Noise in 528i Auto

[RickPA]

I recently bought a 2000 528i automatic. It has a whining noise that begins at 1500rpm and increases in pitch with the engine speed. Makes noise in or out of gear but not as loud in neutral or park.

It took 4 guys at the dealer before someone could actually hear it. When he did we got another 528 and it sounded the same way. They're saying it's a normal sound from the transmission, something in the torque converter, although at one point they thought it might be the cooling fan clutch.

I've driven other bmws (325, 330, 525, 740), including ones with the same(?) Steptronic transmission but none make this noise, only the 528. It's not really loud but, other than during shifting in the lower gears, it doesn't seem right for a transmission to whine. Does anybody know what this is?

Thanks

[Mike528i]

Rick, I too have a similar noise. I'm going to replace the trans fluid with Redlines brand. and also the Diff oil. Then we will see. Thanks in advance if you to have any info.

[RickPA]

Mike,

Thanks for replying. I was starting to think I had superhuman hearing (or a vivid imagination). I'm in the Northeast so when the weather breaks I'm going to try to pinpoint where it's coming from. I believe it may not be my transmission but it sure acts like it is.

Rick

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I too would reccommend trying either Redline or Swepco in the gearbox and see if it makes an improvement in the noise.