Engine noise - kind of a rattle

[jeffmic]

This is my first Roadster (2006 M Roadster), so I'm not sure if this is normal or what. When I get over about 3K RPM I start hearing this rattle that sounds like the pistons are clanking or something. I put in premium unleaded, so I don't think its a knocking (though I wouldn't know exactly what that sounds like either). The car has pleanty of power, I havn't noticed any degredation.

Does this sound familiar?

Also, I picked up the tail end of someone's lease at the 14K mark. I havn't found out if there's been any maintenance on the car yet and no indicators have come on telling me to go service the thing. I'm at 15.7K now. When should I bring this thing to the dealer for the servicing?

 

[Color]

Welcome to the forums jeffmic,

A clanking sounds from the M engine is not normal. You should probably have it checked out. Unless the clanking you mean is just the metallic rasp from the M engine when you press it a little? Just checking

As for the service intervals, they are calculated automatically depending upon how you drive the car.
Given you mileage, my guess is that just recently a service would have been due & hopefully done by previous owner.

There is also an important special service that is only on M cars, at 1200? miles (2000 km).
It is important that this service has been done, or else BMW could try and void warranty on the engine if in the future any engine problems should arise and BMW decides the engine problem is beyond doubt traceable to the lack of the first service. It would be a bit far fetched by BMW to try this, because the initial service is just a fluid change (oil at least, perhaps some other), but it's an extra risk not worth having to take.

When you turn the key in the ignition from position 0, there should appear an indicator in the digital display between the dials on the dashboard stating how many miles left to the next service and what kind of service it is (oil service or inspection I/II etc). Please check this first.

 

[MTHEORY]

What you may be hearing is the Vanos noise which is normal for the S54. It occurs between 2900 and 3300 RPM and can be described as a "valve tapping" noise. This is completely normal. The solution is to get really loud exhaust and never hear it again. Check this thread out:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showth ... &highlight

 

[jeffmic]

Wow! Thanks guys. I just love the internet.

Glad to know this is a known issue with the car. It doesn't really bother me. I was just concerned something was wrong, particularly after I let my coworker drive the car and show me how to "chirp" the second gear. I havn't tried it myself . Something about making the car peel out while its already moving (or otherwise) just sounds like a bad idea.

Thanks for the link to bimmerfest, MTHEORY!

 

[flimper]

I was a little concerned about this, I thought it was because it may need a service. I now feel suitably reassured