E39 BMW 528i

[E36Fanatic]

Good afternoon gents.

I'm still new here. I bought a e39 528i a fews months ago and I'm really happy with the car. She needs a little tlc here and there but nothing major that I've come across.

My biggest concern at this stage is that the car has a whining noise consistent with the engine revs. When the car is in neutral the noise doesn't appear when I rev the car. It's only once I'm driving that it's prominent. Any advise on what could cause this?

My second concern is the "trifecta" where neither the speedometer or the fuel consumption indicator works as well as a burning ABS and traction control light.

I've recently replaced the clutch and I was wondering if anyone knows of a shifter with a shorter throw that will work in the car.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

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[Solo Man]

What tires do you have on the car? The same size tires should be on the same axle and preferably on all four wheels. Also, the amount of tread should also be roughly the same as well as the tire pressures. If you have staggered rims, the circumference should also roughly be the same. Also, check the abs sensors on the wheels if they are clean. Easy to check once the wheels are off the car. Small bolt and you can pull them out of the hub. Get the car on diagnostics if you have checked these simple items. What is the mileage? Iirc., not sure if this car has it but apparently there is a plug on the diff or gearbox that feeds the speedo. Check and clean that if it has one. Not sure about that. If none of these things work, try Googling it. I think i remember that this was a problem on these cars.

 

[E36Fanatic]

The noise I'm referring to isn't tire noise (I wish that was the case). It sounds like my car is supercharged

As for the ABS sensor, I've read that the rear left is the one connecting to the diff. I haven't check by the diff itself yet. Will try cleaning it and if that doesn't work, take the car for a diagnostic scan.

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[Nick]

Remove your Mother In-law from he car, see is the whining stops.

 

[E36Fanatic]

Remove your Mother In-law from he car, see is the whining stops.

I'll give that a try, if it doesn't work I guess I'll just sell the car with her in it

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[Justin1979]

Hi E36Fanatic

Check belts, pulleys and alternator as a start. Suggest starting with the cheapest items i.e. belts and pulleys.

 

[E36Fanatic]

Hi E36Fanatic

Check belts, pulleys and alternator as a start. Suggest starting with the cheapest items i.e. belts and pulleys.

Thanks, I think I should just replace all the pulleys and belts as preventative maintenance as the car has over 300k km on it.


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[Nick]

Viscous fan could be a culprit too!

 

[E36Fanatic]

I see some guys recommend switching to an electric fan. Any thoughts and opinions on that?

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