E30 316 - eery intermittent whine

[BristolE30]

Hey guys,

So I've just bought a 1987 E30 316 with M10.

On the drive back down I noticed a intermittent strange whine noise, that almost sounds like wind howling. Its quite scary sounding ha.

Just wondering if anyone had any idea what it could be? Can upload a sound clip later.

Appreciate any help, looking forward to getting stuck into this car!

Cheers

[BristolE30]

Does anyone know how to post a link to the audio file I uploaded? It won't appear...

[aimlessrock]

does the sound increase with the speed?

[BristolE30]

does the sound increase with the speed?

Hey mate!

It doesn’t no, it’s quite random it seems. At first I thought it might be something to do with the power steering, but turning the wheel really doesn’t effect it. I’m wondering if it’s to do with the air vents...

Taking a proper look at it this weekend!
Cheers

[mark_i]

may well be the cooling fan viscous coupling...

[martauto]

does the sound increase with the speed?

Hey mate!

It doesn’t no, it’s quite random it seems. At first I thought it might be something to do with the power steering, but turning the wheel really doesn’t effect it. I’m wondering if it’s to do with the air vents...

Taking a proper look at it this weekend!
Cheers

Keep plugging away and welcome to the zone as well mate !!

Mart.

[BristolE30]

[/quote]

Keep plugging away and welcome to the zone as well mate !!

Mart.
[/quote]

So! Discovered the noise was coming from the additional water pump that I guess they installed on the 316’s but not any other models? Can’t seem to see it on any of the M20 engine models.

The noise was basically the pump grinding away - strange design having a secondary/auxiliary water pump.

Now just to source the part for less than £200...

[BristolE30]

Does anyone know if the additional water pump on the E30 316 is supposed to be running constantly? It seems mine is and could be the cause of it breaking...

Appreciate any help

[martauto]

Does anyone know if the additional water pump on the E30 316 is supposed to be running constantly? It seems mine is and could be the cause of it breaking...

Appreciate any help

Mine went the same way so I binned it with no Ill effects.
Never found out why it was there,

Mart.

[BristolE30]

Does anyone know if the additional water pump on the E30 316 is supposed to be running constantly? It seems mine is and could be the cause of it breaking...

Appreciate any help

Mine went the same way so I binned it with no Ill effects.
Never found out why it was there,

Mart.

Ah interesting, I ended up replacing it, and my heating works again now. If it ever goes again, I'll likely just bin it and stick an elbow joint in!

[arrisbmw]

additional water pump ? where,s that never seen it on mine , or is it only on the earlier models ? prefacelift

[martauto]

Does anyone know if the additional water pump on the E30 316 is supposed to be running constantly? It seems mine is and could be the cause of it breaking...

Appreciate any help

Mine went the same way so I binned it with no Ill effects.
Never found out why it was there,

Mart.

Ah interesting, I ended up replacing it, and my heating works again now. If it ever goes again, I'll likely just bin it and stick an elbow joint in!

What did the pump cost in the end as my heating does not work?
I had an 86 316 but that did not have one on and the heating was fine.

Mart.

[BristolE30]

Mine went the same way so I binned it with no Ill effects.
Never found out why it was there,

Mart.

Ah interesting, I ended up replacing it, and my heating works again now. If it ever goes again, I'll likely just bin it and stick an elbow joint in!

What did the pump cost in the end as my heating does not work?
I had an 86 316 but that did not have one on and the heating was fine.

Mart.

The additional water pump came to £136 from BMW Germany. So when you binned yours you never managed to get the heating going again?

Cheers!
Jo

[BristolE30]

additional water pump ? where,s that never seen it on mine , or is it only on the earlier models ? prefacelift

I believe it was for models destined for a hotter climate, although I’m pretty sure mine isn’t an import. Anyone know how to check?

It’s located at the back of the engine by, just before the heater matrix. Gives the coolant a little boost ha

[martauto]

The heating was there but really poor and still is but I was hoping you had found a cheaper alternative because I am really tight lol.


Mart.