Metallic Ticking noise coming from engine?

zachar3 · 01-02-2011, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DL

Zachar3 here is a starting point.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/ContactUs/

Alright. My next issue. What should i say and how? Should i be sincere or pissed off? and what am i asking them to do?

DL · 01-03-2011, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachar3

Alright. My next issue. What should i say and how? Should i be sincere or pissed off? and what am i asking them to do?

Sincerity with facts ( video etc.. ) to back up an issue tends to work well in all situations.

Delta0311 · 01-03-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DL

Sincerity with facts ( video etc.. ) to back up an issue tends to work well in all situations.

Exactly!!! Be polite and provide the facts. The run up on them like your about to explode with roid rage.

blacksvt · 01-03-2011, 03:52 PM

08 CPO 328i Coupe 49,000 miles
Just called my dealer Sam Swope BMW in Louisville KY

They seemed very well versed on the problem and scheduled me in for an appt this saturday. This is my 3rd bimmer from them so they are super cool to me.

They said that they usually attempt the engine bleed process first but would ultimately just replace the lifters. I have 2 years and 50,000 miles of warranty left so ill let them go through the "process" but i see a cyl hear replacement in my car's future.

fingers crossed.

timmeo · 01-04-2011, 10:04 PM

I just had my head replaced after going through the entire process (bleed, lifters). My steering now feels a bit looser and lighter. Not as much feel. Anybody else notice any difference after the head replacement? Or did I just get used to the brand new 328xi they gave me as a loaner.

AoS810 · 01-04-2011, 10:07 PM

Hmph, I never experienced that timmeo. I went through the same process as you: bleed, lifters, and then 2 weeks later they replaced the heads. I haven't had a ticking sound since and the engine purrs.

Delta0311 · 01-05-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmeo

I just had my head replaced after going through the entire process (bleed, lifters). My steering now feels a bit looser and lighter. Not as much feel. Anybody else notice any difference after the head replacement? Or did I just get used to the brand new 328xi they gave me as a loaner.

Bingo on the 328xi. I prefer the steering in my car, feel a lot more nimble and agile compared to the stiff steering of the xi.

AA330I · 01-07-2011, 01:08 AM

My husbands 2006 E90 330I car is making that ticking noise.The issue is the car is not under any warranty and we are wondering how much this will most likely cost. We live in the East Bay in California. Should we take this to an independent mechanic or should I take it to a dealership?

We also read that after the Hydraulic Lifters are replaced and it makes the sound again in the future that they would have to replace the head?
Is this just a noise issue or is there an issue that will need immediate attention? We are going to try getting an oil change and bleed the system before spending a lot of money but we need to find a way to get it done cheaply.

Delta0311 · 01-07-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AA330I

My husbands 2006 E90 330I car is making that ticking noise.The issue is the car is not under any warranty and we are wondering how much this will most likely cost. We live in the East Bay in California. Should we take this to an independent mechanic or should I take it to a dealership?

We also read that after the Hydraulic Lifters are replaced and it makes the sound again in the future that they would have to replace the head?
Is this just a noise issue or is there an issue that will need immediate attention? We are going to try getting an oil change and bleed the system before spending a lot of money but we need to find a way to get it done cheaply.

I'm not sure about costs but I think it would run you around $4-$5k. I think you should contact BMW USA and bring the matter up to them. This issue is caused by an egineering flaw (sort of like the HPFP in the 335) so they should fix it for you free of charge. Bleeding the system is a temporary fix since the problem is with the lifters and the head.

shibikot · 01-07-2011, 02:40 PM

I'll admit i havent read all the 75 pages of this, but im starting to get the ticking noise from a cold start in the morning. It goes away by the time i've been driving it for 5-10 min.

My question is - has anyone got the lifters/head replaced for free if the car is out of warranty?

I have an 06 330i with 62K miles on it, and its been out of warranty for a while now. Not CPO either. Scared to even bring it in for an estimate to the dealer.

DL · 01-07-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shibikot

I'll admit i havent read all the 75 pages of this, but im starting to get the ticking noise from a cold start in the morning. It goes away by the time i've been driving it for 5-10 min.

My question is - has anyone got the lifters/head replaced for free if the car is out of warranty?

I have an 06 330i with 62K miles on it, and its been out of warranty for a while now. Not CPO either. Scared to even bring it in for an estimate to the dealer.

I have been through all 76 pages of this thread, and have found nothing where any work was done out of warranty. If I missed it hopefully someone else can provide the page.

I was wondering when this problem would start to be an owner money issue too, now that warranties are expiring.

I found this to be a good summary via another member TooManyIDs. I post it again.

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

Jgcdude1 · 01-08-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AA330I

My husbands 2006 E90 330I car is making that ticking noise.The issue is the car is not under any warranty and we are wondering how much this will most likely cost. We live in the East Bay in California. Should we take this to an independent mechanic or should I take it to a dealership?

