Ticking noise from top of engine when idle

[aldo1123]

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 with 90,000 miles and when I am idling, there is a constant ticking noise coming from top of engine. Is this normal?

[TwinTurboGTR]

Ehhh, its kinda hard to tell. Ticking could be anything. If you hear a series of ticks, that is normal (Fuel injectors) otherwise, we are gonna need a little more.

[aldo1123]

The ticking noise is not intermittent; it is a constant ticking noise. It sounds like a rotational ticking noise if that makes sense….like a belt or timing chain, but I had belts changed about 6 months ago.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Well if it is not intermittent, that's a good thing, it deducts a lot of other things. I think it is fine, but it is still hard to say, but I am 90% sure you are hearing the injectors clicking in and out.

Does the X drive fine, any loss of power, anything seem odd?

[aldo1123]

Other than the ticking noise, everything seems fine...I will say this, the ticking noise is loud enough that I can hear it sitting in the car, not while driving just when I am sitting

[jst2878]

It's the vanos cam seals. All m62 v8's have that noise. Tough spot to constantly lubricate and they wear fast. It won't take away from the x, just a little louder

[aldo1123]

So its nothing to worry about?

[TwinTurboGTR]

Yeah I concur with Justin. With the ticking from the injectors, you shouldn't be able to hear them while in the car, only while you're in the engine bay. Sounds like the cam seals as well. For now it is nothing to worry about, but if the sound gets louder, take it in to have it checked.
Hey Justin, did you ever get that tire issue straightened out?

[jst2878]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

Yeah I concur with Justin. With the ticking from the injectors, you shouldn't be able to hear them while in the car, only while you're in the engine bay. Sounds like the cam seals as well. For now it is nothing to worry about, but if the sound gets louder, take it in to have it checked.
Hey Justin, did you ever get that tire issue straightened out?

Which one? I might be getting new swing arms. Still trying to get the toe corrected. Everything else is good. If I were to do it again I would use the camber bushing from the kmac kit and leave the original bushing for the toe.