BMW i3 engine noise

[a3po911]

Hi,
I got my 2016 i3 last week, I heard a peculiar noise from the engine when the car starts on moving.the noise likes high-frequency "ta ta ta ta", it sounds like some kind of electric spark.

Is this normal? anybody has same situation?

Thanks
David

 

[user 3172]

It shouldn't have an engine unless it's a rex model

It shouldn't make any noise when pulling off anyway. Does the noise continue?

Is it a ticking noise? Could it be something in the tyre tread or maybe a piece of gravel in the brake disc?

You'll have to try to record it if you can.

 

[a3po911]

It shouldn't have an engine unless it's a rex model

It shouldn't make any noise when pulling off anyway. Does the noise continue?

Is it a ticking noise? Could it be something in the tyre tread or maybe a piece of gravel in the brake disc?

You'll have to try to record it if you can.

It was heard first time this morning, I believe it might happened before, just not noticed.

My wife drove away, not sure if it's continue.

It's a loud ticking noise, very obvious, will record it if happened again.

 

[user 3172]

Because the engine noise is not present, anything mechanical in the drivetrain will be really noticeable. If it's a regular ticking noise which increases with speed, the first place I would rule out is the tyre tread. Has it got a nail / screw or large stone stuck in the tread somewhere?

 

[a3po911]

Because the engine noise is not present, anything mechanical in the drivetrain will be really noticeable. If it's a regular ticking noise which increases with speed, the first place I would rule out is the tyre tread. Has it got a nail / screw or large stone stuck in the tread somewhere?

I don't think there's any stone in the tread somewhere, because the noise sound not like hard objects knocking.

 

[a3po911]

Finally, I found the noise was happened when A/C turns on, and I recorded as attached.

I recorded it, but I don't know how to attach a sound file here.

 

[user 3172]

You need to upload the sound file somewhere so you can link to it from the forum.

Doesn't sound right if it's coming from the A/C. Could it be the fan that's creating the noise? Either way, it sounds like a dealer visit to get the to listen to it. Few posts on here have referenced issues with A/C problems.

 

[a3po911]

You need to upload the sound file somewhere so you can link to it from the forum.

Doesn't sound right if it's coming from the A/C. Could it be the fan that's creating the noise? Either way, it sounds like a dealer visit to get the to listen to it. Few posts on here have referenced issues with A/C problems.

Try this:

https://1drv.ms/u/s!Al0GsnQAjRi5gRAN619fT0rZazlk


This noise sounds like a fan, but not normal, it just happen when A/C turns on.
Also it has a little bit different than the fan for battery charging.

 

[user 3172]

Can honestly say I've never heard a noise like that in a car before. It sounds very rapid so could be a fan I guess. Do you get any blow from the vents?

 

[a3po911]

Can honestly say I've never heard a noise like that in a car before. It sounds very rapid so could be a fan I guess. Do you get any blow from the vents?

If you're asking A/C blow, yes, the A/C works very well.

 

[user 3172]

Best get it back to the dealer to let them diagnose. I've had BMW blower fans go in the past but it was a much worse noise than that. In fact so loud you couldn't hear yourself speak.

 

[janner]

Is the noise from the front or the back?

 

[a3po911]

Is the noise from the front or the back?

In the back.

 

[a3po911]

Best get it back to the dealer to let them diagnose. I've had BMW blower fans go in the past but it was a much worse noise than that. In fact so loud you couldn't hear yourself speak.

Visited dealer yesterday, I was told that's normal, :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Also checked some new i3 of their inventory, heard same noise.

 

[websterize]

Sounds like the A/C compressor. They all do that.

 

[user 3172]

The one I had didn't and I had a/c on all the time :shock:

 

[websterize]

... However in this case there is nothing to worry about. The loud noise you hear when you park the car or when you plug in to charge is just the air conditioning compressor running. The car's thermal management system is working to cool off the batteries.

http://bmwi3.blogspot.com/2015/08/bmw-i3-ac-compressor-noise-yes-thats.html

 

[user 3172]

Just chance then I guess. I drove it for two days in pretty hot weather and never once noticed it. Maybe I'd better get my hearing checked :lol:

 

[a3po911]

Just chance then I guess. I drove it for two days in pretty hot weather and never once noticed it. Maybe I'd better get my hearing checked :lol:

You should check from outside of your car, this noise can't be heard if driving.

Just find a quiet place, start engine to blue, then turn on the A/C, open your driver side door, focus on rear left tire, then you will hear it.

 

[a3po911]

Sounds like the A/C compressor. They all do that.

I believe it may caused by A/c compressor, but I just don't understand why BMW can't make this better, I checked about 7 of i3 that day, the 2014 model even worse, more loud and sharp.