Z4m engine rattle - shims out of tolerance

G

Gellsha

Member
Hi there,

Complete newbie here (and not even technically an owner) so be gentle!!

I have all but sealed the deal on a z4m coupe. However when I went to pick her up on Monday there was a rattle coming from the engine. Now the guy from the garage assured me this was not a big deal...citing engine shine being out of tolerance. Now this was to take his mechanic a day to fix - no big deal......or so I thought.

Next thing I get a phone call saying the car has had to go to a BMW main dealer to be repaired as it requires a special tool to tighten something.

Guess the question is should the alarm bells be ringing, and should I be walking away from this one?

Cheers
Shaun
 
You can edit your posts Shaun .
I,m no M expert but its the first ive heard of engine rattle / shims / out of tolerance :|
What mileage are we talking ?
There are many great examples selling via forum members & if i was looking that's where i'd start :wink:
hope it works out & pics /description when you get one sorted :thumbsup:
 
Its not exactly a spring chicken having covered 44k although it has every service that it should have. It's a tough one because I just really really want one!!

Guess I'll just have to test drive her again and take the plunge one way or another!
 
Gellsha said:
Its not exactly a spring chicken having covered 44k although it has every service that it should have. It's a tough one because I just really really want one!!

Guess I'll just have to test drive her again and take the plunge one way or another!
Click to expand...

I'd pay for BMW to check it over and give it a Pre purchase inspection, I did this on an ///MR I put a deposit on as that had a strange engine noise, BMW didn't give it the all clear so I walked away, I did pay for the inspection, about £150 iirc, well worth it IMO , plenty of good ones out there :thumbsup:
 
Cheers didn't really want to go down that route because of potential cost but I guess 150 is small change compared to potential M engine troubles! I'll try get the dealer to agree with that - I guess if he isn't willing to allow the inspection it talks for itself!
 
Talk to the main dealer that did the job in the end. See if they will tell you what was wrong and what they did.
 
Yea..

The S54 does have a few unusual noises,especially on start up.

It could be the chain tensioner,upper chain guide,oil pump or rod bearings..


Personally i would leave it,and if your not happy i would advise the same..
 
Engine can sound tappety when shims wear. This is normal and can be adjusted out by re-shimming. Usually main dealer or indie does this at inspection when shims are out of tolerance. In itself not a problem. Definately worth getting it checked out before purchase though.
 
Cheers guys.

I'm going to book the inspection. Figure it shouldn't be much of a problem seeing as the car is going to be worked on anyway!
 
At that mileage I'm guessing it will be due an Inspection II soon which might be the reason but if it has had it done recently then surely it isn't a good sign.

If it has full BMW device history you could get BMW warranty for the first year for peace of mind and if anything does happen it will be fully covered .
 
Gellsha said:
Hi there,

Complete newbie here (and not even technically an owner) so be gentle!!

I have all but sealed the deal on a z4m coupe. However when I went to pick her up on Monday there was a rattle coming from the engine. Now the guy from the garage assured me this was not a big deal...citing engine shine being out of tolerance. Now this was to take his mechanic a day to fix - no big deal......or so I thought.

Next thing I get a phone call saying the car has had to go to a BMW main dealer to be repaired as it requires a special tool to tighten something.

Guess the question is should the alarm bells be ringing, and should I be walking away from this one?

Cheers
Shaun
Click to expand...
I would walk away now. You're being fed BS by the trader with regards to this noise, so what other faults is he hiding?

I might be being cynical, but there is rarely smoke without fire.
 
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