http://www.rtsauto.com/bmw-e90-valve...ter-ticknoise/
According the web site:
"............SITUATION
An occasional ticking or rattling noise from the camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) may occur during cold engine starts, due to frequent short-distance driving, or the noise may occur for an extended period of time even though the engine is at operating temperature.
Improved parts were phased into production beginning on 10/1/2008 and fully implemented on November 31st 2008.
CORRECTION
Do not perform the bleeding procedure that was previously provided in SI B11 09 07 which has now been deleted.
All vehicles produced between 10/1/2008 and 11/31/2008 must have each vehicle’s cylinder head casting number identified before hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) replacement, due to staggered implementation. Refer to the attachment for the casting number location. Vehicles produced after 11/31/2008 have already been fitted with improved parts. Vehicles produced prior to 10/1/2008 will require the new parts.
Improved Casting Numbers
N51 (B30)
7588277.01
N52 (B30)
7588273.01
N52K (B30)
7588271.01
A cylinder head casting number that does not match will require replacement of the 12 exhaust camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) as per Repair Instruction RA 11 33 050, Removing and installing/replacing all rocker arms. Only the exhaust camshaft and rocker arms have to be removed in order to replace the hydraulic valve lifters. Do not remove or replace any intake camshaft valve train components........."
May I ask how can I find out the vehicle’s cylinder head casting number?