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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.

Submitted: 465 days and 19 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $20

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
1995 BMW 318i

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

Accepted Answer

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

Expert:	Super mechanic
Pos. Feedback:	97.6 %
Accepts:	149
Answered:	7/31/2008

ASE Certified Technician

ASE Master, 30+ years exp. former shop owner, diagnostics, driveability tech

465 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Super mechanic's Post: Shop says it is the starter - does not disengage. I will find out for sure tomorrow morning.

Posted by Super mechanic 465 days and 13 hours ago.

Info Request

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

464 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

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.

Posted by Super mechanic 463 days and 19 hours ago.

Info Request

Your welcome. Feel free to come again whenever you have a question. Best wishes with your Beemer. Thank you.

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Question

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

Optional Information: 1995 BMW 318iAlready Tried: checked all fluids / belts - it's at the shop now

Accepted Answer

Reply

Reply to Super mechanic's Post: Shop says it is the starter - does not disengage. I will find out for sure tomorrow morning.

Info Request

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

Reply

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.

Info Request

Your welcome. Feel free to come again whenever you have a question. Best wishes with your Beemer. Thank you.

Related BMW Questions

Optional Information:
1995 BMW 318i

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

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.