Came out to a car yesterday that started and had a loud, belt-like whine going on that went up and down based on the RPMs and changed in pitch after running hot but was still there. Car is an E36, M50 1995 325i convertible.
Got it to the shop today...thought it might just be a belt replacement all around...yet after they pulled all the belts, ran engine, the sound is still there.
It is not the tensioner since they tell me it is not spinning with the belts off...could it be the alternator or starter? Again, all items fed by belts are not in sync with the belts off, so what still spins that could create such a high pitch squeal from this engine area? Mechanic says not drivetrain (car is not moving) and timing chain would not be source either.
Only other sympton recently is a flat spot in starter....after couple tries turns over fine. No heater or AC related issues....when AC was turned on with issue in full force, no affect on problem up or down.
Don't want my mechanic on a wild golden goose chase, so any help or direction would be great....