Loud ticking
- Thread starter mackharry
- Start date
North West Surrey
It's not unusual to get ticking noises from cold on the N52 engine, especially when the car has been sat for a while.
I think it's the hydraulic valve lifters, but the general consensus seems to be that it doesn't do any harm and it usually goes away once the engine is properly up to temperature.
My last Coupe used to do it, and my 330i does too but they both quietened down when hot.
I think it's the hydraulic valve lifters, but the general consensus seems to be that it doesn't do any harm and it usually goes away once the engine is properly up to temperature.
My last Coupe used to do it, and my 330i does too but they both quietened down when hot.
It's a well documented N52 issue, BMW originally issued guidance to dealers to bleed the HVA, but that wasn't a long term fix so withdrew that advice and started to selectively replace some cylinder heads at huge expense. Then (as the bills piled up) BMW said it was harmless and knocked back claims so owners have been living with it ever since. See SIB below re affected cars production dates (US calendar i.e. Month/day/year )
Previous post https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10937
BMW Service Information Extract dated September 2009
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 09 07 dated January 2009.
SUBJECT
Intermittent Hydraulic Valve Adjuster (HVA) Noise
MODEL
All E82, E83, E88, E85, E86, E60, E61, E70, E90, E91, E92 and E93 vehicles with N51, N52 or N52K engines produced approximately up to November 31st 2008; refer to cylinder head casting identification attachment.
SITUATION
An occasional ticking or rattling noise from the camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) may occur during cold engine starts, due to frequent short-distance driving, or the noise may occur for an extended period of time even though the engine is at operating temperature.
Improved parts were phased into production beginning on 10/1/2008 and fully implemented on November 31st 2008.
CORRECTION
Do not perform the bleeding procedure that was previously provided in SI B11 09 07 which has now been deleted.
All vehicles produced between 10/1/2008 and 11/31/2008 must have each vehicle’s cylinder head casting number identified before hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) replacement, due to staggered implementation. Refer to the attachment for the casting number location. Vehicles produced after 11/31/2008 have already been fitted with improved parts. Vehicles produced prior to 10/1/2008 will require the new parts.
Previous post https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10937
BMW Service Information Extract dated September 2009
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 09 07 dated January 2009.
SUBJECT
Intermittent Hydraulic Valve Adjuster (HVA) Noise
MODEL
All E82, E83, E88, E85, E86, E60, E61, E70, E90, E91, E92 and E93 vehicles with N51, N52 or N52K engines produced approximately up to November 31st 2008; refer to cylinder head casting identification attachment.
SITUATION
An occasional ticking or rattling noise from the camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) may occur during cold engine starts, due to frequent short-distance driving, or the noise may occur for an extended period of time even though the engine is at operating temperature.
Improved parts were phased into production beginning on 10/1/2008 and fully implemented on November 31st 2008.
CORRECTION
Do not perform the bleeding procedure that was previously provided in SI B11 09 07 which has now been deleted.
All vehicles produced between 10/1/2008 and 11/31/2008 must have each vehicle’s cylinder head casting number identified before hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) replacement, due to staggered implementation. Refer to the attachment for the casting number location. Vehicles produced after 11/31/2008 have already been fitted with improved parts. Vehicles produced prior to 10/1/2008 will require the new parts.
mackharry said:
There is loads on the web about this, it's an underlying mechanical weakness due to HVA tolerances allowing oil to leak out of the adjuster, long lay-ups, cold starts and short urban pottering around seems to trigger it, regular use, a good run and fresh oil seems to be the answer for some. There there have been some professional sites making different oil recommendations that might be worth investigating if it persists.
The issue being linked to infrequent use was the main reason I went for an M54 car as mine's always garaged for the winter and does very low miles, so knowing my luck an early N52 in my hands would have gone down with it :roll: