Catless Downpipes - Squeak / Chirp noise after full operating temp?

R3dn3k Flyby · 03-06-2017, 05:38 PM

Situation:
Drive M5 to full operating temp.
Park M5 for anywhere between 10 minutes and 90 minutes.
On start-up, rapid chirp / squeak noise can be heard.
Goes away after roughly 15-20 seconds.

It's best heard on the driver side from the front wheel well behind the front tire. If the hood is popped, it's not as noticeable, and sometimes cannot be heard at all.

If you drive the car to full operating temp and come to a stop with the car running still, there is no noise. It's only if it sits for a short time and is then started again.

On cold start, it does not do it. Example, if it sits in the garage from 7pm to 8am, no noise. If it sits at work from 9am to 6pm, no noise.

I initially thought it was some sort of belt / tensioner / pulley noise.

After having the car for 3 days, BMW is blaming the noise on my catless downpipes.

Anyone else encounter this?

Here's a video:

13M5F10 · 03-06-2017, 05:44 PM

It's possible that with catless downpipes aren't properly fitted or designed and sitting against metal which is creating that noise since due to the vibration.

Worth having a shop check it out.

Mcc420 · 03-06-2017, 06:28 PM

I would also say recheck the install. Take off the plastic cover and check the mounts compared to the other side. Maybe there's something missing like a washer or rubber bushing. Did you change the gaskets?

apexlocator · 03-06-2017, 06:35 PM

Maybe its your wastegates.

13M5F10 · 03-06-2017, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Maybe its your wastegates.

Very true.

R3dn3k Flyby · 03-06-2017, 10:02 PM

Per BMW, they traced the noise to the downpipes. My SA wasn't sure if it was up top or underneath. I replaced the gaskets when everything was installed. Wastegates have a mild rattle on deceleration as I'm nearing a stop. No chirp / squeak. We're gonna get it on a lift and see if we can find something that came lose. Exhaust has been on the car for months. Just recently started doing this.

Mainly curious if anyone else has had the same sound or similar and what the solution was.

-James

2016-M5 · 03-07-2017, 03:28 PM

i had something very very similar from new, but after a few thousand miles it just went on its own, BMW only scrathched their heads, one guy said it may be the fuel rail

KMORGSM5 · 03-07-2017, 09:23 PM

Yes! I just started having this issue after running my car pretty hard over the weekend. I originally thought it was belts making noise, Bmw said it was DP's. going to have the gaskets checked out.

combatbmw · 03-07-2017, 10:26 PM

Non catted DP's rattle thats normal, annoying as hell though.
Especially if you have a aftermarket exhaust even more noticeable.. putting it in sports mode helps at idle but not on decel.

Good luck

R3dn3k Flyby · 03-08-2017, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMORGSM5

Yes! I just started having this issue after running my car pretty hard over the weekend. I originally thought it was belts making noise, Bmw said it was DP's. going to have the gaskets checked out.

I always drive my car hard, but I think this noise started happening after we did a bunch of dyno pulls for the next Armytrix video. I'll report back once we check the downpipes.

-James

TrevorM3 · 03-08-2017, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMORGSM5

Yes! I just started having this issue after running my car pretty hard over the weekend. I originally thought it was belts making noise, Bmw said it was DP's. going to have the gaskets checked out.

Why were u running your car hard?

KMORGSM5 · 03-08-2017, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMORGSM5

Yes! I just started having this issue after running my car pretty hard over the weekend. I originally thought it was belts making noise, Bmw said it was DP's. going to have the gaskets checked out.

Why were u running your car hard?

Haha

Your car was running pretty good on Sunday.

R3dn3k Flyby · 03-08-2017, 10:35 PM

^Video from tonight. We checked downpipes. Unless it's somehow being made by the gasket, it's not the downpipes. In this video, you hear the sound change as I turn the steering back and forth slowly.

Any further ideas?

-James

CSL335i · 03-15-2017, 02:43 PM

I had a similar, but not exactly the same strange noise coming from the same location that you mentioned. Sounded like my turbos were off. I used Fabsped HJS 200 cell catted downpipe. The fitment and installation was good. The strange sound came up after a few months from the installation.
I put back the factory downpipe and the sound went away. In my case i think two reason: one is for the CAT itself, maybe it is damaged or was not produced properly or the other reason is resonating/fitment.

I suggest you to put back your OEM downpipe (with new gaskets of course) to make a reverse test.

TheHouseWon · 03-21-2017, 08:21 AM

If noise changes when you turn steering wheel then it might be power steering pump? Check fluid first. Good luck with finding that noise, it can be frustrating.

747flyboy · 04-18-2017, 12:17 AM

I drive 550i N63 fitted wih M5 F10 OEM downpipes. Experienced similar harmonics/sound from that general area including opposing side as heat builds up. I learned to live with the sound since there were no malfunction indications or loss of performance until I decided to upgrade to ALPINA OEM Turbos. Found the Ceramic 200CPI cells were either damaged or coming apart in chunks after separating turbos from downpipes. Apparently, during cold operation or initial start there is minute metal expansion alleviating metal contact and or vibrations. No need panic since there is no reverse flow into turbo turbine section making ceramics/metal chunks blown out through exhaust piping as a worst case scenario.

KMORGSM5 · 04-18-2017, 05:41 AM

Mine went away and can't replicate it anymore. I noticed it when it was cooler outside but car was warm. Weird but everything is running fine now

NightM · 04-18-2017, 06:29 AM

Sounds like either something rubbing from vibration or check your turbo wheels/propellers

Take intakes out
Inlets out

Start the car u should see propellers spinning if it's wobbling and maybe hitting the side then its that.

Earthmaster · 05-14-2017, 12:47 AM

Omg this is my exact same problem dude.... did you figure out what he problem is?

k_barakeh · 08-12-2018, 03:14 PM

Did anyone ever figure anything out? I am also having the same noise after installing my Akrapovic M performance exhaust. I put new gaskets as well and hear a loud chirping noise on cold start that honestly sounds like a belt/ pulley noise. Goes away after warm up. My BMW technician went to loosen the bolts and re fit everything and the noise went away but came back again after a week. Does anyone suggest to remove the metal spacers between the downpipes and exhaust flanges?

03-06-2017, 05:38 PM	#1
R3dn3k Flyby BigMacs 69 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Queen Creek, AZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2019 BMW M5 [9.67]	Catless Downpipes - Squeak / Chirp noise after full operating temp? Situation: Drive M5 to full operating temp. Park M5 for anywhere between 10 minutes and 90 minutes. On start-up, rapid chirp / squeak noise can be heard. Goes away after roughly 15-20 seconds. It's best heard on the driver side from the front wheel well behind the front tire. If the hood is popped, it's not as noticeable, and sometimes cannot be heard at all. If you drive the car to full operating temp and come to a stop with the car running still, there is no noise. It's only if it sits for a short time and is then started again. On cold start, it does not do it. Example, if it sits in the garage from 7pm to 8am, no noise. If it sits at work from 9am to 6pm, no noise. I initially thought it was some sort of belt / tensioner / pulley noise. After having the car for 3 days, BMW is blaming the noise on my catless downpipes. Anyone else encounter this? Here's a video: __________________ 2019 M5 : Black Sapphire Metallic / Black Full Merino / Carbon / B&W / Executive / Driving Assistance Plus / BMW Performance Carbon Fiber Front Splitters, Side Skirts, Rear Diffuser, Trunk Spoiler 2020 RDX A-Spec : Apex Blue Pearl / Red
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03-06-2017, 05:44 PM	#2
13M5F10 Hide! My wife's coming! 812 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M5 \| MSR Stage 3 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Las Colinas, TX iTrader: (5)	It's possible that with catless downpipes aren't properly fitted or designed and sitting against metal which is creating that noise since due to the vibration. Worth having a shop check it out. __________________ * SOLD * 2013 BMW M5 \| Space Grey \| MSR Stage 3 Tune \| Catless Downpipes \| MSR Intake and Charge Pipes \| MSR Exhaust (Prototype) \| Vorsteiner Rear Diffuser \| RW Carbon Front Lip \| RW Carbon Trunk Spoiler\| Vorsteiner VS-310 Forged Wheels \| Escort 9500CI w/Laser Jammers
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03-06-2017, 06:28 PM	#3
Mcc420 Captain 475 Rep 608 Posts Drives: G80 M3CX Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Mtl iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 g80x [0.00] [0.00]	I would also say recheck the install. Take off the plastic cover and check the mounts compared to the other side. Maybe there's something missing like a washer or rubber bushing. Did you change the gaskets?
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03-06-2017, 06:35 PM	#4
apexlocator Captain 243 Rep 881 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	Maybe its your wastegates. __________________ 2014 "AW/SO"me M5 Mission Performance/3.5 Bar RK Autowerks/ CSF ICs SSP Spec-R KW V3/ Corsa Axle back
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03-06-2017, 10:02 PM	#6
R3dn3k Flyby BigMacs 69 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Queen Creek, AZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2019 BMW M5 [9.67]	Per BMW, they traced the noise to the downpipes. My SA wasn't sure if it was up top or underneath. I replaced the gaskets when everything was installed. Wastegates have a mild rattle on deceleration as I'm nearing a stop. No chirp / squeak. We're gonna get it on a lift and see if we can find something that came lose. Exhaust has been on the car for months. Just recently started doing this. Mainly curious if anyone else has had the same sound or similar and what the solution was. -James __________________ 2019 M5 : Black Sapphire Metallic / Black Full Merino / Carbon / B&W / Executive / Driving Assistance Plus / BMW Performance Carbon Fiber Front Splitters, Side Skirts, Rear Diffuser, Trunk Spoiler 2020 RDX A-Spec : Apex Blue Pearl / Red
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03-07-2017, 03:28 PM	#7
2016-M5 Private First Class 35 Rep 142 Posts Drives: M5-2016 Grey Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	i had something very very similar from new, but after a few thousand miles it just went on its own, BMW only scrathched their heads, one guy said it may be the fuel rail
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03-07-2017, 09:23 PM	#8
KMORGSM5 Captain 320 Rep 843 Posts Drives: 14 CP M5 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Yes! I just started having this issue after running my car pretty hard over the weekend. I originally thought it was belts making noise, Bmw said it was DP's. going to have the gaskets checked out.