We also read that after the Hydraulic Lifters are replaced and it makes the sound again in the future that they would have to replace the head?
Is this just a noise issue or is there an issue that will need immediate attention? We are going to try getting an oil change and bleed the system before spending a lot of money but we need to find a way to get it done cheaply.

Yes I would contact BMWNA bring up the fact that its not just you, as you have read, many people have had this problem. As someone just pointed out, its an engineering flaw like the fuel pump issue. On my old 07 328i I had the lifters replaced and ultimately the head. Good luck with everything, keep us posted on what corporate says.

Randall Fox · 01-08-2011, 02:50 PM

The Cylinder head is less than $1600.00 from tischer, and they show MSRP on it as just under $2000. RealOEM lists the part as costing $5000..

Mike Miller, the tech editor from BMW CCA (car club of America) has a blurb about the problem a few months back. He stated the first solution was the flush, which was never a permanent fix, then he stated the head replacement was the next fix, and finally said the true fix is to replace the exhaust side lifters.. I thought he said they were redesigned.. I'm not sure on that last part (if they were redesigned).. I will dig up the article and check, my friend has the mag right now, so it will be a while.. And of course, people here are having different experiences and are still getting the head replaced so YMMV....

If you are out of warranty, I would call BMWNA and see what they say, I would also write them a letter so it is documented in case they decide to pay for it later (doubtful). Worst they will say is no.. Then maybe try replacing the lifters first depending on cost vs replacing the head and if the lifters were actually redesigned or not. I have seen price quotes for $7k on this forum for the BMW dealer to do the cylinder head job, but I am wondering what the break down of that fix is, how much of it is the cylinder head part itself, and how much is the labor(how many hours and @ what hourly rate). I suspect you might be able to get it done significantly cheaper if you went to an indy shop.

NISMOFO · 01-10-2011, 09:39 AM

What about anyone with a 3rd party extended warranty? My wife's car is making this noise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shibikot

I'll admit i havent read all the 75 pages of this, but im starting to get the ticking noise from a cold start in the morning. It goes away by the time i've been driving it for 5-10 min.

My question is - has anyone got the lifters/head replaced for free if the car is out of warranty?

I have an 06 330i with 62K miles on it, and its been out of warranty for a while now. Not CPO either. Scared to even bring it in for an estimate to the dealer.

NISMOFO · 01-10-2011, 10:09 AM

Sounds identical to my wife's 2006 E90 325i. Mileage is in the high 40s I think right now. No work has been done on her car yet. We have a 3rd party extended warranty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yMmYpJw-sE

Quote:

Originally Posted by DL

I figured I would share my N52 lifter noise with e90post ( I deleted the personal info. on this one for You Tube ). This video is with the new lifters installed. It is obvious it is not fixed. I have 14 videos at this time with newspaper dates, and the cars information. My SA has 8 on a data disk. At last visit he is waiting for the field representative to come in to discuss the issue. The rep. will be in sometime in January. So I am just waiting with this soothing sound about 9 days a month.

Kruz · 01-10-2011, 12:44 PM

Great....just noticed this ticking much louder this morning than usual.

Delta0311 · 01-10-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kruz

Great....just noticed this ticking much louder this morning than usual.

You have a 335i though, right?

Kruz · 01-10-2011, 05:17 PM

Yes...we still have similar issues though right?

Delta0311 · 01-10-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kruz

Yes...we still have similar issues though right?

Dont think so. The earlier n52 3.0 engine had a slight design flaw with the head and lifters. I don't think thats the case with the n54 engine.

Kruz · 01-11-2011, 11:56 AM

Ahhh...got it. Thx.

alarroyo · 01-11-2011, 08:02 PM

Well I have a 2006 330i with a little over 23k miles and have the ticking noise. Went the third party warranty way denied because it was not a breakdown. Went the BMW NA way and the say NO and decision final even though is a BMW engineering flaw. Now I'm suck with at least an 1,100 hundred dollar bill so far which will be put it back together with no repairs. What else I can do? There is no way that a car with that low miles could make such a loud ticking.

2006330xi · 01-12-2011, 08:52 AM

^^^ drive the car semi-hard until it does breakdown, at which time have it fixed via your warranty. If the car does not break down, then you have nothing to worry about. The only time my car does that is when/if I let it idle right after start up or drive it on very short trips (10 mi or less).

I still have not heard of a car with this issue breaking down.... There have been a few cars reported to be well over 100K miles too. Time will tell. I would not attempt to fix it until you actually do have a breakdown... who knows, at that point you may well have 200K + miles on it.

