[SimplyBlue]

Curious if I should be expecting this but every time I sit in my i5 for the first time in the day or when it has been parked for a while, I hear what sounds like a fan/motor noise with a low whine which goes away after ~15sec. Is this expected or should I get it checked at the dealership?

[deutsch100]

Is this before you start it up?

If so, it could be the climate control starting up. In the Climate Menu, under settings (I think Individual Preferences), you can uncheck activate climate when opening the door. This might help.

[Scrapula]

I’m pretty sure it’s climate control. It’s not very noticeable to me as my neighbor’s older Tesla and my husband’s Lightning both sound like tornadoes when the climate is turned on as they don’t have heat pumps like the BMW.

[RichardInCA]

Do you precondition the vehicle before you get in? You’ll often hear the heat pump etc get the car warmed/cooled, battery temp adjusted if getting ready to fast charge etc which creates a series of whirs and other noises.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

I’m pretty sure it’s climate control. It’s not very noticeable to me as my neighbor’s older Tesla and my husband’s Lightning both sound like tornadoes when the climate is turned on as they don’t have heat pumps like the BMW.

My 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance was built during the worst of the part and chip shortages, so Tesla used some kind of Micky Mouse part for the climate system to keep production running. Outside & inside of the car, the A/C running was louder than my V8 G63 AMG. I am not kidding!!!

[ToddRGuy]

I notice weird sounds even when I get in my Audi A5, And it’s not even an EV. There are some basic whirling And I can’t be certain, but I think the lumbar support decompresses as you get in.

[SkykingUSA]

If it's really hot outside the fan will spin up under the hood but I wouldn't say it's really loud on the inside usually.

Probably just climate control for the cabin or the battery. However I don't hear any whining sounds. If it was me, and I could duplicate it, I'd take it to the dealer to get checked out.

[SimplyBlue]

Thanks for all responses.

I checked it today prior to my work commute and it seems to happen after I hit the Start button and more often while idle. Sounds like some small motor or mechanical spinning up and shutting down for 10-15s and happened total of 3-4 times from the time I was idle in the garage and till I had driven a couple of miles with 2-3 minutes in between. It's possible it's the heat pump/climate control or something related to battery conditioning but I can't be sure. I did not hear it while driving on the highway.

I'll try to take a video tomorrow and see if I can share.

[RichardInCA]

In all honesty this sounds perfectly normal, my i5 does this every time I precondition.

[SimplyBlue]

I believe I've figured out the source of the sound. It seems to be the wireless charging pad and every time I place/remove my Samsung S23 Ultra phone at the beginning of the trip, a motor/fan winding up/down noise occurs. I wonder if the noise dies down once the climate control kicks in but will need to do some additional testing with my phone.

[dubb13]

Yeah I hear the same noise it's the wireless charger it's not that loud

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by SimplyBlue

I believe I've figured out the source of the sound. It seems to be the wireless charging pad and every time I place/remove my Samsung S23 Ultra phone at the beginning of the trip, a motor/fan winding up/down noise occurs. I wonder if the noise dies down once the climate control kicks in but will need to do some additional testing with my phone.

The slot in the wireless charger is for a small fan it has to help keep the phone battery cool. It's also why there are ridges in the pad, for airflow.

[SkykingUSA]

I put my phone in that charger every time I'm in the car and I've never heard the fan before. Hmm, could be a loud or a bad fan?

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

I put my phone in that charger every time I'm in the car and I've never heard the fan before. Hmm, could be a loud or a bad fan?

Yah, if it's whining it could be the bearing going bad. I would ask the dealer to check it out next time you take it in.

[RichardInCA]

Yup. I heard this little fan noise too. Not a concern.

[SimplyBlue]

Here's a 30s video so hopefully all of you can tell me if this is normal. The clunking sounds you hear are me placing/removing the phone on/off the wireless charger. The fan noise goes away after a while but it's definitely more prominent during the beginning of the drive.

View post on imgur.com

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by SimplyBlue

Here's a 30s video so hopefully all of you can tell me if this is normal. The clunking sounds you hear are me placing/removing the phone on/off the wireless charger. The fan noise goes away after a while but it's definitely more prominent during the beginning of the drive.

View post on imgur.com

Ok...my car never made that sound. That is pretty prominent.

To play it safe, I would swing by your dealer. You have 4 years/50k mile warranty....use it and put your mind to rest!

[AiredaleDad]

I agree. This is not normal. Sounds like the bearings are bad. Definitely get it replaced.

[SkykingUSA]

If my car makes that noise, I can't hear it when I sit in the driver's seat and use the car normally. I'd suggest that you get it replaced or at least checked out at the dealer if you can hear that from the seated driving position without having to lower your ear to the charging tray.

[SimplyBlue]

Thanks for confirming for me! I should've just taken it to the dealer and had it looked at but wanted to check with this group.

[SimplyBlue]

Dealer checked it and states it's normal operation/expected behavior especially on hotter days. The noise is irritating but runs for a short time, so wondering how much to keep pursuing this down the line.

[AiredaleDad]

Mine doesn't do it.