Ticking/clicking sound from engine.

[Jackers42]

Hi

Started the Z up today and noticed a clicking from the engine, most noticeable at tickover but increasing in speed as revs rise. Approximately 4 clicks per sec on tickover. Took her round the block to warm up the engine a little and still there when I got home.

Called out BMW Assist as only 15 months old and they're calling round in the morning - they offered AA recovery this evening if I wanted it.

Bit of background info - very cold here today - snow on the ground - and it's a 3.0.

Part of me tempted to warm her up and go for a flat-out drive. Sort of kill or cure...

Any ideas?

 

[srhutch]

See my post, had the same problem

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=613&p=8998#p8998

 

[Jackers42]

So what was the outcome?

 

[Shipkiller]

I have 53K on mine and I had some lifter tapping on approx. 2 of the lifters. Not loud but I could here it. Using a stethoscope, the number three or the number four cylinder had the noise. Pretty sure the noisy lifters are on the exhaust side since the noise was coming from the bottom CAM.

When I pulled the valve cover off to perform the Vanos fix, I noticed a lot of varnish in the valve areas. Not gunk or baked on crap, just varnish.

I put a bottle of Auto-RX in the motor to clean the internals of the motor. http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

Now after 500 miles, my lifter noise is gone. I will leave my oil in for a total of 2K miles with Auto-Rx in it then change the oil. I did replace the oil filter this weekend for an inspection. A little more gunk in it than normal. I attribute this to the Auto-Rx doing its job.

Since your car is only 15 months old, I don't think a sticky lifter (caused by varnish) is the culprit. The dealer MAY have to pull the upper end and fix this.
Let us know what they say the problem is.

 

[srhutch]

So what was the outcome?

Didnt realise never posted final outcome.

Hasnt done it since. It's something I keep an ear out for and if it does it again, I will be straight down the dealer with it, they are less than a mile away so it should still be doing it when I get there.

 

[Ski]

Hi

Started the Z up today and noticed a clicking from the engine, most noticeable at tickover but increasing in speed as revs rise. Approximately 4 clicks per sec on tickover. Took her round the block to warm up the engine a little and still there when I got home.

Called out BMW Assist as only 15 months old and they're calling round in the morning - they offered AA recovery this evening if I wanted it.

Bit of background info - very cold here today - snow on the ground - and it's a 3.0.

Part of me tempted to warm her up and go for a flat-out drive. Sort of kill or cure...

Any ideas?

I'm not a mechanic but BMW's are a finicky bunch when it comes to engines, even tho they are "bullet-proof"..I would pass it along to the dealer if it continues but overall I wouldn't fret about it, just take note imo..

 

[Jackers42]

Update!

BMW Assist just examined the car and confirmed a single hydraulic lifter is sticking - there are 20 of them, apparently. He says it should go when engine warm but if in doubt check it into dealership. I'll take her for a spin shortly and report back...

 

[srhutch]

I thought there would be 24 of them

 

[Jackers42]

Warmed her up and pushed her a bit. Got home and...no ticking!

Have I been driving too slowly? I have been getting 43mpg...only kidding!