Weird engine noise?

[going civilian]

Recently picked up a late 2008 E70 X5 xDrive30d M Sport in black - really enjoying the car and for the most part it’s in great condition for a 4 year old car.

However after 70% of journeys I make in the car (journey time seems to be irrelevant) I get this strange noise coming from the engine area. Its starts as a whirring then a release of air or pressure and lasts about 5 - 8 secs in all, I’ve uploaded a video below. Can anyone help identify what it is?

Thanks in advance for any advice. G

[skunkd]

do you have rear self leveling air suspension?

[going civilian]

I'm not sure to be honest, it wasn't listed as an extra when I bought it. Is there a way to check?

[skunkd]

Look at the rear suspension, do you see coil springs or black air bags supporting the car up. The front is coil springs no matter what.

[brokemywallet]

Yes, that is self leveling suspension noise. There is a small compressor of some sort to air up the airbag system. Do you have a third row seat? Then you definitely have it.

[going civilian]

Hi guys thanks for the input, this has been driving me mad.

I have "Self-Levelling Rear Axle" listed as a feature - is that the same? I don't have third row seating.

I've looked at the car itself I can see the coils under the front wheel arch, can't see much at the back - would I need to get right under?

Again thanks.

[skunkd]

Thats the feature, and thats your issue. Seems like a leak in the system somewhere or faulty compressor. It's not supposed to be that loud and not supposed to exhaust air in that fashion.

[3s-a-charm]

Mine does the same but without the "psssst" at the end (I don't think so anyways).

[Jlam86]

it's the self levelling. nothing to be worried about. When you hear the groaning, the compressor was on filling the air bags. when you heard it go "pss", it shut off. NORMAL! don't lose sleep =)

[vgx5]

Originally Posted by going civilian

Recently picked up a late 2008 E70 X5 xDrive30d M Sport in black - really enjoying the car and for the most part it’s in great condition for a 4 year old car.

However after 70% of journeys I make in the car (journey time seems to be irrelevant) I get this strange noise coming from the engine area. Its starts as a whirring then a release of air or pressure and lasts about 5 - 8 secs in all, I’ve uploaded a video below. Can anyone help identify what it is?

Thanks in advance for any advice. G

how did this problem ended ?
i have the exact same thing.