Rattle/Vibration in engine (N52) when hot

[enzed4]

Have noticed this for some time now, but haven't really followed up on it as it comes and goes.
When the engine has warmed up, say 15 mins drive or more, while stationery, if the engine is revved to around 1500rpm there is a rattling noise that sounds as close as I can describe as a vibration of something like a heat shield (sort of a 'tinny' sound) which tapers off a few hundred rpm above. It doesn't seem to make this noise when cold, and not every time when hot, though seems fairly regular. I tried to record it a couple of weeks ago, but the wife's iphone audio capture didn't really do it justice. Might have to try again to help troubleshooting.
I've looked up many lifter rattle noise videos, and this doesn't sound like it at all - it's not that ticking noise, and that's usually more obvious when the engine's cold, not hot.
Also looked up Vanos rattle, but does this only affect pre-facelift models?

2008 E85, approx 32,000miles/51,000km, oil and filter changed every year.

Any ideas what this might be? I saw DLV mention an aux belt noise on another thread but couldn't hear anything when I listened to the video, so none the wiser if this might be something to look at.

 

[R60BBA]

When you put it in for service do you get a shims report?

 

[Buckz]

dmf rattle? push you clutch in and see if the noise goes away.

 

[rally-chris]

Shims?

N52 is a fit and forget engine as far as BMW servicing is concerned. Servicing equals visual checks, changing fluids, filters and spark plugs only. I think Ms (S54) are the only engines with routine lifter re-shimming at services?

Chris

 

[R60BBA]

Shims should be checked on an Inspection 2.

If they haven’t been checked get them done at your next service.

 

[hopz121]

Shims should be checked on an Inspection 2.

If they haven’t been checked get them done at your next service.

Not on a N52 mate :lol:

 

[R60BBA]

http://www.engineprofessional.com/TB/TB110915-1.pdf

 

[R60BBA]

Shims should be checked on an Inspection 2.

If they haven’t been checked get them done at your next service.

Not on a N52 mate :lol:

http://www.engineprofessional.com/TB/TB110915-1.pdf

 

[hopz121]

Shims should be checked on an Inspection 2.

If they haven’t been checked get them done at your next service.

Not on a N52 mate :lol:

http://www.engineprofessional.com/TB/TB110915-1.pdf

That doesn't mention shims only changing the valve lifters which is a fairly common issue on the N52 engine as we all know, this isn't a servicing item.

 

[R60BBA]

Not on a N52 mate :lol:

http://www.engineprofessional.com/TB/TB110915-1.pdf

That doesn't mention shims only changing the valve lifters which is a fairly common issue on the N52 engine as we all know, this isn't a servicing item.

BMW Park Lane include valve clearence as apart of their Inspection 2.

 

[hopz121]

http://www.engineprofessional.com/TB/TB110915-1.pdf

That doesn't mention shims only changing the valve lifters which is a fairly common issue on the N52 engine as we all know, this isn't a servicing item.

BMW Park Lane include valve clearence as apart of their Inspection 2.

Not on an N52 they don't

 

[rally-chris]

:headbang:

 

[ph001]

Dare I ask if it sounds similar to this?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtHUhGcmIU&feature=youtu.be

Here are a full 9 pages to read on it! Still don't think the mystery has been solved as far as I know
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100400

 

[Marlon]

Dare I ask if it sounds similar to this?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtHUhGcmIU&feature=youtu.be

Here are a full 9 pages to read on it! Still don't think the mystery has been solved as far as I know
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100400

I hope not for the OP's sake - absolute nightmare that thread

 

[enzed4]

dmf rattle? push you clutch in and see if the noise goes away.

No clutch, it's not a real man's car sorry

Dare I ask if it sounds similar to this?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtHUhGcmIU&feature=youtu.be

No, that sounds like a definite 'clatter' - mine's more of a fast vibration, almost like something has heated, expanded, and is touching something it doesn't when cold (which made me think of the heat shield).

Thanks for the suggestions so far, looks like I might have to upload a clip to see if it helps pinpoint it.

 

[JonBooth]

Hello,

Does your car have a manifold/cat heat shield in the engine bay? Have you checked it isn't loose? They are very easy to bend, maybe it's been lent on and is contacting something.

Cheers,

Jon.

 

[enzed4]

I'd forgotten about this clip I uploaded to youtube - you can hear the noise at 54-56 sec. The engine had warmed up before revving so the noise was happening.
I'm leaning towards it being some heat shielding after listening to a few other clips online. I will have to get it up on the ramps and have a poke around.
[youtube]Ns89AwvdcAo[/youtube]

 

[Cooky3]

Dare I ask if it sounds similar to this?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtHUhGcmIU&feature=youtu.be

Here are a full 9 pages to read on it! Still don't think the mystery has been solved as far as I know
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100400

I hope not for the OP's sake - absolute nightmare that thread

Indeed I hope not too. I am the unlucky git who has no hair left... But philosophical about it. I need to update my post. But in essence £1200 down ex labour in essence and no resolution. Engine idles fine and runs perfectly at the moment and if you were deaf you wouldn't know the difference. Heat shields all checked and obvious stuff too plus all timing chain, guides, tensioner, hubs replaced, oil filter housing checked, oil strainer.... Just living with it so if it doesn't effect your engines performance I'd recommend living with it unless you have deep pockets...

:wink:

 

[enzed4]

Dare I ask if it sounds similar to this?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtHUhGcmIU&feature=youtu.be

Here are a full 9 pages to read on it! Still don't think the mystery has been solved as far as I know
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100400

I hope not for the OP's sake - absolute nightmare that thread

Indeed I hope not too. I am the unlucky git who has no hair left... But philosophical about it. I need to update my post. But in essence £1200 down ex labour in essence and no resolution. Engine idles fine and runs perfectly at the moment and if you were deaf you wouldn't know the difference. Heat shields all checked and obvious stuff too plus all timing chain, guides, tensioner, hubs replaced, oil filter housing checked, oil strainer.... Just living with it so if it doesn't effect your engines performance I'd recommend living with it unless you have deep pockets...

:wink:

Sorry to hear about your probs with the engine - I'm hoping mine's nothing more than a heat shield rattle, but haven't had time to put it on ramps to check yet. I'll update the post when I can check.