a couple clear chirps around 0:16-0:17.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFkO1_euEEU&feature=youtu.be
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the replies. I will try this when I get the chance. Is there any risk of damage to the engine running without the DISA cable connected? I forgot to note this previously, but the sound goes away completely once the engine is warmed up. Does that help in confirming/eliminating a faulty DISA? I don't have any CEL light or codes being thrown either.
 
#7 ·
Started the car up this morning and it didn't exhibit the sound. If it is a faulty DISA, wouldn't disconnecting the cable not get rid of the sound? I saw other posts where a worn DISA valve will have a loose flap, therefore will continue to rattle without power connected to it. Since the noise does go away after warming up, isn't it unlikley it is the DISA? If it was faulty, shouldn't I be hearing the sound all the time and not just during cold starts?
 
#11 ·
OP, you might have multiple issues?

Even it your DISA is not making the noise, given the age of your car, it most likely needs a DISA anyway.

Easy enough to check and change.

See the first link below in my signature, there are pictures of the DISA out of the engine, some with the flap missing.
 
#12 ·
I was thinking pulleys also...but use a hose to isolate the sound...first.

When the belt is off, check the other things that spin too...wp, alt, ps pump...while you're there anyway.

Check belts for cracks also...and doublecheck your oil...I never believe fanatics the first time they say something!

Also, what oil are you using if you don't mind a personal question! What's your oci?
 
#15 ·
Did you ever figure this out? I've brought my pampered 2003 325xi (74k mi) to the BMW dealer 15 times over 8 years tying to figure this one out. Everything has been replaced on the front of the engine (ps, tensioners, all pulleys, alternator, belts). I hadn't heard of the DISA valve. Was that it? The chattering in my car is identical. Please respond if you figured it out. Thanks!
 
#16 ·
I FINALLY determined the cause of this chirping/chattering. The dealer replaced the following parts (many under warranty, but some were not):
Hydraulic tensioner, tensioner pulley, alternator, power steering pump, alternator/idler pulley and water pump (it was leaking). The alternator, tensioners and pulleys were replaced twice. Do yourself a huge favor and start with replacing the belt first. Be sure to have them clean the crank shaft pulley of any residue. It's much more profitable for them to start with the hardware. But after checking my records, I realized that it was the belt that was replaced each time the chattering stopped for a year or two.
 
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