Scared for my life - United Bimmer Community

drz · 09-26-2005, 07:28 PM

A few weeks ago I started noticing a new noise in my car. It seems to come from righ in front of the drivers seat, under the steering column. The sound resembles what one would hear when presing into a plastic water bottle and releasing.... some sort of a tick almost. It is periodic: every five seconds or so I can hear it. It sounds like some valve is being opened and or closed, or maybe like when a big air buble makes it to the top of a body of water (example: when one farts under water). Furthermore, I can feel motion on my brake pedal whenever I hear the sound -- it is the only of the three pedals on which this happens. I can only hear the noise from inside the car - I have had no luck when I have tried to follow it with the hood open or when I get under the car. The noise comes and goes, but lately I have been hearing it more often, and it has also become louder. Somebody that heard me describe the noise suggested I may have to top off my brake fluid.

This morning the clicking began even before I started the engine. The clicking appeared after I depressed the brake pedal after turning the key to the "accesory" position (radio, A/C come on, etc., but car is still not running). I used the opportunity (no engine noise) to track the clicking. It seems to come from the structure pictured in the attached images. I felt the vibration that went along with the sound there also. Can someone please help me? What is this thing? I am very concerned because I don't know if I will lose my brakes due to whatever is causing this if it gets worse. Also, the cliking seems to disappear once the car has warmed up some, but I cannot say tht it is consistent.

nick_318is · 09-26-2005, 09:32 PM

Well i dont have an e36 but could it be the controls for the anti lock brakes?

**bitcore** · 09-27-2005, 09:46 PM

That looks like a major component in the brake system. Get that shit checked out ASAP!!!
Is your fluid at the right level?

**Numark318i** · 09-27-2005, 09:54 PM

hm..just an idea. Do BMWs have ABS controlers? I go tno clue but look into that?
yea check fluid, and make sure to leave more space cause u might no have ABS?

**delmarco** · 09-27-2005, 10:23 PM

the ABS controllers are basically called the "wheel speed sensors". I just got my system replaced awhile back and that don't look like it.

From the pictures shown: it looks like your wiring for your brake system/brake fluid sensor wire...

What I think: Your brake system relays or relay/fuses or fuse may be fried. When this happens you hear clicking from that area where the relays are. If you say it's the wiring there...then it may be a wire that connects the braking system in your car. I'm not sure if there is a warning light or check engine code for this.

What You should do next: run your check engine codes...and see what you get...

**BMWLotAttendant** · 09-27-2005, 11:39 PM

Come see me at the Dealership.

We'll tell you how to make it better.

drz · 09-27-2005, 11:51 PM

^^ Where in Kansas are you? I'll drive there with no brakes if you get me a decent deal.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 09-27-2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

^^ Where in Kansas are you? I'll drive there with no brakes if you get me a decent deal.

The biggest city in Kansas. South Central Kansas.

Wichita