HELP Please!: Car sounds like a diesel

[moriz]

Hi Guys,I really need some advice here. My E46 (N42) (yr 2003 mileage 65k CKD) recently has this irritating sound like a worn out bearing near the alternator. So much so that during idling, it really sounds like a diesel engine.The mechanic told me the alternator bearing is gone and I need to replace the whole goddam alternator which cost RM2300. Apparently, he claims that there are no recon ones for the valvetronic engine. However, when I called another mechanic he told me that he was able to source one for RM950.The funny thing is - now the engine vibrates as well. FYI, i have already changed the engine mounting so what can it be? Is it the ignition coil?I really need a third opinion on this. I have been recommended to Naidu behind the Shell EPF but havent got a chance to see him yet. I have paid so much money replacing parts so much so that its really making me skint. To date about RM8K since i got the car in June. Im already have a phobia to see the mechanics as i cant afford to be given bad news that so and so is kaput and that it will be four figures again...Yes, I love the car but come la man...its like averaging RM2k a month on repairs!!.....Please help...

 

[tamade7]

You wanna try my mechanic?

 

[moriz]

Hi Tamade7,

Much appreciated. Where's the location? Is it nearby Damansara? Im in TTDI.

 

[Vincent Hor]

Would you like to try my trusted mechanic of many years. His charges are resonable and have very good diagnostic skills.

Albert : Zero-one-two2017792

 

[tamade7]

My mechanic is located in Damansara Ara (near Subang Airport) pm me for details

 

[moriz]

Thanks vincent. Will check it out.

Tamade7, I've PMed you.

The thing is when i switch on the a/c and engage in gear...the bearing sound becomes louder and the engine vibrates . when I go on neutral and switch off the a/c, the sound is not that loud but it definitely comes from the alternator.

I really hope it can be rectified without costing a bomb again.

 

[Vincent Hor]

Thanks vincent. Will check it out.

Tamade7, I've PMed you.

The thing is when i switch on the a/c and engage in gear...the bearing sound becomes louder and the engine vibrates . when I go on neutral and switch off the a/c, the sound is not that loud but it definitely comes from the alternator.

I really hope it can be rectified without costing a bomb again.

Better get someone else to check it again. Alternator bearings can be changed. Not that expensive. However I am more convienced that it's your A/C belt tensioner that has gone bad. This is quite a common problem with the M50 engines.

 

[astroboy]

I believe chop shop should have wat.

My old E36 alternator was from a chop shop, bought it at RM145. It jam up and melted my belt until I need to cut the belt on a working morning ard Kota Raya.

Once I cut the belt, water pump stop working too! So I had to limp (drive-stop-drive-stop) to a friend workshop near PWTC.

Recon should cost more, because they replace the bearing to chap palang brand bearing, new carbon brushes, and spray new coat of paint.

That's why when people ask me is it costly to keep an E36, well I kept it for 3 years and spend less than RM2k in repairs. The bulk was due to the aircond cooling coil replacement which require removal dashboard. Partly because I am a weekend mechanic la. But oil change must do it at the workshop because need to reset the service light.. RM10 for that!

 

[anasramadhan]

my friend moriz, how's the engine sound now

yo moriz, did you manage to retify the sound yet ? what is the cause, I am having the same problem too. Thanks