01-03-2011, 03:52 PM	#1654
blacksvt Private 7 Rep 55 Posts Drives: E92 328i coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (2)	08 CPO 328i Coupe 49,000 miles Just called my dealer Sam Swope BMW in Louisville KY They seemed very well versed on the problem and scheduled me in for an appt this saturday. This is my 3rd bimmer from them so they are super cool to me. They said that they usually attempt the engine bleed process first but would ultimately just replace the lifters. I have 2 years and 50,000 miles of warranty left so ill let them go through the "process" but i see a cyl hear replacement in my car's future. fingers crossed. __________________ 2008 328i Coupe \| Jet Black \| Premium Package \| Sport Package \| i-Drive \| V1 \|
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01-04-2011, 10:04 PM	#1655
timmeo Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2013 328i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: IA iTrader: (0)	I just had my head replaced after going through the entire process (bleed, lifters). My steering now feels a bit looser and lighter. Not as much feel. Anybody else notice any difference after the head replacement? Or did I just get used to the brand new 328xi they gave me as a loaner.
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01-04-2011, 10:07 PM	#1656
AoS810 Lieutenant 100 Rep 417 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 N51, 2011 E91 N52 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (6)	Hmph, I never experienced that timmeo. I went through the same process as you: bleed, lifters, and then 2 weeks later they replaced the heads. I haven't had a ticking sound since and the engine purrs.
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01-07-2011, 01:08 AM	#1658
AA330I New Member 5 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 330I Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Ramon, Ca iTrader: (0)	My husbands 2006 E90 330I car is making that ticking noise.The issue is the car is not under any warranty and we are wondering how much this will most likely cost. We live in the East Bay in California. Should we take this to an independent mechanic or should I take it to a dealership? We also read that after the Hydraulic Lifters are replaced and it makes the sound again in the future that they would have to replace the head? Is this just a noise issue or is there an issue that will need immediate attention? We are going to try getting an oil change and bleed the system before spending a lot of money but we need to find a way to get it done cheaply.
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01-07-2011, 02:40 PM	#1660
shibikot Private 16 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 2021 X6 M50 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I'll admit i havent read all the 75 pages of this, but im starting to get the ticking noise from a cold start in the morning. It goes away by the time i've been driving it for 5-10 min. My question is - has anyone got the lifters/head replaced for free if the car is out of warranty? I have an 06 330i with 62K miles on it, and its been out of warranty for a while now. Not CPO either. Scared to even bring it in for an estimate to the dealer.
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01-08-2011, 02:50 PM	#1663
Randall Fox Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2007 328i Montego Blue Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pacific Northwest, USA iTrader: (0)	The Cylinder head is less than $1600.00 from tischer, and they show MSRP on it as just under $2000. RealOEM lists the part as costing $5000.. Mike Miller, the tech editor from BMW CCA (car club of America) has a blurb about the problem a few months back. He stated the first solution was the flush, which was never a permanent fix, then he stated the head replacement was the next fix, and finally said the true fix is to replace the exhaust side lifters.. I thought he said they were redesigned.. I'm not sure on that last part (if they were redesigned).. I will dig up the article and check, my friend has the mag right now, so it will be a while.. And of course, people here are having different experiences and are still getting the head replaced so YMMV.... If you are out of warranty, I would call BMWNA and see what they say, I would also write them a letter so it is documented in case they decide to pay for it later (doubtful). Worst they will say is no.. Then maybe try replacing the lifters first depending on cost vs replacing the head and if the lifters were actually redesigned or not. I have seen price quotes for $7k on this forum for the BMW dealer to do the cylinder head job, but I am wondering what the break down of that fix is, how much of it is the cylinder head part itself, and how much is the labor(how many hours and @ what hourly rate). I suspect you might be able to get it done significantly cheaper if you went to an indy shop. __________________ Randall Fox 2007 328i, Montego Blue, Logic 7, iDrive, Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Pkg
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01-10-2011, 12:44 PM	#1666
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	Great....just noticed this ticking much louder this morning than usual. __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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01-10-2011, 05:17 PM	#1668
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	Yes...we still have similar issues though right? __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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01-11-2011, 11:56 AM	#1670
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	Ahhh...got it. Thx. __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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01-11-2011, 08:02 PM	#1671
alarroyo Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 1988 E30 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	2006 330I N52 ticking Noise Well I have a 2006 330i with a little over 23k miles and have the ticking noise. Went the third party warranty way denied because it was not a breakdown. Went the BMW NA way and the say NO and decision final even though is a BMW engineering flaw. Now I'm suck with at least an 1,100 hundred dollar bill so far which will be put it back together with no repairs. What else I can do? There is no way that a car with that low miles could make such a loud ticking.
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01-12-2011, 08:52 AM	#1672
2006330xi Private First Class 4 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2006 330Xi Black w/manual Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	^^^ drive the car semi-hard until it does breakdown, at which time have it fixed via your warranty. If the car does not break down, then you have nothing to worry about. The only time my car does that is when/if I let it idle right after start up or drive it on very short trips (10 mi or less). I still have not heard of a car with this issue breaking down.... There have been a few cars reported to be well over 100K miles too. Time will tell. I would not attempt to fix it until you actually do have a breakdown... who knows, at that point you may well have 200K + miles on it.
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