Strange E92 Humming Noise Help!!

[Mackemshep]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and this is my first post so be gentle ,I'm not getin much help elsewhere so maybe it's a uk thing,. I just bought a new car 2 weeks ago (2008 325i m-sport) car has been great and I love everything about it, however I have noticed a strange humming type motor-ish noise coming from the car when idle and revs at 1000rpm, it wasn't much of an issue when I first noticed as there are a few strange (electrical) noises come from these cars (so I've heard), but now I've realised how to get the noise on I realise it isn't right and it's also got worse. I am pulling my hair out over it as I've been to 3 garages to check what it is and all said they can't put a finger on it as noise wouldn't come on all the time (typical) bmw also said it would need to be on constant for them to look at it, the reason I am stressing out over it is that although car has warranty it's still under guarantee from the garage I got it from (but 200 miles away) so would like to get a answer so if any issues I can speak to garage. Basically, it doesn't do the noise first thing when started (cold) but gradually builds up as car heats up. Then when at running temp that is the worst and comes and goes, it sounds like some fan or pump on its way out, I will add a video and would be hugely gratefull if anyone can help. Or even say they recognise the noise, thankyou everyone who takes time to help. (Everytime noise appears I am revving engine at 1000rpm)

[Mackemshep]

[Mackemshep]

Hopefully yous can see vid

[btmaldon]

Sorry Andrew but that has got me stumped. Its quite a weird sound. I wonder if it has something to do with the fan.

[Mackemshep]

Thanks for your reply. It's certainly does sound like some kind of fan/motor but the thing making me think away from the actual fan is that under the bonnet the noise is right up near the passenger footwell :/ I know it might not be anything serious but it's totally killing the buzz of a new car if u no what I mean :( to the point I'm tempted to hand the car back under the 30 day garentee :(

[Marcusdil]

Hi,

I have the same issue with the same noise.Car went to dealers last week and they replaced a fuel pipe under the warranty (Said that was the problem).Well got car back and still this strange croaking noise,,,,wondered if you ever found a solution as to what it is and the fix.

[Mackemshep]

Hi, marcusdil.

Sorry to hear you have the same issue. Yes I'm sure it's the HPFP!!

I aventually got Bmw to diagnose my car after a few trips for them to hear the noise,

They replaced the fuel pipe feed under Warrenty and noise disappeared only for it to return a Cuple of weeks later. I was told it is just the fuel making the pipe vibrate and some suffer worse than others.

Anyway as I prepeared to live life with the noise I then started to get the EML light o. Dash whenever I put my foot down (under load) and car would then go into limp mode.

Long story short (after weeks of phone tennis with dealer/warenty/Bmw) the high pressure fuel pump was replaced and car has never been better. Noise disapeared instantly aswel

[Marcusdil]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for reply.This is interesting...So it seems it might be the fuel pump...Interesting because there seems to have been some issues with the fuel pump on certain 325i e90 and e92 of 2008 year or thereabouts.I bought the car beginning of Feb from main BMW dealers. Coincidently I p/exed my 325i auto (2008) and I had to have the fuel pump replaced on that because of the same symptoms you had of car going in to limp mode and the yellow engine light on but no chirping issues.It was an expensive week and that prompted me to change the car..I fancied a manual to the auto anyway.It could the dreaded fuel pump curse is following me!

As I said BMW dealers had the car in this last week and played them a recording of the noise and they said there is a notice on their Puma system and a known fault and the cure was to replace the fuel pipe ..which they did 'apparently'.This was done on the used car warranty and through goodwill they say I would not be charged as normally noises that come and go are not covered and added to the fact I had only had the car for a few weeks..That cheered me to know the problem was solved and no more 'croaking'noise.Until I drove it.... got about 8 miles and then the 'frog' was chirping away as I waited at some lights.Really P****d off now.Rang them and they want me to take the car back to them to see if the noise is present.Now they say they could not hear the noise at all during the time they had it.Beginning to think I'm going round in circles and now I am thinking that I will try and find where the noise is coming from and try and sort it myself.I am sure next time they will replace something else and bill me anyway and it still might not be solved.Thanks for your input Andrew on this, as the more I research the issue the sooner I will get it sorted...hopefully

[Mackemshep]

This sounds all too familiar :( as i was passed from pillar to post for months. I was also informed about the puma notice, that's what prompted them to change the fuel line feed. But when they done it I was told it's not a sure fix and that some cars have the noise. Some don't so I was having to come to terms with living with it and then the fuel hpfp failed. I'm aware of the problems with the fuel pumps on our cars and I read there was a recal in usa (I'm in U.K. :( ) luckily the Warrenty covered the cost for fuel pump but I would personally recommend you find an indipendant Bmw specialist, ive washed my hands will Bmw main dealer as they refused to change the high pressure fuel pump before the low pressure fuel pump. And low and behold £400 later the eml and limo mode was still there. They then done the hpfp and like I say it's now sorted. I personally think that noise was the hpfp starting to fail (bairings or something going) then you get the eml and limp mode. But I could be wrong and it could be a Wierd coincidence. I feel our pain mate. I have about 10 threads on prett much every forum about this. I was pulling my hair out. I wish I'd of found a Bmw specialist before main dealer as I'm now lead to believe there are means and ways to test the fuel pumps and fuel suply (Bmw refused to)

Did you have the noise on your last Bmw before you renewed the fuel pump?

[Mackemshep]

Also.... Have you only had the car 2 months?

As under trading standards sale of goods act here in uk if you discover a fault with your car within 6 month of purchase then the dealer is liable to repair or replace vehicle. This is the route I was advised to take as Warrenty wouldnt cover. But they soon changed there mind once trading standards contacted them.

You will get sorted 👍

[Guest jeffthro]

Also.... Have you only had the car 2 months?

As under trading standards sale of goods act here in uk if you discover a fault with your car within 6 month of purchase then the dealer is liable to repair or replace vehicle. This is the route I was advised to take as Warrenty wouldnt cover. But they soon changed there mind once trading standards contacted them.

You will get sorted

Spot On. Whatever warranty a Motor Trader gives you, (and I must stress, Dealer, NOT a Private sale,), you have 6 months minimum for any major issue. NOT consumables, tyres, batteries, brake disc and pads, OR for easily proved neglect, (had someone trying to claim engine fault once when they had run it dry of oil!), but particularly where there has been an issue virtually from day 1, you have an absolutely cast iron case.

[Marcusdil]

Hi Andrew,

No, the noise was not present on my last car.It went into limp mode a couple of times during last couple of months with the engine icon coming on but as soon as I restarted the engine it cleared then came back again.It was due in for a service at my 'indi' and I mentioned it to them.They rang me to say it had error code and was the HPFP and needed to be replaced so I got them to do it. Didnt bother with a warranty on my previous car as from years of various BM s and no issues I was under the assumption they were bullet proof...not anymore me thinks.Anyway they charged me £400 fitted.

With this 'chirp' car I am told the warranty does not cover odd noises.. apparently.

I assume it would cover a replacement HPFP.The only way it seems that I would get the pump changed under the warranty was if the pump actually failed and an error code created...Seems that might happen sometime soon.

(I am in UK and bought it from local BMW main dealer.)......Oh happy days!

[Mackemshep]

Yeah that's true. It Must be a failing part before Warrenty claim. Even then no doubt they will try and play the "fare wear and tear" card. Well looks like a waiting game to see if the noise will be followed by the fuel pump failure. That sucks really. But do keep me updated.

[Marcusdil]

Yes I will keep you updated as to outcome.

Meant to ask you if you still have the car as I see your original post was August last year.If so, are you still 'chirp/croak free?

[Mackemshep]

Hi mate,

Yes I still have the car. I only bought it July last year then it was 2 weeks after I bought it I then got the noise!

The fuel pipe was replaced, noise didn't go away then 2 month later got the EML and limp mode! Hpfp changed. And runs Exellent, noise disapeared instantly aswel. Not heard it since.

Not sure if you noticed exactly where yours is coming from but mine sounded like from inside it was from passenger footwell. And I could put my hand on the floor (under mat) and feel the vibrations of the noise!

And ironically that is exactly where the hpfp is located under the car! (Another thing leading me believe it's at fault)

[Marcusdil]

Yes does sound if its from under the passenger seat area....Dealer wants me to go in with the car tomorrow to see if I can replicate the noise for them but not sure it will be a waste of time because they are not going to replace the HPFP just on hearing a croaking noise...Will just have to wait till it packs up like yours did.Will let you know the outcome....Thanks for you input on this.

[Marcusdil]

UPDATE!

Main BMW dealer had the car back again for 2 days.Got it back today.....They changed the HPFP under warranty....So far no croaking noise.Could be a result,will update again in a couple of days.........

[mickl3008]

Bit of a marathon, but good luck.

[Marcusdil]

Having used the car now for a couple of days I can say that the noise is no more.I took the car to main BMW dealer and the mechanic sat in the car with me.....Of course the noise wasnt occuring..typical.Anyway I played a recording of it to him and although they had replaced the fuel line under warranty, he said that the noise is related to the HPFP.In many cases replacing the fuel line only does solve the problem but if not, then the pump needs to be replaced.Although the pump was working with no fault code it was creating an uneven flow of fuel causing vibration of the fuel the pipe.Replacing the pipe often solved the problem because sturdier clips are used to make the pipe more rigid and thus eliminating the noise.I guess this is the stock remidy that BMW adopted as it was not necessary in all cases to replace the pump .

So for anyone coming across this post with humming/croaking noises,be assured it is the HPFP causing the problem and if you are lucky, replacement of the fuel pipe might stop the noise but if not then the pump will have to be replaced.I am assuming they have upgraded the pumps now.The BM mechanic was not sure what caused the actual problem in the pump but added that it is the first sign of the pump failing and could be due to cheap supermarket fuel corroding the internals.

The 'noise' is a known issue at BMW and incidently in North America there was a blanket recall to replace the pumps on certain year cars.

The BMW dealer really looked after me on this and although there was not a fault code generated by the HPFP, they replaced it under the 12 month used car warranty.

I 'rest my case' and now can start enjoying the car...Thanks everyone for you input on this and I hope my re telling my experience will help someone else with 'frogs' in the engine.

[Mackemshep]

Exellent news!!!!! Your experience sound all too familiar, exactly the same painstaking prosses I went through so can certainly feel your pain and how relieved you are right now being able to enjoy your car again. Glad You were atleast able to find somebody with same problem. I was pulling my hair out as seemed to be the only one. (Watch this space, this could be the start of something all to familiar)