[AoS810]

I took my car to Sterling BMW for this issue about a week and a half ago and when they returned the car to me I was told that only the lifters were replaced thus far.. and further action would be taken if the noise was still there. Well, right after started up the car I could already hear a very faint ticking noise but I didn't want to call my service adviser over right after they "fixed" the problem cause that seemed like a pretty dick move to me. I started my car up today and everything seemed completely normal, I drove a few miles to my destination and I could hear the ticking very clearly. Called up my service adviser and he said the problem is now much more "serious" because they have to get in contact with BMW NA so they can send an engineer over to inspect the car..

I made an appointment at Sterling BMW again and was just wondering if any of you were given a world of hell trying to get the next phase of repair (cylinder head replacement) at Sterling BMW located at Newport Beach. They didn't give me any trouble to get the lifters replaced so, hopefully the trend continues. I'd appreciate any input on how getting the cylinder heads replaced at Sterling BMW went! Thanks.

-James

Note: My SA at Sterling is Fernando, seems like a nice guy that took care of everything asked!

[hunt55]

Originally Posted by ERANG A LANG

I just noticed this thread now! lol yah i have a ticking noise on my 2006 325i, I told the dealership and they knew exactly what was wrong when i described it to them. I left it for 2 days, they said they tried numerous times and they didnt hear the noise!! at least i have 2 years left on my certified used warranty, still its a pain!

I have the 325i now for five years and just clocked 100K. Yes it does tick at times but is only heard if you open the hood. Since my car may sit when I travel, the ticking is most noticeable after the car sits for a few days but when I drive it every day, ticking is faint. The old NissonZs (240, 260 and 280s) that had the same inline six set up also ticked but we had one for 250K miles with no problem on the engine.

My 325i BMW over the years has not used oil-never had to add even a quart in between changes. I change the oil every 6k miles. After my last check up and maintenance (100K), I did a 1200 mile road trip and my gas mileage went up by five miles per gallon on the open road. The car runs better the more you drive it as are most performance cars.

My take!

[BimmerRob]

strange... I only get the ticking when the cars in reverse and the brakes are on hard. too lazy to read 73 pages of thread, anyone else have the ticking in these settings only?

[fdriller9]

Everyone,

Until BMW revises the current valve lifters in our cars, we will continue to keep getting this ticking. Having the dealer warranty this issue does nothing as they replace your valve lifters with the same part numbers...same design, same outcome.

The reason we get this ticking, and this is common across many BMW models, is because of driving short distances after a cold start. The oil does not get up to operating temperature and is too thick to get into the valve lifters. Once the engine warms up and the oil thins out/pressure increases, the ticking stops.

However, after a few cold start, short distance drives, the ticking comes back. To get rid of the ticking, drive more than 10 minutes to get your engine up to operating temperature.

Also this is not related to cold weather as some associate it. The reason we notice this more in colder weather is because our fluids are colder to begin with on a cold start. It also takes longer for the engine to reach operating temperature in colder weather so you need to take longer drives to get your oil flowing properly.

Futhermore, letting the car sit for a few days allows the oil to drip out of the valve lifters. Until that oil heats up/thins out, that ticking will be present.

I also think engine sludge can worsen this problem. That's why when some people have their lifters replaced, they don't have ticking for awhile. The dealer has probably cleaned out some sludge build up. Overtime it will build back up.

If you have this ticking noise constantly, regardless of driving run time and operating temps, the springs in the valve lifters maybe broken.

[BMWWMB]

My car had the same problem so I took it to the dealer and they said that its a normal thing and that they will repair the problem but it is most likely going to tick again. They told me its nothing serious though.

[fdriller9]

I wonder if European models experience this ticking?

Is the Euro oil formula different than US-spec oil?

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by *********

I wonder if European models experience this ticking?

Is the Euro oil formula different than US-spec oil?

No problems here, 80K miles. Frequent 1 hour plus drives, around 80 mph and 3000 rpm.

Seems short trips and low revs do not help.

[VIZSLA]

Originally Posted by carl_d

No problems here, 80K miles. Frequent 1 hour plus drives, around 80 mph and 3000 rpm.

Seems short trips and low revs do not help.

They're no good for the soul either

[Quiet Money]

Same thing happened with my car. The dealer talked about lifters, then about a week or week and a half later I pick my car up with two brand new turbos, lol. I have no clue, but I will re-read the paperwork they gave me and let you know.

[TooManyIDs]

Originally Posted by *********

Everyone,

Until BMW revises the current valve lifters in our cars, we will continue to keep getting this ticking. Having the dealer warranty this issue does nothing as they replace your valve lifters with the same part numbers...same design, same outcome.

The reason we get this ticking, and this is common across many BMW models, is because of driving short distances after a cold start. The oil does not get up to operating temperature and is too thick to get into the valve lifters. Once the engine warms up and the oil thins out/pressure increases, the ticking stops.

However, after a few cold start, short distance drives, the ticking comes back. To get rid of the ticking, drive more than 10 minutes to get your engine up to operating temperature.

Also this is not related to cold weather as some associate it. The reason we notice this more in colder weather is because our fluids are colder to begin with on a cold start. It also takes longer for the engine to reach operating temperature in colder weather so you need to take longer drives to get your oil flowing properly.

Futhermore, letting the car sit for a few days allows the oil to drip out of the valve lifters. Until that oil heats up/thins out, that ticking will be present.

I also think engine sludge can worsen this problem. That's why when some people have their lifters replaced, they don't have ticking for awhile. The dealer has probably cleaned out some sludge build up. Overtime it will build back up.

If you have this ticking noise constantly, regardless of driving run time and operating temps, the springs in the valve lifters maybe broken.

The second step of the repair is a cylinder head replacement with a new design that includes a check valve to maintain oil pressure.

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B110907g.htm

[TooManyIDs]

Originally Posted by DL

The ticking noise is back with the new lifters installed....SA said I was the first to have the ticking noise come back with the new lifters....

They should know better. BMW NA won't approve the full fix in one step, due to cost.

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B110907g.htm

[TooManyIDs]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=1310

[DL]

Originally Posted by TooManyIDs

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=1310

Very good summary above.

[element_13]

I'm having the same problem. I recorded the noise and emailed the SA manager for an appointment. I hope the process will flow smoothly.

[pdav]

ticking is back in full swing

[Evice]

Originally Posted by pdav

ticking is back in full swing

mine is back as well. my litfers have been replaced couple months ago.

Interestingly my car is MY2009, on the contrary what the summary says "Vehicles produced prior to 10/1/2008 will require the new parts."

[ajtalavera]

Just dropped off my car at the dealer for check engine light coming on and for ticking noise....will wait and see what the dealer is going to say???

[ERANG A LANG]

dropping my 325i at Brian Jessel tomorrow morning for the second time so see if they can fix it, ill let you guys know how that goes

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by TooManyIDs

The second step of the repair is a cylinder head replacement with a new design that includes a check valve to maintain oil pressure.

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B110907g.htm

Well, I'm glad you pointed me to this. And it looks like the CPO warranty covers this! Finally, I can utilize my warranty. I thought I wasted a bunch of money.

So does anyone know if BMW replaces the oil? Or do they reuse it? Regardless, I'm requesting new oil. I drained and filled about 56k.....just hit 60K last weekend so I was planning on changing it anyway.

[element_13]

Dropped the car today. Dealer will replace the lifters. Hopefully, it will fix the problem.

[TooManyIDs]

Originally Posted by *********

Well, I'm glad you pointed me to this. And it looks like the CPO warranty covers this! Finally, I can utilize my warranty. I thought I wasted a bunch of money.

So does anyone know if BMW replaces the oil? Or do they reuse it? Regardless, I'm requesting new oil. I drained and filled about 56k.....just hit 60K last weekend so I was planning on changing it anyway.

Due to the tear down, oil and radiator fluid should get changed as a result of this.

[element_13]

Got my car back this evening. Here are the parts they changed:
1. Torx Bolt
2. Profile-Gasket
3. Rectangring
4. Gasket ring
5. Collar Screw
6. Hydr. Valve Pushrod

I don't know what they are, but I hope they will fix the ticking problem.