Engine ticking/tapping query

S

strugglinauthor

Member
A little help and advice from my fellow E89 owners please...

A while ago I posted a thread about tapping in my engine after an oil change. Long and short of it is it's going to the dealer next week for diagnostics/opinion as it's an ongoing issue.

The reason for this thread is to ask whether any of you guys/gals, who own an E89, have experienced the hydraulic lifter noise? It's quite distinct from the mild clicking sound of the fuel injectors. On my previous post I seem to have had positive responses from people who've owned earlier Z4s but I don't seem to be able to find any examples of where it has affected E89s.

I've found a ton of information on the net, but it all seems to relate to the earlier model Z4 or other BMW models with the N52 engine and the ultimate solution was to install a new cylinder head. After that, 99% of cars were fine. My car was built in 2010 (registered 2011) and so in theory would have had the redesigned cylinder head.

Ta. :)
 
I should add that my car does have the modified cylinder head. Found this on Wikipedia:

"Finally, a newly-designed cylinder head replacement solves the ticking noise problem for vehicles under warranty. Vehicles produced after November 31, 2008 have already been fitted with improved cylinder head that resolves this HVA problems"
 
To be sure, I'd contact BMW and ask them to confirm if your car has this modification rather than relying on the Internet.

It's an issue that affects 23i and 30i models only so ill leave it to those owners to respond.

Perhaps a video posted here could highlight your issue?
 
Whether its a fault who knows but BMW engines tend to be tappety, mine does it N20 engine which is common with this engine. My old MINI Cooper S with the Chrysler engine sounded like a bag od spanners when cold. Its whether it quietens sufficienly once warmed up.

Tim.
 
Thanks for the observations guys. :)

Maniac - yes, a video/sound clip is what I need. I just need the presence of mind to whip out there with the smart phone when it happens. As soon as it does I'll post something up.

TitanTim - I take your point that some engines can be noisy. I'd certainly be less concerned if all Z4 engines did it and a mention of it appeared in the owner's manual. Sadly it doesn't. Although I have no intention of selling just yet, my real concern is that one day I will and after I've started it up and it's rattling away, I'll be left blithering: "Oh, don't worry, it's a feature of the N52 engine." I'd expect someone to walk away and buy one that doesn't do it. After all, I would. Also BMW describe the engine as giving "unsurpassed refinement" and I'd expect that to apply at all times.

I'm optimistic that the garage will be supportive and will try to sort things out.
 
Below is a video of the offending noise. It sounds more distinct in the flesh (metal) but you get the idea. I'm afraid the video goes blank for a while as I had to leave the phone on the water reservoir to blip the throttle!

The weird thing is that every other occurrence of this noise that I've read about happens when the car is cold. However, when my engine is completely cold, that's the one time I can guarantee it won't do it. It normally occurs following a good run when the car is re-started after an hour or two. The noise on the video will go on for at least a few minutes if left to idle but after another good run it's silent again.

At least I have something to show to engineer - thanks for the suggestion. :thumbsup:

[vimeo]61419209[/vimeo]
 
Yowzer that does sound loud.. now I know why you're concerned... at least armed with this hopefully you can get bmw to listen.
 
Not the same engine but here's mine sound wise... Quieter in real life oddly..

Most of the noise is the piezo injectors.

[youtube]LISrLm0PeK4[/youtube]
 
Thanks Maniac. I can understand why some people have misconstrued the injector noise as it does sound a little 'clicky', but your engine sounds pretty much the same as mine - when it's not doing its rattle thing.

I've just been out to double check the oil as well...system says 'OK'.
 
Hiya, just got a Z4 28' 11 months old, 5800 miles and noticed metallic ticking sound. Seems linked to the throttle and stops when I lift of, been to dealer, they lined it up vs a new 328' and agreed its not normal. The 328 did tick a bit, it's related to the fuel injectors apparently . They are checking it on Tuesday so will keep you posted!
 
That doesn't sound right. First thing i would do is an oil change. Sounds like one of the lifters is stuck.
I just videoed my 23i, the camera sound does make the engine sound more metallic than actual. If i rev up the engine by leaning in the cockpit and with the bonnet open the only sound is the injectors, they sound like a sawing mechine being raced when i rev up then stop as you take your foot off the accelerater, i asume thats the fuel cutoff on deceleration.
 
MTF - I'm aware you have a completely different engine to me and so the diagnosis may be different. Having a video (with sound of course) is a useful diagnostic tool for the garage and I know the one I used were pleased to have it.

My engine needed a new set of hydraulic lifters, new camshaft and new Vanos. It took a while as some of the bits had to come from Germany. I did ask why such a low mileage car needed this done and was told 'just one of those things'. On the plus side the engine sounds much smoother, as it probably should always have done. :)
 
That doesnt sound good at all.

I would suspect lifters,but for one to make that noise it must be completly collapsed....

Sounds like a OHC Pinto engine with the Camshaft worn out..
 
You mentioned that the tapping noise was after an oil change, I remember when I had a 530i I put castrol magnetec 5:40 in it and it sounded terrible. Drained it out and put a thicker oil in and all was well.
Maybe the wrong oil is in your engine.
 
Having just driven home, i had a listen to my warm engine. The injectors are definitly noiser when hot, sound like rythmic metallic clicking, maybe you have a very noisy injector?

Having said that, just looking back at the video the noise is there on accel. and decel. whereas injectors go quiet on decel.
 
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