My brand new L is making some odd noises and I need to know whether or not I should bring it up when I bring the L in tomorrow for some minor warranty work.

1) Whenever I turn the steering wheel (especially noticeable when parking with radio off), I can hear a faint hissing noise from the power steering. It sounds like gas being discharged slowly. This is something I hear from inside the cabin and haven't noticed it much from outside the truck. It's not loud and doesn't sound like anything is grinding or breaking, but I just want to make sure that a little hissing is par for the course and not an indication of something wrong.

2) Whenever I use the A/C, I can hear some squealing that seems to only occur when the car is idling. That does not mean it doesn't happen when the L is moving, but I can only hear it when it's stopped. I imagine it's belt squeal from an accessory/compressor belt, and it goes away when I step on the gas and some of the slack is taken up. The squeal is constant (meaning if I sit at a stoplight it will keep squealing until the light changes), but it does change in pitch. Is everyone else's L quiet with the A/C on? Or do they all make a little squeal?

Thanks for your input!

 

BMWBig6,

My L makes the same hissing when steering at low speeds. I'm assuming its just the power steering pump. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

I've never noticed any squealing with the AC on.

NakMan

 

Bimmer:

The hissing is normal power steering noises (no, my Benz doesn't do it either, yes, my Pontiac does).

The squeal is a unique one. You might need to get that looked at, if you trust the monkeys at the dealership.

 

Sounds like the power steering hissing is normal, but the AC squeal is not. I will mention it to the service advisor tomorrow morning.

Watch what you say - I think some "monkeys" frequent this forum! I haven't had any experience with the techs at my dealer yet, but I do want to limit the amount of work they have to perform. I have already received more than my share of "collateral damage" on service visits and the reason I am even bringing the car in is to buff some scratches I noticed on delivery. Hopefully they can just check/tighten my belt while I am there and I won't even need a loaner car.

Thanks for the replies...

 

Older post but at McDonaolds today I had the window down with the AC on...heard this godawful sound coming from the engine bay!

Thought wtf and turned off the AC - stopped right away. Turned it back on, quiet for about 10 seconds and it came back...squealing and chattering kinda.

Little rev and it goes away. It's only when it's in Drive and I'm stopped. Doesn't do it in Neutral or Park.

So did you ever find out what this was? Anyone else ever have this? I would have never heard it if I hadn't rolled my window down with the AC on at a stop - something you don't do very often.

 

Ouch

 

"monkeys" ? Hmmmm.... Normally I would have a field day with a comment like that but not today. I hope the next "monkey" that works on your truck ****s on your seat.