::.. Squealing when accelerating, 1200-3000 RPM, Neutral/1st/2nd gear

[Qube]

I've noticed that as it gets colder, I get a nasty squealing sound like slipping belt or something when accelerating 1200-3000 RPM in 1st and 2nd gear (manual tranny). No matter if I'm upshifting or downshifting through them in that range there is a medium/high pitch squeal. If I manage to continue to rev at about 2500-3000, the squeal persists then goes away. I believe that after the car warms up about 10 minutes, the squealing is gone... until the next time it's left to cool off.

Any ideas where to start?

By the way, this squeal also happens in neutral. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to rev to 1500 for me while I look under the hood now so I'll need some pointers :)

NB: I can't remember the sound but the last time this kind of thing happened, it was the fan belt that eventually snapped (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=11429&highlight=squealing). I'm not 100% certain this is the same sound and/or circumstances, but it seems close. And NO, it's not the tires! :p

[Dan in NZ]

Could be the belts slipping...

[pyro]

uh... couln't you just push on the throttle boddy to rev it yourself?

[Qube]

uh... couln't you just push on the throttle boddy to rev it yourself?

Ha. Yeah. Cold numbs the mind.

[pyro]

lol just a thought :D

[Torque]

Don't accelerate. Simple. And good for the fuel economy too.

[BM-BOY]

Check your alternator belt - mine was squealing - it happens when you are using too many electrical items, and load your alternator. Be careful cos I kept running my battery flat... To fix, I simply undid the adjusting nut on the alternator, and pulled it tight. No more squeaks, and no more flat battery!!

[Alexlind123]

Maybe you need new tires? :D

[genphreak]

Maybe you need new tires? :D:D yea, and to let them stop spinning...

[632 Regal]

grab the belts and see if they are loose...remember to shut the engine off first. Sounds like a typical loose or glazed belt.

[Qube]

Well something strange is going on. The driver side of the windshield is all fogged up every time I leave and come back later. This is regardless if there are any other people in the car and/or if I THOROUGHLY cleaned that side. It's JUST the driver side... like something is coming through the vents.

Noticed lots of soak in the 'tray' underneath the power steering reservoir. My guess is something is leaking bad and spraying onto the belts... the belts slip until the fluid dries and/or burns off. This causes vapor of some sort and a faint burning smell. This vapor ends up on the driver side (left, same side as the 'leak soak') windshield.