BMW 328I whining noise problems

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Engine · ND

So, the N20 2.0L motors are known to have prematurely failing plastic chain guides and a weak hydraulic tensioner, leading to whine, rattles, and potential engine failure. BMW improved the issue in the 2015 or newer models which have more robust timing chain guides and Tensioners. The fix involves replacing the entire timing chain assembly (guides, chain, tensioner) with updated, more durable parts and cleaning the oil pump/pan of debris. Which the 2015 and newer models have this fix. 2014 and older models with the N20 suffer from failing parts due to a design flaw. Since the The BMW N20 engine (2012–early 2015 328i) does suffer from premature timing chain guide failure, leading to oil pump failure and catastrophic engine failure. There should be a recall with these older models. And there should be a fix for them. BMW design this motor and the only remedy the issue in the newer models 2015 or newer. So anyone that doesn't have a 2015. Their N20 is basically a ticking time bomb.

Filed Dec 2, 2023 · Engine · CT

2011 bmw 328i vano bolts fail.my car stall in the middle of me driving .vechile doesn't want to start.starter just making a whine noise.before stalling I can here rattle in the engine like loose bolts jumping around.

Filed Jul 29, 2022 · Engine · 76,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, smoke was present coming from underneath the hood with a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, there was a burning plastic odor coming from the vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 15, 2022 · Engine · VA

I hear a whining noise coming from the engine and sounds like the timing chain is getting ready to snap. this is a common problem in this type of engine, resulting in a damaged engine.

Filed Dec 12, 2020 · Transmission · 74,054 miles · SC

While in motion on a county road, the service engine light came on and car started running very rough. Car was towed to the dealership. Whining noise coming from the timing chain. Worn crankshaft sprocket. Had to replace the timing chain and oil pump drive chain.

Filed Jul 4, 2020 · Engine · 75,000 miles · CA

After about 75k miles, the engine has started to make a "whining" noise at around 3-4 thousand RPM. Diagnosed as a timing chain tension issue that many similar cars with this engine (n20) have. This apparent defect seems to be quite common among owners of cars with this engine. Current course of action is to spend $4k in labor and parts to proactive replace the timing chain and plastic guides, or not do anything. The latter would surely result in engine failure and require replacement (roughly $20k).

Filed Mar 20, 2020 · Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

Bmw refused to recalls 2012 to 2014 vehicles with faulty timing chains, oil chain, and tensioner. When I contacted bmw they stated it was only covered to 70,000 miles. I purchased a 120,000 miles warranty , I was never informed by bmw west the service center about this recall. At a 120,000 miles took my car into be serviced and was told the timing chain, oil chain and tensioner needed to be replaced at the cost of 4,400.00, if the the chain had came off of the tensioner and ruin it motor that could be from 12,000.00 to 22,000.00. So many are experiencing the same problem. My car has been sitting for 6 months unable to drive it due to the danger . Car makes I high pitch whining sound and jumps out of gear, check engine light states on.

Filed Dec 11, 2019 · Steering · 89,500 miles · NY

Failure of electrical assist power steering (eps) while vehicle stationary - 2013 bmw 328i, 89,500 miles upon startup, while turning steering whell tomove car, steering system emitted whining noise, bangs and thumps, then high pitched whine. All power steering was lost, and car had to be towed to bmw dealer. Diagnosis was mechanical failure of bolts holding power steering box to the steering rack, thus causing damage to both components. Damage required entire steering system to be replaced at $5k+ cost. Cause, as diagnosed by bmw dealer: extensive corrosion of aluminum bolts holding components together caused boot failure and subsequent component damage. The federal safety agency issue: unsafe component design, as bolt failure at high speed could cause catastophic accident. Remedies: 1) the federal safety agency require general recall of all affected vehicles for bolt checking and replacement if corrosion present. 2) the federal safety agency require bmw to provide type 316 stainless steel fasteners with suitable dis-similar metals protection where safety-critical components exposed to roadway salt exposure. 3) if the above is not warranted due to small number of affected vehicles, the federal safety agency require bmw to issue service notice for all affected VIN numbers to check condition of steering box mounting bolts as part of standard interval maintenance procedure. Attachments: pictures of two affected units: my 2013 328i coroded power steering unit, and a similar on from a 2012 328i, downloaded from enthusiast forum on internet, suggesting a pattern.

Filed Jun 17, 2019 · Engine · 59,000 miles · MO

Whining of the engine timing chain. Visible marks on chain and rough idle on car and hard starts. Took to mechanic and cause was timing chain guides broken. Shiny marks can be seen on the chain. Can be heard while vehicle is in motion, namely when there isn't much wind

Filed Nov 11, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 68,000 miles · NC

There is a problem with my steering, electrical and lights on my 2014 328i. There is a steering column problem that is causing my electrical system and my brake lights and fog lights to randomly stop working at times when I'm driving my car down the road. I had it tested and they said it's a 6 pin steeeing column issue. It's causing my cruise control to malfunction, along with my brake lights and fog lights. I have the documents from the report in my email. Also, there is something wrong with my drive train/timing belt or power steering because my engine makes a loud whining noise when I turn the steering wheel a certain way and also it's louder when I have the air or vents turned on. I'm afraid all the defects are going to cause me to have an accident due to my lights failing and someone running into me or my steering going out on me or my engine shutting down due to the noise and it failing. I've read lots of other bmw owners reporting the same issues on different sites on google. They need to recall these things and check into them more seriously before someone gets hurt.