Engine rattling noise

[Dinosteak]

My z4 is made in 2007, 2L,currently 44K miles.
Recently I noticed a rattling/ tickling noise from the engine, worse when idle and very obvious when inside the garage.
I went to an independent BMW garage. He suspected that the ?VTi area with a lot of debris, which is quite unusual for my car as low mileage. He installed something in the middle of the new engine (£240) to reduce the noise but if need proper investigation and repair will cost around £2000 to "flush away the debris" but still won't guarantee that the problem will be completely fixed. He said it is like "cancer spreading". As I told him that I am consider not fixing and sell it. He said once the buyer or dealer hears the noise, he will properly turn down the purchase if not fixed.
I then went to another independent BMW garage. He suspected it is the ?timer chain. He said it will cost around £700. I was going to 2 other BMW specialist garages but they both closed on a Saturday. I am reluctant to go to the dealer as I am dreading it will cost me even more.
What should I do? What do think the problem might be? Cheers!

 

[chris g]

i would go to a main dealer - expensive perhaps, less likely to rob you blind

 

[bcworkz]

Stay away from anyone who wants 2k to do vague things like flush debris and that uses loaded terms like cancer. Can you tell more specifically where the sound is coming from? Some 4cyls have had issues with splits in the exhaust manifold. Others have had issues with the chain tensioner, but not the chain itself.

 

[mr wilks]

you don,t say where you are based ?
i would only trust my vehicle to someone capable of working on BMW's so perhaps a kind forumite close to you will recommend a competent garage before you have your wallet lasered

 

[srhutch]

Plenty of BMW specialists around, post your area and hopefully somebody can recommend one in your area.

 

[andysat]

i would go to a main dealer - expensive perhaps, less likely to rob you blind

I wouldnt be so sure,looking at a couple of threads this last week

 

[Dinosteak]

I am based in Leicester.
The noise is from the front, very prominent when turning on my engine and parking, don't know if it is related to parking inside my garage/box. When I am driving or accelerating, i can't really hear much...

 

[thorpyuk]

Whatever you do - avoid Just BMS in highmere's Road. Dont like name dropping, but they ripped me off for a new turbo unit that i didn't need...