[jtodd]

Hey guys I wanted your opinion as to whether I should pursue BMW on this issue, so here's the INSANE breakdown. Back in June 2012, my 328i tensioner seized on me while driving, causing my serpentine belt to shred and forcing me to drive without PS! At first BMW of Fairfax replaced the belt and tensioner, thought it was fine, but the car wouldn't start and they found a timing chain issue and had to go in to remove BELT material! After finally fixing that issue, they started the car and it misfired, so they went into the head and found bent engine valves! After a few weeks they finally completed the repair and it totaled $8,850! (my 3rd party warranty covered $7K). Immediately after leaving the shop, I noticed the infamous E90 valve lifter tick noise (or at least something similar) that is well known to happen with these cars. I brought my car back for an official diagnosis which concluded "there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and we all have different noises". I do feel that due to the sheer amount of money that was paid for my repairs, I should not receive back a car that has an apparent noise that was never present before work that was done. I would appreciate your opinion on this issue ! All work carries a 2 year warranty, and I haven't gone back a 2nd time yet due to a very busy schedule.

[nate5ks]

They said you have a timing belt? There's no way that could be related to your serpentine belt shredding since it is entirely external to the engine and the timing chain is completely internal.

[jtodd]

Originally Posted by nate5ks

They said you have a timing belt? There's no way that could be related to your serpentine belt shredding since it is entirely external to the engine and the timing chain is completely internal.

I'm sorry I meant to write timing "chain", however they did say that belt material was inside that compartment and caused my engine to "jump time" and they had to correct it.

[nate5ks]

That's extremely strange, I thought the timing chains were more or less sealed to retain vacuum and oil. Hey, look at it this way, maybe the clicking noise means that it's running better since everybody else's engine clicks lol

[jtodd]

Originally Posted by nate5ks

That's extremely strange, I thought the timing chains were more or less sealed to retain vacuum and oil. Hey, look at it this way, maybe the clicking noise means that it's running better since everybody else's engine clicks lol

Haha well that is one way to look at it.... But she was so damn quiet before! In this situation would you hammer BMW to do whatever it takes to make it quiet again or would you just leave it be?

[nate5ks]

If its something you care about then yeah by all means.

[jzchen]

Since I work on my wife's vehicle I would say don't bother about the ticking. The instructions I've read from bmwtis say that if you drive the car for longer distances this should go away. I have observed this in my wife's car, and have no concerns....

You might be wasting time bringing it to the dealer for this. No ticking may be a sign of all the problems, just like just before a bomb goes off so to speak...

[Route 16]

Post a video or soundbit of the ticking. I had my lifters replaced 2-3 weeks ago even though it didn't need too. It's a bit quieter and not nearly as loud before AT start up but after driving a bit, I'm ok.

[Romanian nightmare]

Originally Posted by nate5ks

If its something you care about then yeah by all means.

+1

[jtodd]

Originally Posted by jzchen

Since I work on my wife's vehicle I would say don't bother about the ticking. The instructions I've read from bmwtis say that if you drive the car for longer distances this should go away. I have observed this in my wife's car, and have no concerns....

You might be wasting time bringing it to the dealer for this. No ticking may be a sign of all the problems, just like just before a bomb goes off so to speak...

Thanks for the advice! I also expected the noise to go away with longer distances but it remains no matter how long I drive. Before the repair my engine sounded normal and quiet.

[jtodd]

Originally Posted by Route 16

Post a video or soundbit of the ticking. I had my lifters replaced 2-3 weeks ago even though it didn't need too. It's a bit quieter and not nearly as loud before AT start up but after driving a bit, I'm ok.

Here is the link for two sound bites of the noise (may have to turn speakers up)


http://soundcloud.com/jptodd

[Meeni]

Your timing chain jumped. Sell this car.

[jtodd]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Your timing chain jumped. Sell this car.

Yeah considered it but can't for now!Sstill gets me around though!

[jzchen]

Listened to the sound. It sounds like a diesel. I would bring it back when you can/have the time. It doesn't sound like the one I've heard that goes away....

[shadowx360]

If the shop caused an engine misfire, then they need to fix it for you for free. I agree with the other poster, time to drop off your car.