[quote="marti"] That is unusual for 57k engine to have that problem, possibly one has just broken due to a manufacturing fault, get a metal tube and place it on the chain cover and put your ear the other end and listen...I use that method when trying to locate strange noises on engines...its worked ...

I should also add that the engine only has 57k miles on it.

[quote="slparry"]
Alternator bearing or water pump
[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestion mate. Just wondering what makes you say water pump or alternator bearing? I would have expected to see other symptoms if it was either of these two.

Thanks Marti. That's a useful suggestion. My thoughts (and another member of a different forum) were all based around idlers or tensioners. So this is a useful, and fairly inexpensive, consideration. I'll post on here once I've fixed it and confirm what was done.

Thanks Marti. I've actually posted a link to a video of the noise itself. I realise it's all a process of elimination, but I had hoped someone more expert than I might be able to help suggest what it might be.

Hi guys, Wondered if I might be able to ask some opinions. My 3.0i X3 has developed an extremely irritating noise coming from the engine (M54). The noise is most significant when the car is in 'Drive' but stationary, once I shift it to 'Park' the noise reduces but remains on a more sporadic basis ...

Interesting continuation on this issue, I went out to the car this morning and decided to give the switch panel a bit of a tap to see if there is perhaps a bad connection. What do you know, the passenger mirror begins to work again. So I think you may be right Alan, I think it could be the control ...

I did think that yesterday, but I figured because the switch is still correctly folding the driver mirror that the issue wouldn't be there. It's a nightmare, always hate issues with electrics!

Despite thoroughly enjoying the first couple of weeks of ownership, my X3's passenger side wing mirror has decided to pack its bags (it seems). The control panel on the driver side now won't allow me to adjust or fold the passenger mirror. Given that both the folding and adjustment aren't working ...

Cheers guys. I ended up with a 95AH Bosch S4 013 battery, which is a like-for-like replacement on the old battery. It seemed to tick all boxes I could identify using online searches and speaking to BMW, it's not AGM, but as the previous battery wasn't either it shouldn't be of any consequence.

Thanks for all the help on this guys. The car has been bought and it seems as though everything is in order at this stage. Always helpful to know the things to look out for though.

Morning all, Seems the car needs a new battery, after a long journey I came back to found the car completely dead, the remote key wouldn't even work. It started fine with a jump and the alternator seems to be working absolutely fine. First port of call is a battery change, if the problem persists I ...

[quote="X5Sport"]
Hello and

PS we ignore pvr on here too 
[/quote]

Thanks for the messages guys, this gave me a laugh too!

Thanks for the replies guys. Picking the car up on Wednesday, with an added bonus/peace of mind. The car is going in for a health check at the current owner's local BMW dealer garage. I will get a report/receipt of this work.

I'll let you know once it's been picked up and will upload some pics.

Thanks very much for that Horizon!

I will keep you posted.