Metallic Ticking noise coming from engine?

Jgcdude1 · 02-25-2010, 08:46 PM

So i finally got my car fixed. All new lifters and the root cause of the error message i mentioned above, was a lose battery cable go figure. Thanks for all the advise.

E90 87ss · 02-26-2010, 10:52 PM

Ticking is back after HVA replacement, but it doesn't sound like the old ticking. Will update in a week or so.

bsamoul · 02-27-2010, 12:19 PM

Hey guys, going to get my car back today after head replacement. Will let you know how it is.

JRJ1970 · 02-28-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsamoul

Hey guys, going to get my car back today after head replacement. Will let you know how it is.

Trust me, this will fix it for reals. This seems to be the only way to go....

Good luck!

p.b. · 03-01-2010, 11:49 PM

does this problem affect the 2006 525i with the 3.0L inline 6? sorry for being a beamer newb, i just put a down payment on one and im hoping it is not prone to this problem.....

i drove the car and its amazing!!!

bsamoul · 03-02-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrjinsa

Trust me, this will fix it for reals. This seems to be the only way to go....

Good luck!

It seems to have. There is just a faint ticking which is probably the injectors or just the engine. Nothing nearly as loud as it was.

BLACK DOGG · 03-04-2010, 11:07 PM

'06 E90 ZHP w/ 25k miles from Montreal
Weather @ -1C/30F
Winter storage

It wasnt too cold today here in Montreal so I decided to let the car run for a bit. Ticking sound lasted for about 10 minutes (I can hear it IN the car - really obvious when your outside). After 45 minutes the ticking sound fainted. I opened the hood for about 90 seconds in the fresh cold air, (just to see what would happen) ... well, the ticking sound came right back.

Closed the hood for 5 minutes, let the engine bay warm up again, and low and behold.. Sound was gone.

I'm due for an oil change, that may be my problem, however that ticking sound is still messing with me!

I don't know if that's normal, change my lifters, or top head... !!!

I'll keep you guys updated as the weather changes...

eastside328 · 03-05-2010, 02:27 PM

I own an 07 328. For the 2 years I have owned it, it has occasionally had a fairly significant ticking sound. This sound was very similar to old chevy engines that had a stuck lifter. This usually only manifested itself after multiple short trips or if it sat for a long time, say 2 weeks or so. This is a common problem with the N52 engine in the 328. I have followed the progress with BMW fixing this problem. The bandaid fix which I had done once is the lifter bleed process which the dealer has performed once. This involves running the engine at 2500 rpm for 5 minutes or so and doing that 5 times. They do not do this any more. The other fix was to replace the head. A number of people I have read had that done. I was waiting for a fix that was not so intrusive. BMW has finally come up with what I believe is the final fix for this. They replace the exhast side lifters with a new design

. I had this done to my car 2 weeks ago at BMW of Seattle. There is a service bulletin out on this.

JRJ1970 · 03-05-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastside328

The other fix was to replace the head. A number of people I have read had that done.

I had this done. It works. From what I have been told, and it may be wrong info, the cylinder head swap is not really invasive, just a very costly fix. True? It would be nice if they do have a cheaper and effective fix. I too was on the fence a looooooong time about having the work done.

othomasjr · 03-06-2010, 08:11 AM

Is this a serious problem that can affect long term condition of the engine?

E90 87ss · 03-06-2010, 10:10 PM

My previous post stated there was a burning smell after HVAs, turns out to be leaking oil on the exhaust from the valve cover gasket. Anyways the ticking is much better and leaves quickly or is not present at all. Will update in 2 weeks if i decide to replace the heads.

autoque · 03-07-2010, 06:23 PM

This(link below) has been happening since the cylinder head replacement. It existed before the replacement, but after that, it became worse. So go ahead with caution.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357259

jo-e90 · 03-07-2010, 07:59 PM

Can someone post on the 1st page what years/models this has been notice on?
I dont want to read through 62 pages to figure out what year 328 to buy.

kablammo · 03-07-2010, 09:35 PM

From what I've heard BMW no longer authorizes head replacements, only HVA exhaust lifters replacement. Has anybody received a new head within the last month?

