Ask Your BMW Question. BMW Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a BMW Question?)

My 1995 BMW 318i, new to me last week just started making ...

Sent to BMW Experts July 31 2008 at 11:26 AM
   

My 1995 BMW 318i, new to me last week just started making horrible noises after turning on the A/C. It sounds like metal on metal, really grating. Does not stop after air is turned off, and continues when driving. No service/ warning lights on, and fluids are fine.

 

Optional Information:
1995 BMW 318i

Already Tried:
checked all fluids / belts - it's at the shop now

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Time Left: 733256 days and 11 hours   Status:  Awaiting Customer Action   Value:  $20
Answer
July 31 2008 at 11:43 AM (16 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hello and welcome to Just answer.com, Super mechanic here. About your vehicle.

You will want to see if the compressor clutch is moving around. It might be the clutch bearing, that would make the sound even with the A/C turned off. Or, you can take the belts off and turn each pulley by hand to find the noise. Of course, at that time you will want to check for any sideways movement in the water pump pulley as well as the belt tensioners also.

I know it's not easy to get your hands in there and it might help to pinpoint the sound if you have a mechanic's stethescope, (or a long 3/4" PVC pipe) where you can put it on some of the susspected areas. Let me know what you find, thanks



REMEMBER, you don't have to ACCEPT until you are 100% satisfied with the answer. BUT, we don't get paid unless you hit the *ACCEPT* key.
You can also follow up after you ACCEPT, thanks
Picture
Super mechanic -- ASE Certified Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 130 BMW Accepts
ASE Master, 30+ years exp. former shop owner, diagnostics, driveability tech
Reply
July 31 2008 at 4:11 PM (4 hours and 28 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
Reply to Super mechanic's Post: Shop says it is the starter - does not disengage. I will find out for sure tomorrow morning.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
July 31 2008 at 5:48 PM (1 hour and 36 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         

That's possible. Sound in the rear of the engine?

 

 

Picture
Super mechanic -- ASE Certified Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 130 BMW Accepts
ASE Master, 30+ years exp. former shop owner, diagnostics, driveability tech
Reply
August 1 2008 at 11:29 PM (1 day and 5 hours later)
         
Thanks so much. Yes the sound came from the back of the engine, and it was the starter-- found out previous owner replaced it already once, but not with BMW part -- an after market. I will be reviewing the entire engine with my mechanic, and get the car history.

Thanks for your great feedback.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
August 2 2008 at 11:57 AM (12 hours and 28 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
Your welcome. Feel free to come again whenever you have a question. Best wishes with your Beemer. Thank you.
Picture
Super mechanic -- ASE Certified Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 130 BMW Accepts
ASE Master, 30+ years exp. former shop owner, diagnostics, driveability tech

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on JustAnswer ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), and do not establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations regarding the qualifications of Experts. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > BMW

Help - Question List - Become an Expert - Terms of Service - Security & Privacy - About Us
© 2003-2009 JustAnswer Corp.