[polarix]

Hello,
I'm not sure if it's just me or is there really a issue (I tend to hear every little noise the car makes and get scared the shit out of that its broken).
SO, the car is 2007 330i cabrio with 110 000km, the problem is that it makes unpleasant sounds when you drive with roof open and if there is some houses, fences etc that will echo the sound, there is some kind of strange whining and tinkling noise. It's hard to explain but it sounds like loose belt combined with metal tinkling, it appears in slow speeds and low rpm, maybe in idle too but very unnoticeable. I can hear the sound only when there is something around near the road where the sound echoes back to cabin, in open road these is nothing but low growl from the engine. Its at its worst when driving in city with steady rpm, I think it mutes during deacceleration.
Am I crazy or could there be something wrong, any easy things to checkup? I know n53 is loud and diesel-like engine in idle and low rpm and this is my first convertible.

[Fundguy1]

It sounds normal. Get used to it. It's a benefit because you can enjoy the noises of the world now and hear your car better for problems.

[polarix]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

It sounds normal. Get used to it. It's a benefit because you can enjoy the noises of the world now and hear your car better for problems.

Thank you! I think the e92 335i made me paranoid, had terrible rattle problems and always something small going on with jb4 etc... You sure there is nothing to worry about the jingle bells hidden somewhere in the car?

[Fundguy1]

Probably suspension if it's not making the noises sitting still.

[rgol]

I hear a similar noise with my e93. It is a high-pitched whine similar to that of a brake sensor which has gone bad. You really hear it while driving in a parking garage. I am not sure what it is. Some posts here say it is design issue with the brakes. I do not know. Drives me crazy. Feel your pain.

[mxchris727]

Mine is completely silent with no odd noises. Check the condition of your belt and that the brake shields are not rubbing against the rotors.

[Aspen235]

Check exhaust shields too.

[polarix]

Originally Posted by mxchris727

Mine is completely silent with no odd noises. Check the condition of your belt and that the brake shields are not rubbing against the rotors.

How to check the brake shields, jack up the car and spin the wheels? Belt looks like its ok but I cant be sure about that, you can see only small part of it. Could the tensioner cause the tinkle? Belt + tensioner should be too bad DIY fix

[Fundguy1]

You will hear the belt with it parked, idling. You will hear it under the hood in its general location.

[Hacksaw]

Try to isolate the noise to either while moving or not moving first.

Then you can decide where to begin looking. It sounds to me like it's probably your serpentine belt system, either pulley(s) tensioner or belt or combination there of.

Check if the AC is running when you hear the sound as well. Be clear that the AC is not running. Go drive it a bit.

Also take notes on temps.. when it happens if it's very sporadic. At some point all this data will lead you somewhere.

I have chased things like this down on my own car and customer's cars. Some have taken weeks to isolate. Just when you think you have it.. it crops up again.

Be patient and continue to inspect things until you can locate the source of the noise. Especially if it's something that is out of character for the car. They all make noises... its the ones we do not normally hear that are the sign of something going on.