Funny noise E36 318iS

[Solo Man]

My car has this funny noise like a high pitched Zee sound that rises when you rev the engine. It sounds just like an alternator but it is not. I have read in TotalBMW that they reckon it is the cam chain tensioner that needs replacing. I see on Realoem that there is a removable tensioner "bolt" that tensions the one guide rail and was thinking of replacing this, without taking off the timing chain cover. Anyone with previous experience of this problem please help with advice! What i don't understand is what is making the noise? It is as if one of the pulleys is touching something and when it speeds up the noise gets louder. But how will the chain make this noise?

 

[Sankekur]

Just first check everything in terms of the belts, pulleys and tensioners before you go replacing anything in terms of the timing chain.

 

[Raybimmer]

Unfortunately bad news . You could take a long screwdriver and touch the various areas where noise may start and put your ear against the handle . Watch for moving parts . If not working you may have to take belts off one by one till the culprit is found . I would expect a timing chain to be slack and make a noise at startup , but not increasing like a bearing whine . Good luck .

 

[Solo Man]

Found the problem! Was the tensioner pulley on the a/c. Took the pulley off and went for a spin - no noise! Then turned the pulley around so that it was spinning in the opposite direction and viola!, only a very slight zzz noise, not irritating at all. (keep in mind i did clean and regrease the bearing about a week ago). Will check out the suppliers and get myself a new tensioner in time. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Leon]

Mmm...interesting,i have the same noise with my 318Is
Its due for a service this week so will check that out:ty: