Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I have the M54 motor which doesn't rattle at start but has an obvious lifter tick that gets twice as loud if my oil gets low. I actually count the seconds at start for the lifter tick to subside as pull pressure builds. If I takes more than six seconds I'm a quart low on oil time to top it off.

Check you oil level and maybe rather than exactly "full" (half way between marks), top it off to max line. Anything to help build initial oil pressure.

I think you mentioned using OEM new design tensioner. Just checking. It's critical to use a good quality tensioner.