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03-07-2017, 10:26 PM	#9
combatbmw Major 206 Rep 1,250 Posts Drives: 20' X3M CP Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 GMC Sierra All ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 [8.75]	Non catted DP's rattle thats normal, annoying as hell though. Especially if you have a aftermarket exhaust even more noticeable.. putting it in sports mode helps at idle but not on decel. Good luck __________________ 2020 X3M CP - IND Reflector set \| Ceramic Tint Retired:2015 M5 CP MSR Intake\|Carbon Fiber Fender Vents\|Meisterschaft GTC catback with LXR mid pipes and ER Catless DPs \| BPMSPORT Stage II Tune \| RKP Rear Diffuser and Challenge Center piece \|RKP Front Lip\| Painted Reflectors \| H&R Springs \| Strasse SM5R Carbon Fiber Wheels \| Nitto R888 \|
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03-08-2017, 10:35 PM	#13
R3dn3k Flyby BigMacs 69 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Queen Creek, AZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2019 BMW M5 [9.67]	^Video from tonight. We checked downpipes. Unless it's somehow being made by the gasket, it's not the downpipes. In this video, you hear the sound change as I turn the steering back and forth slowly. Any further ideas? -James __________________ 2019 M5 : Black Sapphire Metallic / Black Full Merino / Carbon / B&W / Executive / Driving Assistance Plus / BMW Performance Carbon Fiber Front Splitters, Side Skirts, Rear Diffuser, Trunk Spoiler 2020 RDX A-Spec : Apex Blue Pearl / Red
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03-15-2017, 02:43 PM	#14
CSL335i Lieutenant 207 Rep 422 Posts Drives: M2 and... Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Budapest/Hungary/Europe iTrader: (0)	I had a similar, but not exactly the same strange noise coming from the same location that you mentioned. Sounded like my turbos were off. I used Fabsped HJS 200 cell catted downpipe. The fitment and installation was good. The strange sound came up after a few months from the installation. I put back the factory downpipe and the sound went away. In my case i think two reason: one is for the CAT itself, maybe it is damaged or was not produced properly or the other reason is resonating/fitment. I suggest you to put back your OEM downpipe (with new gaskets of course) to make a reverse test.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-21-2017, 08:21 AM	#15
TheHouseWon Colonel 644 Rep 2,039 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (10)	If noise changes when you turn steering wheel then it might be power steering pump? Check fluid first. Good luck with finding that noise, it can be frustrating.
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04-18-2017, 12:17 AM	#16
747flyboy Lieutenant 64 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 2012 550i M Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Possible root cause I drive 550i N63 fitted wih M5 F10 OEM downpipes. Experienced similar harmonics/sound from that general area including opposing side as heat builds up. I learned to live with the sound since there were no malfunction indications or loss of performance until I decided to upgrade to ALPINA OEM Turbos. Found the Ceramic 200CPI cells were either damaged or coming apart in chunks after separating turbos from downpipes. Apparently, during cold operation or initial start there is minute metal expansion alleviating metal contact and or vibrations. No need panic since there is no reverse flow into turbo turbine section making ceramics/metal chunks blown out through exhaust piping as a worst case scenario. Last edited by 747flyboy; 04-18-2017 at 03:50 AM.. Reason: Spelling
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04-18-2017, 05:41 AM	#17
KMORGSM5 Captain 320 Rep 843 Posts Drives: 14 CP M5 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Mine went away and can't replicate it anymore. I noticed it when it was cooler outside but car was warm. Weird but everything is running fine now
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04-18-2017, 06:29 AM	#18
NightM Lieutenant Colonel 450 Rep 1,519 Posts Drives: Bmw Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Sounds like either something rubbing from vibration or check your turbo wheels/propellers Take intakes out Inlets out Start the car u should see propellers spinning if it's wobbling and maybe hitting the side then its that.
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05-14-2017, 12:47 AM	#19
Earthmaster Captain 127 Rep 851 Posts Drives: 15' M4 Austin Yellow Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: GTA iTrader: (3)	Omg this is my exact same problem dude.... did you figure out what he problem is?
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08-12-2018, 03:14 PM	#20
k_barakeh Private 21 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M5 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: WICHITA KANSAS iTrader: (0)	Did anyone ever figure anything out? I am also having the same noise after installing my Akrapovic M performance exhaust. I put new gaskets as well and hear a loud chirping noise on cold start that honestly sounds like a belt/ pulley noise. Goes away after warm up. My BMW technician went to loosen the bolts and re fit everything and the noise went away but came back again after a week. Does anyone suggest to remove the metal spacers between the downpipes and exhaust flanges?
	Appreciate 0 Quote