Help identifying strange ticking sound

ChrisN53

Member
Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice/guidance. I have a 2006 3.0Si Coupe with 52k miles. Noticed a strange sound today that I have not heard before. This morning was particularly cold - not sure if that has anything to do with it. Anyway, it can be heard on first turn of the key and is a consistent and constant tapping noise that accelerates in line with engine speed.

Video at start-up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLcDudal3Q8

Video under load
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcV7xch3b-Y

I recently (November 2015) had the starter motor replaced for a Bosch reconditioned unit.

Any ideas what this could be?

Thanks,
Chris
 
A bit more info here Chris

http://www.quirkyuncle.com/2013/04/12/diy-quieting-the-infamous-bmw-lifter-tick/
 
Ah I have heard of this. The ticking caused by frequent short journeys etc. Do we think that is what it is? It's very loud. I haven't gone for a long drive/Italian tune-up since I noticed it this morning. I will give this a try and report back.

With regards to the HVA issue - is it a problem? As in, is there damage already or could it cause damage?
 
BMW didn't seem too concerned about it when I enquired under warranty , but others will say metal on metal will be causing wear.

Never had it with my Coupe but you do see the odd thread now and again.

Think Taz had it once with his Coupe
 
Whilst this thread is here, could anyone shed any light on a ticking noise mine makes?

It's not always, but sometimes when I unlock the car, until it starts, there sounds like a ticking coming from behind the stereo/ vents

Sometimes it also happens when I've parked and taken the key out. It's strange. Doesn't occur when car is moving.
 
russ67 said:
Whilst this thread is here, could anyone shed any light on a ticking noise mine makes?

It's not always, but sometimes when I unlock the car, until it starts, there sounds like a ticking coming from behind the stereo/ vents

Sometimes it also happens when I've parked and taken the key out. It's strange. Doesn't occur when car is moving.

Could it be the fuel pump priming?
 
Mine does this when it's not been used. Goes after a decent run. Nothing new to me really, i've had loads of cars over the years with Hydraulic tappets that do it! My Cosworth used to do it when not used, when i took that apart the tappets where fine! In fact we would soak them in oil overnight before re-fitting them. same with an old CVH engined Xr3i I had. My 944 S2 does exactly the same and sounds exactly the same, when it's not been used and that has 150,000miles on it. Quick spin at decent revs, try cruising over 3500 revs will fill them back up with oil ! Also will happen on short trip use vehicles, oil won't get warm enough and revs tend to be low so oil doesn't circulate well enough. Also a thinner oil grade may help!
I am not worried about mine in any way! I would also change the oil more often, i personally change every 12 months or 6000 miles, especially on short trip/use cars! I always do an oil change when i buy, using an oil flush, then a second about 1000 miles later. Cleans the engine out nicely! Hope this helps.
 
Thanks all for the info. Will report back, probably tomorrow now, when I've taken the car out for a good old spin and see if it goes.

Appreciate it! What did we do before forums eh?
 
ChrisN53 said:
Thanks all for the info. Will report back, probably tomorrow now, when I've taken the car out for a good old spin and see if it goes.

Appreciate it! What did we do before forums eh?

Pull them apart blindly and make an oily mess or get ripped off by dealers lol :D
 
russ67 said:
Whilst this thread is here, could anyone shed any light on a ticking noise mine makes?

It's not always, but sometimes when I unlock the car, until it starts, there sounds like a ticking coming from behind the stereo/ vents

Sometimes it also happens when I've parked and taken the key out. It's strange. Doesn't occur when car is moving.
It is entirely possible that it is your CD. Mine has done this on the odd occassion but as I have found that my Business CD HU has a ghost in the machine already, I thought I was alone... :cry:
 
rjsimmons said:
russ67 said:
Whilst this thread is here, could anyone shed any light on a ticking noise mine makes?

It's not always, but sometimes when I unlock the car, until it starts, there sounds like a ticking coming from behind the stereo/ vents

Sometimes it also happens when I've parked and taken the key out. It's strange. Doesn't occur when car is moving.
It is entirely possible that it is your CD. Mine has done this on the odd occassion but as I have found that my Business CD HU has a ghost in the machine already, I thought I was alone... :cry:

Yep, mine does that - in dash CD seems to carry on spinning for a while even after switch off. Eject the CD and you'll probably find the noise stops. Was doing my head in until I found it...
 
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