Weird startup whine?
 

On cold starts, seems to ramp up at start and then goes away within 4-5 blocks of driving. My ears say it is from some piece of gear near the end of the intake manifold - dunno what it is. Sounds kinda like a vacuum cleaner with a bad motor. Some sort of air injection unit? Any thoughts? Driveability isn't affected, idle is ok...

I missed the year of your car, but if it late 96+, it is probably your secondary air pump. Normal operation. :cool:

Sure enough. That is what it likely is, the description sounded odd. There is a lot of info here on that issue. You will eventually replace the rivets with bolts.

It quiets down a bit after that.

PS. Not only does BlackBM's beat me to all the good parts, also Johnny on the spot with help.


Here is the link to the cooljess statement that helped me out with my issue.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=29273

Ah yes - year is handy in diagnosis - 4/1997 build date, so I guess secondary air pump is a strong possibility.. Wasn't making that noise before in my 1 month history with the car though. Any idea on the common replaceable failure item on the secondary air pump?

Thanks.

Weird startup whine?
 

Bradestar nailed it. The aluminum rivets loosen and present a gap in the upper and lower pieces. For my last repair, the motor died. I took the opportunity to replace all the Rivets from a proactive standpoint.

And Bradestar, I scored another Xbrace today at the yards. I can equip the 4th car now, plus help out a friend this weekend. 😎. Just swift Brah....

Oops.... Can't do math. I'm one short. 😂


1998 & 1997 318ti Sport Schwartz II
1995 318ti Active Alpineweib III