[MM328i]

just to add to the discussion:

i had my lifters replaced and have yet to hear the ticking. granted i'm living in a very warm climate, and i believe it would be worse during colder weather. but for now it seems to have been fixed.

i do believe i have lost a little mpg, but it could be a partial break in type situation so i will hold off worrying about it until i have a few more miles in.