[on_the_virge]

Has anyone noticed that the engine slightly more diesel like below 1500-2000??? After this on the motorway it seems to sound a lot quieter...

[pdk42]

Originally Posted by on_the_virge

Has anyone noticed that the engine slightly more diesel like below 1500-2000??? After this on the motorway it seems to sound a lot quieter...

That's how they are. Off boost at around 1500 rpm they sound quite rattly. I sold on my 330d for a 335i because of it. Many don't notice or don't consider it a problem, but some - like me - do.

[Roberto71]

It's just an unfortunate feature. Low revs, slowly going up an incline and it does sound rough and nasty. I suppose you just can't get rid of that old tractor rattle from these oil burners.

[on_the_virge]

At least it's a common thing then....cheers for the replies

[Watsey]

30D ? I can't see from the App.

If so, it's a common issue. 1500-1800 under light load produces a noticeable tapping sound, a bit like knock (pinking) on a petrol unit with ignition too advanced.

[FarmerD]

Without going into a big debate about fuels, Ive always found the using BP ultimate diesel helps reduce this clatter. Engine runs noticeably quieter and smoother - I too don't like the rattle and hats one of the reasons I pay a bit extra for premium fuel.

[CraigUK]

So what about the 335d, two turbos so comes on boost earlier, still have the same characteristics?

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by CraigUK

So what about the 335d, two turbos so comes on boost earlier, still have the same characteristics?

Yes, although very refined for a diesel - and better than the 30d IMO - you're still under no illusion as to what's under the bonnet when you accelerate over the first 2k revs. Steady speed cruising it's fine but every time you pull away from traffic lights or out of a junction that diesel rattle's there; subdued compared to most diesel but there nevertheless....

ETA: I've used both Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate and no discernible difference over standard Shell/BP with either IMO.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by pdk42

That's how they are. Off boost at around 1500 rpm they sound quite rattly. I sold on my 330d for a 335i because of it. Many don't notice or don't consider it a problem, but some - like me - do.

Same here with my old 335d xdrive I couldn't live with it, made my teeth itch so I moved the car on.

I tried the different fuels as well no discernable difference, it's just what they do.

[elstoof]

If it's any consolation, the 40i is also a little bit tappy at low revs thanks to direct injection.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by FarmerD

Without going into a big debate about fuels, Ive always found the using BP ultimate diesel helps reduce this clatter. Engine runs noticeably quieter and smoother - I too don't like the rattle and hats one of the reasons I pay a bit extra for premium fuel.

Undoubtedly. Premium fuels really help the 30D run smoother and, having tried BP Ultimate and Shell V-Power extensively, IMO BP Ultimate Diesel is the best on the market.

Just as long as it's not supermarket special, which makes the engine sound like it's running on gravel.

[pmgreenwood]

Originally Posted by FarmerD

Without going into a big debate about fuels, Ive always found the using BP ultimate diesel helps reduce this clatter. Engine runs noticeably quieter and smoother - I too don't like the rattle and hats one of the reasons I pay a bit extra for premium fuel.

+1 and then I do have a 320D.

I am finding it amusing that 6 pot owners are complaining about noise and rough running!!. the auto gearbox on the 320d tends to keep the revs above 1500 even on light throttle. Is that rev habit lower on the 330D with its higher gearing or are individuals hitting lower revs due to manual control?

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

+1 and then I do have a 320D.

I am finding it assuming that 6 pot owners are complaining about noise and rough running!!. the auto gearbox on the 320d tends to keep the revs above 1500 even on light throttle. Is that rev habit lower on the 330D with its higher gearing or are individuals hitting lower revs due to manual control?

The higher torque availability from the 6-cylinder engines means that they can maintain lower revs - mine often sits at ~1300rpm when pottering about.

[pmgreenwood]

Originally Posted by Watsey

The higher torque availability from the 6-cylinder engines means that they can maintain lower revs - mine often sits at ~1300rpm when pottering about.

But I assume if you move stick to left or drive mode to Sport the issue goes away.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by CraigUK

So what about the 335d, two turbos so comes on boost earlier, still have the same characteristics?

If it is a light load characteristic, I'd be looking more to injection strategy or emission control, (like EGR values). Either engine will be on light boost in those situations, developing similar bhp for like conditions.

Seems from what I'm reading, it is more an issue with N57 engines, (we've run M57 variants, 30d & 35d, no such problem on light loads across the rpm).

Whether this is part of the strategy to get better NEDC results and/or Euro 6 compliance, I'm not sure, but does appear it could be to do with the multi-phase injection for the sound track described. Most older designs of diesel would do this, easy to replicate on and off a light throttle. I'm suspicious its to do with the rev range and loads most used in the NEDC test. Tuned to use less fuel in that critical range.

320d ED I drove had very loud diesel combustion on light loads. Again hints at injection strategy for good headline mpg and CO2 figures.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

But I assume if you move stick to left or drive mode to Sport the issue goes away.

There are several ways to eradicate the noise : stick left, one or two presses on the Sport button, depress throttle. All very effective in my experience

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by elstoof

If it's any consolation, the 40i is also a little bit tappy at low revs thanks to direct injection.

Mine doesn't sound tappy :

[d4springer]

Originally Posted by Watsey

Undoubtedly. Premium fuels really help the 30D run smoother and, having tried BP Ultimate and Shell V-Power extensively, IMO BP Ultimate Diesel is the best on the market.

Just as long as it's not supermarket special, which makes the engine sound like it's running on gravel.

I also changed to BP Ultimate on my 330D and I'm sure it help prevent the diesel rattle, didn't remove it completely of course but I'm sure it reduced the noise a bit

[elstoof]

Originally Posted by Rukka

Mine doesn't sound tappy :

Shh, meant to be consoling them

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by JNW1

ETA: I've used both Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate and no discernible difference over standard Shell/BP with either IMO.

Same here sainsbury Diesel is as good as any I have tried, it gives the same MPG, this high octain Diesel is just a money spinner IMO.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Shh, meant to be consoling them

Mums the word .......

[Apollocs]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Shh, meant to be consoling them

Yeah but those 40i's are a bit tapperty though aren't they?

Obviously only when the engines cold....

Oh, and at idle speeds mainly....

When stood next to the car outside with the bonnet lifted...

Not sure I have got the hang of this consoling lark yet