Update RE: Engine (tapping) noise returning - I hadn't driven or started the car in a couple of weeks and when I recently went to start the X5 up, the engine tapping noise appears to have returned (similar to the noise experienced before having lifters replaced). The cold start also caused the engine to stumble a bit and rock the car but it seemed to smooth out after a few seconds, while the tapping noise seemed to go away after the car warmed up - but that process took a few minutes. Since there is no physical dipstick there seems to be no other way but to trust the IDrive oil level reporting oil level being good - so theoretically low oil levels shouldn't be the culprit (oil change was done approximately 3-4k miles ago).

This happened again on a cold start the very next day as well so I'm curious to see if anyone else with the 3.0si model has experienced this or how he/she may have had it fixed. Planning to take the car in for service if it happens again.

Wish me luck.

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Cheers,
Tae
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2012 BMW 750i XDrive Sedan (Current)
2008 BMW X5 3.0si (Current)
2011 BMW 328xi Sedan (Past)
2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T Quattro (Past)
2006 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro (Past)
2002 Acura TL-S (Past)
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R (Past)