K

Ash888 · 03-08-2010, 04:18 AM

i picked up my 06 e90 a week ago, and noticed a tapping/ticking noise from the engine, but i cant really hear it when im inside.

can you guys hear the noise from inside the car?

i checked out a few e90's before i got mine and they all had a similar sound so i assumed it was normal, unless they all have this issue.

eastside328 · 03-08-2010, 11:16 AM

This happens on any BMW that uses the N52 engine, 3 and 5 series,X3 and X5,etc. This engine has been around since 2004. This has been a well known problem. This engine tends to make a little valve train chatter normally. The valve tick noise I had was pretty significant. You could hear a muffled version of it inside the car with the windows up. I did not hear multiple valve ticking. It was only one lifter/valve adjuster. This does not damage the engine. I suppose over many miles (50k or more), it might add to the wear on the cam if it was constant, but only minimally.

bsamoul · 03-09-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kablammo

From what I've heard BMW no longer authorizes head replacements, only HVA exhaust lifters replacement. Has anybody received a new head within the last month?

K

Yes, last week.

JRJ1970 · 03-09-2010, 07:56 PM

All, just be a bitch with the knowledge you've gained here and you'll get the right fix. Insist! Don't give up.

DJ Kaz · 03-10-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kablammo

From what I've heard BMW no longer authorizes head replacements, only HVA exhaust lifters replacement. Has anybody received a new head within the last month?

K

First, I have had the ticking problem since day one back in Nov., 2006.
All I ever got was, "It's normal and if it gets worse, come back in." Well, I came back in 3 times with no fix. But after following this thread, things started to realize that perhaps there was a fix. Thanks guys.

I got a head replacement 2 weeks ago. This after the lifter fix didn't eliminate the ticking.

My SA pooh-poohed the info that I originally brought into her from this informative site. She said, "don't believe anything in these forums."
Well, she had to eat her words when the zone rep. authorized the head replacement.
Result...no discernable ticking.

Again, my thanks for all your info.

JYOUNG330 · 03-11-2010, 10:20 PM

I apologize if this was previously mentioned in the thread... Any advice on getting this repaired out of warranty? The lifters were covered, but of course that repair lasted for a month until the ticking noise came back with a vengeance and now occurs constantly even after long trips. I was afraid this would happen, I tried to get the dealership to replace the cylinder head after all the info I've read on this fine site, but the current tsb called for the lifters. I purchased the car last july and hate to have faulty parts on the car, especially since I was planning to keep the car for quite some time.

Yzandrl · 03-12-2010, 02:46 AM

I've had the tick on and off in the past but was told it was "normal" by the dealership. When it became worse, I would take it in for an apointment but then it would be gone by the time I arrive in three or four days. Now, I bought the vehicle in Phoenix, so cold wasn't an issue but moved to Germany for the military and had my vehicle shipped there. In the cold here, it ticks just like the you tube videos, going away only after driving a long distance. I'm in warranty in NA until July, but here in Europe I am out of luck I understand. It sounds like I'll be paying 5K one day for parts and labor and have permanent engine damage.

Sheesh, maybe we need to put together a Do It Yourself for this common issue? Lol

Anyone have any insight to options or advice?

Jgcdude1 · 03-12-2010, 07:18 PM

Sell the car if you are out of warranty, maybe to a dealer don't tell them it makes it. They probably will resell it as a CPO. Just an idea because it is an expensive fix. I had my car fixed for the same issue under warranty. The noise came back and left I haven't heard it again though.

02-25-2010, 08:46 PM	#1343
Jgcdude1 the bees knees! 8 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 335i E93 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin iTrader: (1) Garage List 2003 E46 325Ci [0.00] 2008 E92 328i [0.00] 2011 E93 335i [0.00]	So i finally got my car fixed. All new lifters and the root cause of the error message i mentioned above, was a lose battery cable go figure. Thanks for all the advise.
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02-26-2010, 10:52 PM	#1344
E90 87ss Captain 37 Rep 608 Posts Drives: ! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ/Philly iTrader: (1)	Ticking is back after HVA replacement, but it doesn't sound like the old ticking. Will update in a week or so.
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02-27-2010, 12:19 PM	#1345
bsamoul Major General 165 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Walnut Creek, California iTrader: (2)	Hey guys, going to get my car back today after head replacement. Will let you know how it is. __________________ -Brian 2X 2006 BMW 325i [Electric Red & Mystic Blue] \| ZPP \| V1 \| Rear Fogs \| M3 Lip Spoiler \| EAS RemoteKey \| BMS Powerbox \| Projector90 Headlights w/ LED AE \| LED plate lights \| OEM Blacklines http://www.tech-shine.com
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03-01-2010, 11:49 PM	#1347
p.b. Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: Nissan 240sx (S14) Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Toronto Canada iTrader: (0)	does this problem affect the 2006 525i with the 3.0L inline 6? sorry for being a beamer newb, i just put a down payment on one and im hoping it is not prone to this problem..... i drove the car and its amazing!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-04-2010, 11:07 PM	#1349
BLACK DOGG BMW 13 Rep 74 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Sport PCKG Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	'06 E90 ZHP w/ 25k miles from Montreal Weather @ -1C/30F Winter storage It wasnt too cold today here in Montreal so I decided to let the car run for a bit. Ticking sound lasted for about 10 minutes (I can hear it IN the car - really obvious when your outside). After 45 minutes the ticking sound fainted. I opened the hood for about 90 seconds in the fresh cold air, (just to see what would happen) ... well, the ticking sound came right back. Closed the hood for 5 minutes, let the engine bay warm up again, and low and behold.. Sound was gone. I'm due for an oil change, that may be my problem, however that ticking sound is still messing with me! I don't know if that's normal, change my lifters, or top head... !!! I'll keep you guys updated as the weather changes... __________________ (OO\\:::Œ::://OO) [___\\____//___] \_▬_\\___//_▬_/ Last edited by BLACK DOGG; 03-04-2010 at 11:13 PM..
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03-05-2010, 02:27 PM	#1350
eastside328 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 07 328 vert Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: seattle iTrader: (0)	ticking lifters I own an 07 328. For the 2 years I have owned it, it has occasionally had a fairly significant ticking sound. This sound was very similar to old chevy engines that had a stuck lifter. This usually only manifested itself after multiple short trips or if it sat for a long time, say 2 weeks or so. This is a common problem with the N52 engine in the 328. I have followed the progress with BMW fixing this problem. The bandaid fix which I had done once is the lifter bleed process which the dealer has performed once. This involves running the engine at 2500 rpm for 5 minutes or so and doing that 5 times. They do not do this any more. The other fix was to replace the head. A number of people I have read had that done. I was waiting for a fix that was not so intrusive. BMW has finally come up with what I believe is the final fix for this. They replace the exhast side lifters with a new design. I had this done to my car 2 weeks ago at BMW of Seattle. There is a service bulletin out on this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2010, 08:11 AM	#1352
othomasjr Enlisted Member 6 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Is this a serious problem that can affect long term condition of the engine?
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03-06-2010, 10:10 PM	#1353
E90 87ss Captain 37 Rep 608 Posts Drives: ! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ/Philly iTrader: (1)	My previous post stated there was a burning smell after HVAs, turns out to be leaking oil on the exhaust from the valve cover gasket. Anyways the ticking is much better and leaves quickly or is not present at all. Will update in 2 weeks if i decide to replace the heads.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2010, 06:23 PM	#1354
autoque Private 8 Rep 89 Posts Drives: '08 X5 3.0si Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Outside NA iTrader: (0)	This(link below) has been happening since the cylinder head replacement. It existed before the replacement, but after that, it became worse. So go ahead with caution. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357259
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2010, 07:59 PM	#1355
jo-e90 Private 14 Rep 91 Posts Drives: WO Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: us iTrader: (0)	Can someone post on the 1st page what years/models this has been notice on? I dont want to read through 62 pages to figure out what year 328 to buy.
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03-07-2010, 09:35 PM	#1356
kablammo Private First Class 19 Rep 107 Posts Drives: x1 sDrive, e53 4.4, e36 M3/4/5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Parker, CO iTrader: (0)	From what I've heard BMW no longer authorizes head replacements, only HVA exhaust lifters replacement. Has anybody received a new head within the last month? K
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03-08-2010, 04:18 AM	#1357
Ash888 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 35 Posts Drives: e90 M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	i picked up my 06 e90 a week ago, and noticed a tapping/ticking noise from the engine, but i cant really hear it when im inside. can you guys hear the noise from inside the car? i checked out a few e90's before i got mine and they all had a similar sound so i assumed it was normal, unless they all have this issue.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2010, 11:16 AM	#1358
eastside328 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 07 328 vert Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: seattle iTrader: (0)	This happens on any BMW that uses the N52 engine, 3 and 5 series,X3 and X5,etc. This engine has been around since 2004. This has been a well known problem. This engine tends to make a little valve train chatter normally. The valve tick noise I had was pretty significant. You could hear a muffled version of it inside the car with the windows up. I did not hear multiple valve ticking. It was only one lifter/valve adjuster. This does not damage the engine. I suppose over many miles (50k or more), it might add to the wear on the cam if it was constant, but only minimally.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2010, 07:56 PM	#1360
JRJ1970 Captain 27 Rep 600 Posts Drives: 2014 428i F32 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	All, just be a bitch with the knowledge you've gained here and you'll get the right fix. Insist! Don't give up. __________________ Jay (in San Antonio, TX) 2014 428i coupe, mineral gray metallic with black interior, black ash trim, luxury edition.
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03-11-2010, 10:20 PM	#1362
JYOUNG330 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 06 330xi 6spd Sport Pkg Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, PA iTrader: (0)	I apologize if this was previously mentioned in the thread... Any advice on getting this repaired out of warranty? The lifters were covered, but of course that repair lasted for a month until the ticking noise came back with a vengeance and now occurs constantly even after long trips. I was afraid this would happen, I tried to get the dealership to replace the cylinder head after all the info I've read on this fine site, but the current tsb called for the lifters. I purchased the car last july and hate to have faulty parts on the car, especially since I was planning to keep the car for quite some time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2010, 02:46 AM	#1363
Yzandrl newbie. 18 Rep 83 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	Does anyone have any advice for this situation? I've had the tick on and off in the past but was told it was "normal" by the dealership. When it became worse, I would take it in for an apointment but then it would be gone by the time I arrive in three or four days. Now, I bought the vehicle in Phoenix, so cold wasn't an issue but moved to Germany for the military and had my vehicle shipped there. In the cold here, it ticks just like the you tube videos, going away only after driving a long distance. I'm in warranty in NA until July, but here in Europe I am out of luck I understand. It sounds like I'll be paying 5K one day for parts and labor and have permanent engine damage. Sheesh, maybe we need to put together a Do It Yourself for this common issue? Lol Anyone have any insight to options or advice?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2010, 07:18 PM	#1364
Jgcdude1 the bees knees! 8 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 335i E93 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin iTrader: (1) Garage List 2003 E46 325Ci [0.00] 2008 E92 328i [0.00] 2011 E93 335i [0.00]	Sell the car if you are out of warranty, maybe to a dealer don't tell them it makes it. They probably will resell it as a CPO. Just an idea because it is an expensive fix. I had my car fixed for the same issue under warranty. The noise came back and left I haven't heard it again though.
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