318is - 3000 rpm zizzing noise

Post Mon Sep 26, 2005 4:50 pm

I think this is a common problem but I've yet to find a definitive answer on how to fix it...

At around 3000 rpm there's a relatively loud "zizzing" noise. The rest of the rev range is lovely and smooth.

The following article (rival forum, sorry - will I get banned from e30zone?!) describes what I think is the same problem. Unfortunately it doesn't go in to much detail. Can anyone clarify what he's talking about? Eg a more detailed procedure, part numbers etc?

http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/d ... Section=08

Post Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:58 pm

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html

Andrew

Post Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:58 pm

tensioner
guides

try tensioner forst..... then guides

Post Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:03 pm

Thanks for the advice. Forgot to mention I've replaced the tensioner already - this succesfully got rid of the "hammer drill" type sound the engine made previously when cold. I also flushed the oil. So I guess it's the guides next.

Two questions
- is it worth changing the timing chain whilst I'm in there?
- are the guides - like the tensioner - the same as those on the M44 engine?

Thanks for your help!

Post Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:47 am

My is made the hammer drill sound till I replaced the hydraulic tensioner, all guides and chain. Now it makes the zizzing noise..

VERY annoying.

Assumed I'd tensioned the power steering and alternator belts wrong.

Bugger. Could it be a fault or a problem I'm just not gonna get rid of? Perhaps I need to adjust the new rubbery guide somehow?

Jai

Post Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:19 pm

jaistanley, I'd have thought the problem with yours must be down to wear on some other parts the chain is in contact with - it must be the 4 sprockets. When I get round to rebuilding mine I'll replace these as well.

Has anyone done this? If so, how big a job is it?