[Gold333]

This thread is 123 pages.

These cars have a “normal” ticking sound when warm and also a ticking sound that indicates a problem.

I wish someone with more knowledge than me could write a summary on page 1 of all the info in this thread (like on the how to buy thread).

[E92William]

Thicker does not mean less noise. Much less in a close tolerance modern engine. My n52 sometimes would tick like actual metal tick after sitting over the weekend when running Castrol 5w40, this would go away after an Italian tune up ofc. This problem was completely remedied by using Valvoline 5w30. It's not just the viscosity but the way the oil behaves because what you want is it to stay stuck to the lifters over a long period of time, one oil that was real good at this was Castrol Magnatec but I think it didn't come in synthetic.

If your n52 sounds like this on cold start you don't have a problem, this is what every one I've had sounded like.

[Gold333]

I wonder what oil people advise for the N43B20

[e90gene]

Guys,
I am trying to identify what exactly is causing the rattling noise as on the video below.

Noise starts when engine is hot. After the drive if I park the car and leave it idle, the noise will start after 1-2 minutes of idling and it's kind of intermittent. If I lightly increase rpm's the noise disappears. I never heard this noise when engine is cold. There are no codes.
Any ideas?

[E92William]

Almost sounds like a loose heat shield or fan hitting something. It can often be stuff as simple as this rattle i figured out in my e46 lol

[Soden82]

My N54 started making a distinct metallic ticking sound that's not the injector tick.

Narrowed it down to either boost solenoids or lifter tick.

Only happens after sustained highway driving of over 20-30 minutes, and goes away when blipping throttle.

Might go to a higher weight oil next change, and check on boost targets

[H.Ovidiu]

Hello

[WOOF1022]

so there isn't a fix other than new valves? just started noticing mine after 100k miles

[M40i4me]

So my vanos just went and the engine sounded like a diesel. Luckily I am within the 10 year warranty and it’s currently at my dealer. Systems were bad gas mileage and eventually an engine light. Once they pull the solenoids they are also dropping the oil pan to make sure there is no bolt residue in the pan.

[Blackatoasty]

Dealing with the same issue now.. hopefully this will help me diag it

[Gamgam92]

Common lifter tick, happens to mine until it warms up

[DCleghorn]

I've been having issues with my 2011 328i where I have a vibration and rattle coming from the passenger side of the engine bay. It almost sounds like whistling when you listen from under the car. Around the same time, when the car gets too idle it hums very loudly for a few seconds before getting quite again. Any ideas? will try and post a video later.

[lionfish37]

Can you hear where the noise is coming from? What part of the motor? Have someone Rev up RPM when you are under the hood and listen. That way you can isolate a few things.

[mike5124]

Originally Posted by nsjames

I guess it's HLA
https://www.amazon.com/Liqui-Moly-20.../dp/B0096Y6XPC

this and liquimoly 5w40.
at first it tapped more than ever with just the 5w40. Like I was going to drain and toss $70 worth of oil.
so I tried it.
it worked?

Hello, any updates on this additive? Planning on trying it after changing my oil with LM 5W-40 and Ceratec, sounds fine when cold start but ticks like a diesel when warm.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by mike5124

Hello, any updates on this additive? Planning on trying it after changing my oil with LM 5W-40 and Ceratec, sounds fine when cold start but ticks like a diesel when warm.

did the same LM oil change and additive last week.

works.
motor stays quiet for entire 6-7K mile oil change interval.

[TriumphTiger]

Hi, will see if same additive is available here since similar noice (amongst many) on my N55.

[ULOST1320]

I had a similar noise but it was more of a humming/roar and it ended up being the alternator. Just a FYI guys

[KhonsU]

Originally Posted by ULOST1320

I had a similar noise but it was more of a humming/roar and it ended up being the alternator. Just a FYI guys

I have this really weird ticking noise, other than the well-known ticking sound the engine has.
I drive a 316i with a stock 1.6l, so the original N52 ticking is not really distinguishable or disturbing, but at night, when the neighborhood is calm and quiet, the engine is warm, so it's idling at about 650 rpm, AC is off this weird ticking starts appearing and vanishing. I popped up the hood, put my head close to the engine and listened. This sound is not from the engine block itself.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/132C...ew?usp=sharing

This recording is from a microphone I attached to the engine for a couple of minutes and left it idling, 3 seconds from the start of this clip, the sound appears, it lasts for 5 seconds, and then disappears.
please refer to this sound and compare it the one you had, is it in anyway close to what you heard?
someone told me this can be the belt, worn out or something, but it seems in good condition.

[brtrvu]

i think the ticking cause by low oil level. my oil pan is leaking after fill a quart then it stop

[JapanRotn52]

Hey guys, I've actually had this ticking for the past 3-4 months. It's called hydraulic lifter tick, theres a good amount of threats out there but its very very common on n52 engines. Alot recommend oil thickness change to thicker

[bundo]

Bmw

[PaulN]

My 320d (2008) has just had a major service including oil and filter change at Halfords and now has a ticking noise (engine speed related) that is easiest to hear between 1500-2500 revs.

It does not go away when engine gets up to normal temperatures. It is not intermittent (thankfully)

The oil used was Comma which I understand to be a respectable brand.

Despite paying extra for a flush the oil looks black after driving only a few miles - is that normal?

Halfords have agreed to do it again. I'm wondering if I should insist on Castrol or on a BMW filter (and pay the extra).

Anyone been down this road and know the correct solution?

Thanks in advance,
Paul