[ArsE92]

Hi All

I've had my 335i since November and still absolutely smitten. However, I've noticed recently that when cold the engine sounds really really 'tappety'. I know, it won't be tappets, but that's the best way of describing it. It sounds like an 1100cc Fiesta of old.

Once it warms up it's ok, but I'm just a bit concerned that something might be seriously wrong. The car is going back in to the dealers (AUC) soon to resolve the seat-belt butler dropping the seat-belt (disgrace!), but I wouldn't mind having an idea of what the problem might be beforehand.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

[phil200tdi]

Direct injection sounds crap at idle... Probably normal

[ArsE92]

Originally Posted by phil200tdi

Direct injection sounds crap at idle... Probably normal

Thanks for the quick response Phil. Can you remember if yours is the same when cold? It's pretty noisy sometimes, and I find myself cringing in case anyone hears it.

[phil200tdi]

If you blip the throttle and it settles to a ticking/tappety noise this is normal. Open the bonnet and listen near the engine cover you'll hear the injectors tapping away..

[DavS1]

Could it be the wastegate penny problem? when heats up, rattle goes away as penny tightens up once expanded with heat? could be wrong.

Suppose you'd expect it would be pressed shut against the exhaust housing by the actuator though, maybe not then!

[doughboy]

OP - how long does it last?

Just for the fast idle warm up - about 1 minute, or longer?

1st test:
If you start it from cold, don't drive it, let it fast idle until the revs drop, does the noise stop then?

2nd test:
Before starting, open the bonnet and pull off one the small rubber hoses from the top of one of the plastic vacuum bottles, drivers side near hedlight. Don't worry about the hissing, that will stop in a few seconds.
Then start the car - is the noise still there? If so its not your wastegates as with the hose off they cannot close, so they will be fully open and cannot rattle.

Let us know!

[ArsE92]

Thanks Doughboy, everyone.

It prety sure it lasts longer than a minute. I've recorded a video but don't have a wifi signal at the moment to upload it to Youtube. I'll do so as soon as I get a decent connection.

I'll carry out test 1 in the morning.

Thanks!

[dghdgh]

Whats wrong with the fiesta!!!!!
Sorry I could not resist.
Hope you get it sorted

[MEGA]

A sloppy butler would imho be grounds for rejecting the car.

The Butler is the only reason I bought an E92.

Gotta love the Butler.

[jonl1983]

Originally Posted by MEGA

A sloppy butler would imho be grounds for rejecting the car.

The Butler is the only reason I bought an E92.

Gotta love the Butler.

wait until it breaks! Mine has been in three times for a repair now, bloody useless.

Nevermind its going in 3 weeks

Bring on the 6er

[nicktyler]

Originally Posted by doughboy

OP - how long does it last?

Just for the fast idle warm up - about 1 minute, or longer?

1st test:
If you start it from cold, don't drive it, let it fast idle until the revs drop, does the noise stop?

Let us know!

What does this one mean? Mine does exactly this.

[ArsE92]

Hi all -finally got round to uploading a video to Youtube.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[phil200tdi]

Probably wastegate rattle. Not had this myself though.

Post the video in the n54 tuning section for a definitive answer.

[335i E92]

Doesn't sound like wastegate to me, you can tell if it's the wastegates by listening underneath the car, I've had it and it's totally different sound to that. WG rattle is more high pitch little rattling loose change, yours sounds much heavier.

I'de get it checked out ASAP, NOT normal!!

[ArsE92]

Cheers Guys - I'll get it booked in tomorrow. Still under warranty so I'm not too worried (famous last words).

[adz2k11]

i've had a software upgrade at my indys that sorted mine

[m1bjr]

Thats not right... sounds like valve train noise to me its not just the normal not injectors tapping.

Try warming her up and sit at 4k rpm in neutral for a minute and see if it gets better (push some oil around)

I think you have a 'loose' valve lifter there. Its not unheard of from a quick search, and waranty will sort it.

[nicktyler]

That does sound quite wrong.

So what is the noise on cold start that only happens for 1 min untill the revs drop?

[Rob GTI]

Mine has made this noise twice from cold. Switched the engine off and back on again and it gone completely. As mines a 330i (no turbo) then its not going to be anything turbo related. Be interested to see what it is (although mine doesn't have warranty to fall back on.)

[ArsE92]

Well, I'm dropping it off tomorrow night so they can fire it up cold on Wednesday morning. No doubt it won't do it for them.

No courtesy cars available for 4 weeks though apparently so I'll have to work from home on Wednesday.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll update when I get it back.

[ArsE92]

Just had a text to say they are "updating the ECU control units" and it will run over night.

Interesting....

Does it normally take that long?! I'm sure they did that in November too when the steering column failed.

[ArsE92]

Ok, so I picked up my car last night. Work completed:

Updated ECU to resolve rattling wastegate (wasn't aware I had one).
Replaced seatbelt handover - Hurrah!

Pulled out of the dealership and the noise I reported is still present.