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      08-27-2014, 02:46 PM   #1
windtendo
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Grinding sound at startup

This issue has been heard several times before today but after I heard it again this morning I'm finally deciding to check with everyone here to see if this is a known symptom for something I need to have looked at.

It happens maybe once or twice a month immediately during startup, usually on cold starts. It sounds like something is grinding very LOUD, and lasts for maybe 2-3 seconds. Because it doesn't happen that often (and when it does it scares the shit out of me), I'm never prepared to check where the source of the noise is coming from.

Anyone had a similar experience with their X5M? Obviously I can't take it to the dealer and have them replicate the problem, so I'm not sure what to do about it.
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      08-27-2014, 06:18 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by windtendo
This issue has been heard several times before today but after I heard it again this morning I'm finally deciding to check with everyone here to see if this is a known symptom for something I need to have looked at.

It happens maybe once or twice a month immediately during startup, usually on cold starts. It sounds like something is grinding very LOUD, and lasts for maybe 2-3 seconds. Because it doesn't happen that often (and when it does it scares the shit out of me), I'm never prepared to check where the source of the noise is coming from.

Anyone had a similar experience with their X5M? Obviously I can't take it to the dealer and have them replicate the problem, so I'm not sure what to do about it.
I think I have heard what u experienced a few totally random times. The only way I can describe what I have heard was like if you tried starting an already started car. If that makes any sense I think we have all done it once or twice making that horrible grinding sound. I have heard it on both my E70's.
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      08-27-2014, 08:24 PM   #3
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I get this brief sound occasionally, too. It's almost like a heat shield rattling. I'd really like to get it sorted before my warranty expires in November!
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      08-27-2014, 08:25 PM   #4
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I thought about recording it on my phone each time I start the car. If I'm able to catch it, I'd play it for the service technician...
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      08-27-2014, 10:13 PM   #5
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Also got the same thing in winter but was never able to repeat it for service.

I found some correlation between battery charge level (low) and the starting grind noise; might be worth a try for folks that also experience the same.

Lastly, as noted above, this seems to be more of an issue during cold start during cold times.
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      08-28-2014, 07:47 AM   #6
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That makes sense (low battery), because it generally happens when I haven't driven in a while. I wonder if its the starter/bendix drive...
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      08-28-2014, 10:22 AM   #7
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Try starting your X5 with the A/C turned OFF. Notice a difference?
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      08-28-2014, 03:33 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JX5M View Post
I think I have heard what u experienced a few totally random times. The only way I can describe what I have heard was like if you tried starting an already started car. If that makes any sense I think we have all done it once or twice making that horrible grinding sound. I have heard it on both my E70's.
Yes that's 100% what the noise sounds like! Good to know I'm not the only one that's heard this.
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      08-28-2014, 03:59 PM   #9
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The A/C is always on when I start the car. I believe this issue was discussed in a previous posting. I think it was determined there's nothing that can be done to keep the A/C from being on when starting (including memory, etc.).
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      08-31-2014, 11:36 PM   #10
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I saw something from a search about it possibly being a faulty X-Drive Servo-Motor. I have no idea what that is.
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      09-09-2015, 07:09 PM   #11
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While this is an E53, that's not to say BMW didn't carry the same design over to the E70. Is this what you guys are hearing? This hasn't happened to me, but i haven't had my X5M over a winter yet either.


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      09-10-2015, 06:55 AM   #12
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No. It's a very brief, but loud grinding noise at start, very likely coming from the starter below.
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      09-10-2015, 10:39 AM   #13
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Is the starter, dont worry, didn't really destroy it.. Just live with it..
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      09-10-2015, 10:45 AM   #14
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My Audi had a similar sound on cold starts. The 4.2 in my Audi used timing chains on the back of the engine instead of belts. Our X5's use chains as well. If the tensioners have not had time to pressurize, you could hear some noise from the chains.
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      09-10-2015, 11:05 AM   #15
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But this would be bad, and it does Sound different.. there you can hear the chain hit the Aluminium from inside.
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      09-10-2015, 03:16 PM   #16
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I've noticed mine has made this noise a few times recently on cold-starts. Probably 3 times on the past week versus once every 4-5 months... Very strange.
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      09-10-2015, 03:54 PM   #17
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Maybe you have to replace the starter..
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      10-27-2015, 09:36 AM   #18
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With the cold weather creeping in, has this started happening with anyone again? I've had a couple of noisy starts...
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      10-27-2015, 09:49 AM   #19
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I had mine looked at and they ended up replacing the starter. Since then I haven't heard the noise.
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      10-27-2015, 10:39 AM   #20
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That's nice for you. I mentioned it a couple of times to the SA while under warranty. The technicians weren't able to replicate it. The SA said they would "take care of me" if it comes up again. Fortunately for them, my warranty expired last November. When the noises started again, earlier this year, subsequent messages to the SA mgr. went unreturned.

Last edited by Poppyboy; 10-27-2015 at 10:39 AM.. Reason: typo
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      10-28-2015, 06:07 AM   #21
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It's the starter backlash it sometimes is slow to return I have on both my x5 and 550 it's normal
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      10-28-2015, 12:59 PM   #22
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Thanks. That's somewhat consoling.
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