Noisy 2005 X3 3.0?
Discussion
AudiSport said:
We've just bought a 2005 3.0 X3, and can't get over how loud the engine noise is in the cabin?
I have a 2003 E46 330i and that is also unusally loud in the cabin. I'm pretty sure, in my case, it's down to the valve in one of the exhaust tailpipes that is stuck open all the time. Mine looks like it's seized open. When the engine is off the right tailpipe should have a hinged flap, which is closed, the valve is suppose to open up when you want to accelerate/use more power. I would check that first.
Some people mod the valve so it stays open all the time, it may sound better to some but the drone at cruising speed is not pleasant.
I've not sorted it yet because there always seems to be something else needing my attention!
I think it's the exhaust as my '54 3.0i does sound boomy but, never having had an SUV before and there just being a roller blind over the boot, I've assumed its normal.
I do get a lot of compliments about how good it sounds from people who can hear me coming and know it's me.
I've got used to it mostly after just over a year but I will have a look at the exhaust flap as it may help.
I would say categorically that it's exhaust related, not engine.
I do get a lot of compliments about how good it sounds from people who can hear me coming and know it's me.
I've got used to it mostly after just over a year but I will have a look at the exhaust flap as it may help.
I would say categorically that it's exhaust related, not engine.
Tedders and David, thank you both so much for your knowledgeable input! Following another drive tonight in the car with my wife I can confirm the drone at 50/60 is the main issue - and sure enough the flap in the exhaust is stuck open! I'll get it looked at tomorrow and report back. Thank you again!
Sorry for going off topic (now original topic is resolved :-) ) but we've just bought an 04 x3 3.0 and are really impressed with it. They get a bit of a mixed press, but for a usable, refined and dare I say it fun to drive all rounder it's great. We started off looking for a manual 2.5 but there are so many rough ones we had to broaden the search. The 3.0 auto is a great combination and seems to give comparable economy with good performance. After an e36 328, an e24 alpina B9 and an e61 tourer the x3 is surprisingly fantastic!!
AudiSport said:
Quick update: our local indi had a look today and there is a separate pipe that comes off the exhaust that had a hole stopping the vacum closing the flap. All fixed for £20 and the cabin is now quiet and refined at crusing speeds.
Thanks again for the input lads!
That's great news... I'll check the pipe on mine, hopefully it's that simple!Thanks again for the input lads!
Yeah, mechanic said that the pipe had a hole in it, so he just trimmed it down and re-attached. £20 well spent. Interestingly the flap is still open when the engine isn't running.
Just been out in the X3 tonight and the difference is amazing, really quiet now. Unless of course you put your foot down...
Just been out in the X3 tonight and the difference is amazing, really quiet now. Unless of course you put your foot down...
griffter said:
Sorry for going off topic (now original topic is resolved :-) ) but we've just bought an 04 x3 3.0 and are really impressed with it. They get a bit of a mixed press, but for a usable, refined and dare I say it fun to drive all rounder it's great. We started off looking for a manual 2.5 but there are so many rough ones we had to broaden the search. The 3.0 auto is a great combination and seems to give comparable economy with good performance. After an e36 328, an e24 alpina B9 and an e61 tourer the x3 is surprisingly fantastic!!
Yes, so far I'm very impressed with ours. We previously owned a 54 plate 3.0d X5 which was eventually sold due to a string of bills relating to carbon buildup and a failed turbo. My wife now only does 6k miles a year! So we bought a Qashquai (spelling?), but we missed the German build quality so that was sold and we now have an X3 which sits somewhere in between the two. Additionally, we banked £2000 as the X3 was only £7000, which feels a lot of car for the money. Metallic dark blue with full service history, 62k miles, sports pack and loads of options including panoramic roof etc etc.We are really pleased, specially now we have sorted the engine noise issue. It's no X5, but for us, it feels special and an event to drive.
AudiSport said:
Yeah, mechanic said that the pipe had a hole in it, so he just trimmed it down and re-attached. £20 well spent. Interestingly the flap is still open when the engine isn't running.
Just been out in the X3 tonight and the difference is amazing, really quiet now. Unless of course you put your foot down...
The websites I looked at said the flap is open when the engine off.Just been out in the X3 tonight and the difference is amazing, really quiet now. Unless of course you put your foot down...
I need to find a volunteer to look at the exhaust while I rev the engine
I wish I had known this last week as I have just had a service and new front discs done but it was by a non BMW guy but even a decent dealer probably wouldn't look at that. I could have had a look while it was up on the ramp.
WoooHoooo!!!!
I have just scrabbled under the car and found a split vacuum pipe that had disconnected from the valve.
A quick trim and a bit of contortion and I now have a lovely sounding car.
May the sun shine for ever on the Pher who suggested this.
We've had the car for 18months and 10k miles and suffered the booming by assuming they all did it.
Nicely timed as we have about 3k of French holiday driving in a few days.
I have just scrabbled under the car and found a split vacuum pipe that had disconnected from the valve.
A quick trim and a bit of contortion and I now have a lovely sounding car.
May the sun shine for ever on the Pher who suggested this.
We've had the car for 18months and 10k miles and suffered the booming by assuming they all did it.
Nicely timed as we have about 3k of French holiday driving in a few days.
DavidLScott said:
WoooHoooo!!!!
I have just scrabbled under the car and found a split vacuum pipe that had disconnected from the valve.
A quick trim and a bit of contortion and I now have a lovely sounding car.
May the sun shine for ever on the Pher who suggested this.
We've had the car for 18months and 10k miles and suffered the booming by assuming they all did it.
Nicely timed as we have about 3k of French holiday driving in a few days.
Surely this is a very basic item that should be picked up on the annual service? How can a mechanic miss such a simple fault?I have just scrabbled under the car and found a split vacuum pipe that had disconnected from the valve.
A quick trim and a bit of contortion and I now have a lovely sounding car.
May the sun shine for ever on the Pher who suggested this.
We've had the car for 18months and 10k miles and suffered the booming by assuming they all did it.
Nicely timed as we have about 3k of French holiday driving in a few days.
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