Very light ticking noise when cold

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 · Post by **Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:36 pm

Hello Everyone,

Whenever I start up my e85 Z4 2.5si I hear a very slight ticking noise. I always let it warm up for a few minutes before I start driving and when It's warmed up the noise is gone. Is this something to worry about? Besides this it runs well and no noises. If this is normal please tell me what makes the noise so I can understand better. Thank you

HGoward · Post by **HGoward** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:52 pm

If its just when the engine is cold, I would be leaning towards Lifter tick. Its a common problem on the 3.0SI engine, so assume it would also carry to the 2.5si engine as they are very similar.

colb · Post by **colb** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 7:12 pm

Sounds like lifter tick from cold start, as the oil warms it usually stops. Might be an idea to use some engine flush in the oil before you change the oil and filter, that should clean up any varnish build up on those lifters. Some people will advise not using engine flush but if you don't know the true oil change frequency it seems to be the way to go. I always do it when I buy a car with no adverse effects after doing so.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:59 pm

It's quite common to get some top-end ticking on the N52 engines when cold, especially if they have sat unused for a few days.

But as you have found it usually stops quite quickly and doesn't seem to cause any issues.

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 · Post by **Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 8:14 am

Thank you for the information. The car indicates 18500 Km untill the next oil service. I will add some engine flush to the oil before the service.
How long does the engine flush need to stay in the car before I do the service?

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 10:50 am

Best follow the instructions on the can, usually add and run for 10 to 15mins then drain followed by replenishment and filter change. Some will refill with a cheap brand oil run the car then do another change of oil and filter using a better branded oil of their choice so it gets a second flush with new oil.

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 · Post by **Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:39 pm

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 · Post by **Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:39 pm

Do the smilies even work here?

Zedebee · Post by **Zedebee** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 2:19 pm

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:39 pm Do the smilies even work here?

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 2:41 pm

I used this on an N52 for the same issue, made a big difference on mine

Around about a tenner delivered from eBay

mkinternet · Post by **mkinternet** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:14 pm

Argyll Andy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 18, 2022 2:41 pm I used this on an N52 for the same issue, made a big difference on mine

Around about a tenner delivered from eBay

Used on my 3.0i N52 - works wonders. Takes a 100 miles of so to become effective so don't be disappointed if it does not work out of the box.

Zulu4 · Post by **Zulu4** » Fri Nov 18, 2022 7:39 pm

Castrol Magnatec got rid of it for me

Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85 · Post by **Niek_Z4_2.5si_E85** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:17 pm

Zulu4 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 18, 2022 7:39 pm Castrol Magnatec got rid of it for me

I'm currently using Castrol Edge Titanium 5w30. I could try out some Magnatec.

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