High pitched humming sound at idle on my iS

Mayhem · 05-01-2012, 04:55 PM

Have a 2012 iS and I notice a distinct high pitched humming sound at idle, especially at night or when it is colder out. Anyone else get this sound? Is it exhaust related?

jparnes1 · 05-01-2012, 05:07 PM

I hate to tell you this, but if your sound was like my sound, it was a prelude to turbo failure. Is it humming or whistling? I got whistling. Now don't mess your shorts, it might be different. I would get this sound upon acceleration too. It gradually got worse (higher and louder) until it ultimately went bad. It could also be an air leak in a hose in the engine. Bring it in and get it checked, my advice.

Mayhem · 05-01-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

I hate to tell you this, but if your sound was like my sound, it was a prelude to turbo failure. Is it humming or whistling? I got whistling. Now don't mess your shorts, it might be different. I would get this sound upon acceleration too. It gradually got worse (higher and louder) until it ultimately went bad. It could also be an air leak in a hose in the engine. Bring it in and get it checked, my advice.

I actually sounds like a high pitched harmonic vibration. The sound is drowned out by engine noise when I accelerate. It does not get louder.

Either way, new car, so should still be covered.

jparnes1 · 05-01-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayhem

I actually sounds like a high pitched harmonic vibration. The sound is drowned out by engine noise when I accelerate. It does not get louder.

Either way, new car, so should still be covered.

High-pitched harmonic vibration? There's a kazoo stuck up your tailpipe.

juhap · 05-02-2012, 12:17 AM

Could be the in-tank fuel pump.

Some people have had it replaced, some have only had a software update. Neither of these options seems to work well. I had the sound also and after a software update it got a lot quieter, but I feel it's been getting worse again lately.

After the software update I noticed that when I unlock the car or open the trunk there's a 3-second humming sound coming from the back. This happens only in the mornings or when I haven't driven the car for hours.

tranquility · 05-02-2012, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juhap

Could be the in-tank fuel pump.

Some people have had it replaced, some have only had a software update. Neither of these options seems to work well. I had the sound also and after a software update it got a lot quieter, but I feel it's been getting worse again lately.

After the software update I noticed that when I unlock the car or open the trunk there's a 3-second humming sound coming from the back. This happens only in the mornings or when I haven't driven the car for hours.

That's what I was thinking also (it was something to do w/ the LPFP from the 35i/35is).

OP, if you read through that thread, my prb was solved when I switched gas brands; others had alternative solutions and still others did not find a remedy. Hopefully yours is easily solvable.

JDB30 · 05-02-2012, 11:26 AM

I had the same thing. It's the in-tank fuel pump. Take it in and they'll replace it.

Mayhem · 05-02-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDB30

I had the same thing. It's the in-tank fuel pump. Take it in and they'll replace it.

Thanks...I think I will do that.

jparnes1 · 05-02-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juhap

Could be the in-tank fuel pump.

Some people have had it replaced, some have only had a software update. Neither of these options seems to work well. I had the sound also and after a software update it got a lot quieter, but I feel it's been getting worse again lately.

After the software update I noticed that when I unlock the car or open the trunk there's a 3-second humming sound coming from the back. This happens only in the mornings or when I haven't driven the car for hours.

Juhap, how do you make a phrase like "in tank fuel pump" into a link?

juhap · 05-02-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Juhap, how do you make a phrase like "in tank fuel pump" into a link?

Just click the Insert Link button on the toolbar. If you select/highlight the phrase you want to use as a link before you click the button, the phrase will automatically be used as the link text.

This page might also be helpful.

tranquility · 05-02-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayhem

Thanks...I think I will do that.

Before you do that, I would suggest that you read through that entire thread (if you haven't done so already). Unfortunately, some had their LPFP and/or fuel tank replaced and *still* the sound returned. Maybe it's a simple solution like mine or maybe not. Good luck.

Dr Stig 2 · 05-03-2012, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juhap

Just click the Insert Link button on the toolbar. If you select/highlight the phrase you want to use as a link before you click the button, the phrase will automatically be used as the link text.

This page might also be helpful.

Ok, now you are just showing off.

juhap · 05-03-2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

Ok, now you are just showing off.

You ain't seen nothing yet

Mayhem · 05-03-2012, 12:01 PM

I am coming to the realization that this issue is intermittent. Sometimes there is no sound and other times there is. It seems to be more pronounced when it is cold. I can't recall whether or not it has anything to do with the amount of gas that's left in the tank. This morning, it was all quiet.

I am pretty sure it will be covered under warranty, so I am in no hurry to get it to the shop, especially since the noise seems to come and go.

Jay60642 · 05-04-2012, 01:03 PM

I get this too and the dealership tried to tell me there was another Z4 in the shop when I was there, and the other car sounded the same. Thus, they deemed it is normal.

05-01-2012, 04:55 PM	#1
Mayhem Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35is Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	High pitched humming sound at idle on my iS Have a 2012 iS and I notice a distinct high pitched humming sound at idle, especially at night or when it is colder out. Anyone else get this sound? Is it exhaust related?
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05-01-2012, 05:07 PM	#2
jparnes1 Colonel 241 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	I hate to tell you this, but if your sound was like my sound, it was a prelude to turbo failure. Is it humming or whistling? I got whistling. Now don't mess your shorts, it might be different. I would get this sound upon acceleration too. It gradually got worse (higher and louder) until it ultimately went bad. It could also be an air leak in a hose in the engine. Bring it in and get it checked, my advice. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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05-02-2012, 12:17 AM	#5
juhap Lieutenant 14 Rep 530 Posts Drives: sDrive35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	Could be the in-tank fuel pump. Some people have had it replaced, some have only had a software update. Neither of these options seems to work well. I had the sound also and after a software update it got a lot quieter, but I feel it's been getting worse again lately. After the software update I noticed that when I unlock the car or open the trunk there's a 3-second humming sound coming from the back. This happens only in the mornings or when I haven't driven the car for hours.
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05-02-2012, 11:26 AM	#7
JDB30 New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Marina Del Rey, CA iTrader: (0)	I had the same thing. It's the in-tank fuel pump. Take it in and they'll replace it.
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05-03-2012, 12:01 PM	#14
Mayhem Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35is Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	I am coming to the realization that this issue is intermittent. Sometimes there is no sound and other times there is. It seems to be more pronounced when it is cold. I can't recall whether or not it has anything to do with the amount of gas that's left in the tank. This morning, it was all quiet. I am pretty sure it will be covered under warranty, so I am in no hurry to get it to the shop, especially since the noise seems to come and go.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-04-2012, 01:03 PM	#15
Jay60642 Private 2 Rep 66 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I get this too and the dealership tried to tell me there was another Z4 in the shop when I was there, and the other car sounded the same. Thus, they deemed it is normal.
	Appreciate 0 Quote