Problems with my Z4 SDrive28i Roadster M Sport

O

ozdog2012

New member
Hi
I am new to this forum, but I am desperately seeking answers/thoughts on a problem I'm having from other z4 owners. Apologies if my explanation isnt very techy, I'm a girl and it doesnt come naturally!
I bought a 2012 plate Z4 a few months ago and since I have had it, its been making quite a loud ticking noise from under the bonnet. So much so, the only way to not hear it is to put the radio on or the window down.
This only happens as low speeds, although this could be because the road noise drowns it out when it goes faster.
It doesnt seem to matter if the engine is cold or warm and it usually happens when your foot is on the accelerator.
I have been told by a BMW franchise that it is a common compliant that the manufacturers warned them they may get complaints about. Apparently its something to do with the fuel injection on the new 28i's and the fact that its a Z4 you can hear it more than most cars because of the layout of Z4 in relation to where the fuel injectors are.

Are they fobbing me off with this, or is it true? Are there any other 2012 plate 28i owners who are experiencing the same?

Massive Thanks
 
Welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately the sound you outline is entirely normal and correct.

The new N20 engines do sound a little 'diesel' like (though much quieter than a diesel) at idle or low revs. This is because of the piezo injectors which tbh do need work to make them quieter, perhaps in the next engine update they'll do this. Its the price of efficiency apparently. It should get a bit quieter when warm, but its still there.
 
Thanks for the reply back!

I just wish the dealership had perhaps pointed it out before I bought the car, as the one I test drove was a 20i and it didn't have this problem.

Shame because its such a gorgeous car - oh well lucky the weathers nice enough to put the roof down :)
 
Both the 20i and 28i have the same engine and both make the same noise. It may have been you simply didn't notice it at the 20i test drive, though as many report on there some of the N20 (20i and 28i) engines are worse than others for this noise. Perhaps the 28i makes more noise as its a higher tuned version of the 20i.
 
Maniac said:
Perhaps the 28i makes more noise as its a higher tuned version of the 20i.
Click to expand...

This would make sense, in the same way that my C250 diesel is much noisier than the C200 diesel (same OM651 engine, different output).

I noticed this also with BMW 118d and 123d - the 23 is much more noisy.
 
Funny reading this. I just took my new z4 28i back to the shop today after 2 weeks to tell them about the buzzing noise at low speeds. I got the same response from the dealer. Ahh well
 
Hi all, I have 2012 Z4 28i, and I know they do sound like a Diesel engine and quite clicky. I have a metallic ticking sound when I press the throttle and strangely this is more noticeable in the cabin? Reading Maniacs notes I think it could just be injectors but not sure? Tried to record it and post vid on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/IxnkrW_HZ9o
Is this what your all hearing? Cheers mtf
 
This is weird. I have a 2012 28i and i've not noticed mine making such a noise. Sods law though - i'll probably not help but notice it now!! :roll:
 
:( Hi all,

Just an update on the "metallic ticking noise / resonance" that some us appear to be hearing on the N2 20 and 28 engines at above 1200rpm which is related to depressing the throttle and as soon as you lift of the noise stops.

Sat in another 2013 Z4 28i today and guess what ? this didn't make the noise I can here in my car. Then sat in another 2013 2.0 and could detect the noise, but it was not as loud as it is my car. Wonder is seomthing has changed in the later models? still follwoing up now with BMW custoemr service and BMW technical and will keep you posted.
 
How loud is it exactly?
Is it to the point that it's really distracting or is it just a minor background noise.

My 28i ticks but it's not noticeable in the cabin, only when I get out and go near the front of the car.

How many miles have you done in it?
 
Mine is creamy smooth when revved but at times at idle sounds like a bag of spanners and I don't think its the injectors, more of a tappety noise. Its quite loud at times at idle even inside the car. It just seems worse at some times than others. The sound often makes me check the oil level but its always at max. To be honest its pretty poor for a premium brand as most Japanese twin cam engines I've owned have been much smoother. I'm not quite sure how the N20 engine earned its title engine of the year, is that for its bad points?

I read recently that BMW engines aren't the best for being problem free. When I had the E87 it was the N47 timing chain problems which seem to have been carried over into the F20 :cry:

Tim.
 
Using a 28i having come from a 35i

Yes the 4 cylinder sounds like a diesel, and the auto is better at changing quicker when reversing etc, as the DCT takes a bit longer....

The drive in the newer model is less crashy in places......but overall not a fan of the engine.....

Sorry
 
MTF, that noise would drive me nuts. I notice the sound is there as you rev up and down, so would be suprised if its injectors, sounds more like a tappet noise.

I always think any metallic noise is bad, why do they build noisy engines, as a designer i would have no pride in letting out into the market a noisey engine, unless its fitted to a fighter jet!

I'm a firm believer that mechanical things always give you plenty of warning if something is going wrong. We are all used to hearing car engines from a young age, so i think detecting these noises and being suspecious as to there cause is natural.
 
BMW are doing themselves no favours are they? It's a shame because it's such a beautiful car.
 
I've never noticed this with my 28. At cold start, the only thing I really notice is a lovely exhaust burble.

I'm going out today in it, I'm going to pay more attention to the engine sound.
 
MTF said:
Hi all, I have 2012 Z4 28i, and I know they do sound like a Diesel engine and quite clicky. I have a metallic ticking sound when I press the throttle and strangely this is more noticeable in the cabin? Reading Maniacs notes I think it could just be injectors but not sure? Tried to record it and post vid on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/IxnkrW_HZ9o
Is this what your all hearing? Cheers mtf
Click to expand...

Thats what I get in my 2012 20i. To me it sounds like a fan - at first I thought it was one of the fans in the ventilation system, but its not, cos it still does it even with the fans off.

Mine stops after taking foot off the throttle, but to be honest I don't notice it much now.
 
MTF said:
Hi all, I have 2012 Z4 28i, and I know they do sound like a Diesel engine and quite clicky. I have a metallic ticking sound when I press the throttle and strangely this is more noticeable in the cabin? Reading Maniacs notes I think it could just be injectors but not sure? Tried to record it and post vid on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/IxnkrW_HZ9o
Is this what your all hearing? Cheers mtf
Click to expand...

As Kevin mentioned the sound is normal and have it on mine as well, apparently its a free optional extra :)

Tim.
 
Hi All,

I have a 2012 2.0 4550 miles, I purchased the car in march this year and have only just started to use it. I noticed this ticking/clicking noise and have actually booked it in for the 3rd of Dec at Knights Stafford for a test drive with a mechanic but looking at this thread and listening to the You Tube vid it is the same noise. Kicks in when you put your foot on the throttle then stops (after a few seconds) when you take foot off throttle. I will still take the car in for a check but I guess I will get the 'They all do that mate' response! :headbang:
 
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