How do I work out if my M sounds right?

A

alexman

Member
I've gotten used to the slightly tappety sound of the M engine and appreciate that its a better performer when you get the revs going, but at lower speeds, it just sounds "mucky" is the only way I can put it, more noticable when you go past walls etc and can hear the sound of the engine bouncing back. How do I work out if mine sounds right? Are they ever in need of a "tune up" so to speak or is our only job checking the oil?
 
My 3.0i sounds rattly and a bit naff at lower speeds (engine)

I think that is just the nature of engines tuned with less consideration for NVH and refinement, with power, weight, and response in mind.

All my 'faster' petrol cars have sounded a bit ropey at idle/low rpm :)

Dave
 
alexman said:
I've gotten used to the slightly tappety sound of the M engine and appreciate that its a better performer when you get the revs going, but at lower speeds, it just sounds "mucky" is the only way I can put it, more noticable when you go past walls etc and can hear the sound of the engine bouncing back. How do I work out if mine sounds right? Are they ever in need of a "tune up" so to speak or is our only job checking the oil?
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I went through this when I first had the M. Got 3 separate BMW MD M Technicians to listen to it. Nothing wrong, they do rattle a bit at 3k RPM and at low revs seem a bit off. However, spank it and the engine comes alive! Don't worry about it!
 
It seems to be common for these engines to ratlte a bit at certain revs but they seem pretty bullet proof. Drive it hard and don't worry about the noise!
 
ian in lancs said:
I went through this when I first had the M. Got 3 separate BMW MD M Technicians to listen to it. Nothing wrong, they do rattle a bit at 3k RPM and at low revs seem a bit off. However, spank it and the engine comes alive! Don't worry about it!
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I asked the dealer and techs when I bought mine - same experience. Perfectlty normal I was informed.

I think that is just the nature of engines tuned with less consideration for NVH and refinement, with power, weight, and response in mind.

All my 'faster' petrol cars have sounded a bit ropey at idle/low rpm
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For a great example of this, listen to pretty much any TVR at low rpm (when they work :roll: ) - especially the Cerbera. Sounds like a bag of spanners at low rpm, and totally mindblowing when "on song"
 
I recently asked the same question to my service advisor. He said it is normal for this engine. And if you noticed, this rattling is a little bit noiser when the engine is cold, which is again normal for S54. My SA said it is because of the solid lifters...
 
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