Looking at a Z4 Coupe

S

simon1963

Member
 Hull
Hi everyone,
New to Z4s but not BMW in general.
I’m looking for some advice on a 30si sport coupe that I’ve just looked at and driven. Lovely car in fantastic condition. Started the car from cold and all normal took it out for a drive and once it was warmed up there was a pronounced ticking sound coming from the top of the engine. This has the N52 engine, could it be a sticking hydraulic valve lifter or do these engines suffer Vanos problems the same as the M54?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hi Simon

Ticking from cold is most likely HVA or lifter tick which is a common thing on the n52 engine but not something that causes damage - many of the earlier cars suffer from this.

Ticking once warm I'm not sure - normally lifter tick will completely disappear when warm.

Is it particularly loud or is it just background noise - the injectors can sound ticky as well which is nothing to worry about...

My understanding is that the n52 engine does not suffer from vanos issues. The tick you are hearing may be a damaged disa flap but you'd likely hear that all the time not just when warm...
 
Hi Ed, thanks for replying.
On start up from cold the engine was quiet. Took it out warmed it up and gave it some revs then the ticking started. Ticks right from idle up the Rev range. I know what you mean about the injectors.
 
What's mileage? And service history? Also do you have a local BM specialist too look at it? Does not sound correct to me. No expert but been around BMWs long enough to know the engines on rev are generally smooth, and silent. Almost sounds cam related.
D
 
How many miles did you do in it? certainly doesn't sound right - HVA tick does sound a bit horrid, but as said it's not actually a problem, and definitely should go once warm...
 
It’s on 81000 miles just had inspection 1 service. Only took it on 5-10 mile run. Probably needs a good run as probably not warm enough. Or if it’s been stood around for a while may need the bleed procedure?
 
If you have not owned N52 before & therefore can't distinguish what is normal injector noise then Id avoid the car unless you have access to a decent indy that doesn't dealer rates .
The symptoms of being quiet when cold but chattering when warm does point to a pretty big job with parts required in order to cure the problem .
There are way too many decent examples to buy a donkey unless you buy at right money to cover the upcoming spend
 
If you have not owned N52 before & therefore can't distinguish what is normal injector noise then Id avoid the car unless you have access to a decent indy that doesn't dealer rates .
The symptoms of being quiet when cold but chattering when warm does point to a pretty big job with parts required in order to cure the problem .
There are way too many decent examples to buy a donkey unless you buy at right money to cover the upcoming spend
 
Hi Simon - have a read of my advert here - > https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=108787

I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have :)
 
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