3.0 Si tickover....

T

True-Blue

Veteran
 Bristol/Bath
Afternoon all, started to look at some Z4’s locally as want to be driving one ASAP.

Saw one at lunch time which seems very straight, original paintwork but needs new disks and was a little ‘tappety’ sounding. Drove very well, no warning lights and felt very tight. No loss of performance....

Can the 3.0 be a little ‘tickey’ Noise wise? As I didn’t notice this in my 125i

Many thanks.
 
I would say it's normal. Mine does it too, not that tappety but still there. Had done it since I've had it, 3 year now but it runs beautifully and is always run on V power, quality oil. I even tried some Wynn's hydraulic lifter but did nothing so I think bits just how the 3.0si is!
 
My current Si coupe is distinctly more
"ticky" than any of previous 5 3.0 Si Zs I've owned..
Runs a treat though & at last service (90k) had engine cover gasket replaced , the indy said there was no indication of undue wear on lifters or cams so nothing to be concerned about.
 
Reassuring, thanks chaps!

Saw a 1 owner 3.0 SE this morning which didn’t make the same noise, but obviously not as powerful.
 
The 3.0se as in pre face-lift not Si is a different engine.
The 3.0 Si can also be a Se but they have the same output 262bhp
 
Yep, mine a bit 'tappety' too. As others have said, seems absolutely normal and I have no concerns :thumbsup:
 
I’ve heard the n52 can be ticky if you do short journeys. Hydraulic valve lifter I think. Long journey will sort it out.
 
Mine does it a bit as well, but it's fairly quiet - you can't hear it inside the car.

Although my E91 with a 2.5 litre version of the same engine doesn't do it at all, even though its done way more miles!

It seems to be a bit random.
 
It is Mr Tidy. My 2.5si suffered with it, but only ever did 25+ mile journey and was driven with enthusiasm.

Whoever has my old car is lucky though as it had the head replaced and was perfect afterwards.
 
Maybe it afflicts the ones that don't get used as much - my E91 has done 138K miles!
 
Yes, mine is a bit on the ticky side.
But as mentioned, it is only noticeable when outside.
Apart from changing engine cover gasket due to an oil leak, it has been flawless so far (16k miles in my ownership and 87k from new).
Only premium gas and yearly oil changes, though.
 
I find if I leave the car over a week without a drive it can be a little ‘tappety’... after it’s been driven for a while it’s fine. It’s a lovely smooth engine!
 
If the car is for sale at a garage it probably hasn't moved very far in a while. Take it out for an hour and the ticking will stop.

It goes away after about 1 mile on my car.

It's not something to worry about.

Where are you as there's probably someone close by that can let you hear a car when the ticking stops.

With any of these cars for sale there's going to be some expense....

Brakes - discs and pads, brake fluid, possibly hoses.
New tyres
Servicing
Sorting out any error codes.
Bushes
Alignment

Get an RAC or AA check for a report and they'll give you a price for the car.

Also check out the MOT history of the car online.

How long has it been for sale?

Any links to the garage website?

As we're coming up to Spring there'll be more of these cars available so don't rush into buying anything as a better car might come up really soon. Check the For Sale section of the forum too.
 
Yep my 3.0si gets a little 'tapperty' after a few days of short commutes - but once opened up on a longer drive it quietens down to a normal tick-over.
 
I’ve listened to three with the N52 now and they all sounded the same. I just don’t remember my 125i sounding like it, before or after the remap.

Thanks for the input, put my mind at rest.
 
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