A rod knocking will be more evident when the engine is cold and more evident when you rev engine and it is coming back to idle with no load on it, The knock will slow down as the RPMS decrease. A rod knock has a very distinct sound that generates an --Oh S$%T that can't be good.

Good lubrication is the key to rod longevity and you aren't skimping there.

I think the bottom end of a 4.4 engine falls in the bulletproof or near bulletproof category, not considering extremes like running it with no oil or water in the oil. I suspect if anything is wrong it is something other than a rod.

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X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas