desperate

[yvonne]

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I have a 1996 318ti and love my beamer. However, I've been having a problem with it lately. Everytime my vehicle has been parked for a long period of time then I start it, it makes this loud sound. It sounds like if it's the belts, however I've changed the belts and it still makes it. Well, a year ago I changed the a/c bearings and it didn't make it as often. ???Help??? I want my beamer to feel better.

[GDB]

Next time you start the car, have someone else start it, and listen too see if you can figure out about where the sound is coming from. That should narrow it down quite a bit.

[maurolin]

get a mechanic's stetoscope... or a LOOOONNGG screw dricer and listen.
might be your alternator bushings. OR ac compressor clutch.

[ClubSport332ti]

sounds like the Alt has gone bad

[TiPerformance]

Check the idler pulley, I am pretty sure it is plastic and is a common repair item.

Also check it when the air condition is engaged and disengaged, and see if the tone and pitch of the noise changes.

[Jeff Spooner]

take the belt off. Spin each part. Then start it w/ the belt off.

[Freedy]

a bit off-topic, but isnt it spelled 'bimmer' instead of 'beamer'...or is it totally subjective?

[1996 328ti]

Yes.
Bimmer refers to the car, beamer refers to motorcyles.
Spelled and pronounced differently.