Texas
Do you experience strange noises in your BMW? A BMW is a car that is associated with powerful performance, precision in engineering, and a smooth ride. However, if you hear some unusual sounds from your car, you know that something is wrong with your vehicle’s engine. When it comes to noises, there are squeaks and rattles, grinding and whining, and all of them can indicate a variety of issues. If these sounds are ignored, this may result in a lot of harm and expensive damage, but if the problem is detected early enough, it can easily be solved.
What to Check When Your BMW Makes Unusual Noises
- Squealing When Starting the Engine: If you hear a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound from your BMW when you turn on the engine, especially during a cold morning, then you should consider checking the serpentine belt. With time, this belt wears out, gets brittle, or loses tension and slips, producing noise. Another cause could be a faulty belt tensioner that does not allow the belt to grip the pulleys adequately.
- Engine Knock or Tick: A knocking or ticking sound emanating from the engine usually indicates a low oil supply, damaged lifters, or carbon deposits within the cylinders. BMW engines demand the right quantity of oil for them to run smoothly, and when there is little oil, there is friction and wear and tear on the engine’s components.
- Grinding When Braking: A grinding sound each time you use the brake is a clear sign that the brake pads are worn out. When the brake pads wear to their friction material, the metal backing of the pad rubs directly on the brake rotors, creating metal-on-metal friction. This can lead to serious damage to the rotors, and the repair becomes even more costly.
- Whining or Humming Noise: Sometimes, one might hear a whining or humming sound while shifting gears or driving at constant speeds, which could be a sign that your BMW is having a problem with its transmission or differential. If the transmission fluid level is low, the gears will shift roughly, and the car will make whining sounds. Likewise, when the differential fluid is low or dirty, your BMW may produce a humming noise from the rear.
- Clunking Over Bumps or When Turning: If you experience a clunking noise while going over bumps or turning the steering wheel, there is a high chance that the suspension system is to blame. Damaged suspension parts such as worn-out control arm bushings, loose ball joints, failing struts, and shocks are unable to absorb impact very well, and they knock or clunk. Since BMWs have highly sophisticated suspensions, problems with these parts are likely to compromise the comfort and control of the car.
- Hissing Sound Under the Hood: A hissing sound emanating from under the hood is often associated with a problem in the cooling system. BMW vehicles have a pressurized cooling system, and if there are holes in the radiator, the cooling hoses, or the coolant reservoir, pressure is lost, and the engine overheats. Another problem is that air pockets in the system can lead to gurgling sounds when the coolant is circulating.
Call A Professional Mechanic
If you notice any of the noises mentioned above in your BMW, the best step to take is to call a certified mechanic to check it. These experts are well-equipped to run a diagnostic and physical check on the different systems in your vehicle. If faults are found, they can also use original parts to replace the faulty ones. Never neglect a strange sound in your BMW!
How European Service Center Can Help
At European Service Center, we identify and solve any BMW performance problems, such as strange noises, faulty engines, and others. Our highly skilled mechanics have worked with European cars, especially BMW, for quite a long time. We have eight branches in Georgia and Texas, and we serve places like Dunwoody, Atlanta, Roswell, Cumming, Buckhead, Norcross, Duluth, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Houston, and Dallas. If your BMW is producing loud sounds, it is high time you seek help before the situation becomes worse. Please contact us today for any service and repairs that you need.