Lifter Noise on Start Up- 02 -4.4

[Rockit]

I'm getting an intermittent lifter noise when I start the car for a few seconds. (one valve tap until the lifter fills with oil)

Anyone else have that problem and anyone know if there was a TSB?

[tonycajjo]

how many miles?
what kind of oil?
is the oil low?
if you rev the engine to 3-4K before shutting it off to build up some oil pressure does it tick when you try to start it again?

there are some seals that help hold the oil up there. not sure what they are called but they may be worn.

was there any heat damage to the engine? (this would be bad)

side note: a little ticking for a couple of seconds seems like no big deal to me.

[Rockit]

It's a leaking lifter......oil is clean full-no sludge and high grade LubroMoly. I know a few seconds does not sound like much but I've owned BMW's for 25 years and never had one do that. I also never had the problems this X5 has given me.

The engine only has like 78,000 miles.

[electricalserv x5]

believe it or not it is your vanos...............its rattling .

[Rockit]

Is that normal or what is the fix?

It does sounds like a one lifter until it fills with oil. The engine is smooth and does not miss when the noise happens. It is only on start up, about 45% of the time mostly when the engine is cold. I haven't heard it at all in a week.

[electricalserv x5]

Yes I had the 4.6is with the m62b46 engines ,and they are tricky,But BE VERY CAREFUL who You have work on that engine.just make sure they are experienced with BMW.

[admranger]

If it is a vanos issue, point your browser to www.beisansystems.com Raj has all the goodies (and instructions) needed. I just did the complete S54 vanos rebuild and it was a night and day difference in noise and performance. So much better now I wish I hadn't waited so long.

It was a tedious process though, so make sure you are good at following instructions carefully (read them before you start, read them again, then begin with step one).

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by Rockit

It's a leaking lifter......oil is clean full-no sludge and high grade LubroMoly. I know a few seconds does not sound like much but I've owned BMW's for 25 years and never had one do that. I also never had the problems this X5 has given me.

The engine only has like 78,000 miles.

The noise you're hearing is likely the vanos units, there's a check valve (the Germans call it a non-return valve) that's supposed to keep the oil from draining out of the unit when you shut the down, that's why you get the noise on the next start-up. Unfortunately like most things BMW they fail way too soon, I'm having my timing chain guides replaced, I told my mechanic to replace them, there's one in each cylinder head. Check out the links and watch and listen to the video, my 4.6is sounded just like that on start-up, I found them on other BMW sites, I was surprised the info wasn't here on our site, maybe I missed it

Seeing that you're an experienced BMW owner it must be frustrating having one thing after the other go wrong with these cars, but it's the nature of the beast. Wait until your window regulators and door handles start breaking, not to mention the electrical problems that pop-up for no reason, you'll be pulling your hair out...lol!!

I has a noise. (M62tu, vid inside)

Decided to replace the Vanos Check Valve to Reduce Drain Back

[Rockit]

Originally Posted by romeokc10

The noise you're hearing is likely the vanos units, there's a check valve (the Germans call it a non-return valve) that's supposed to keep the oil from draining out of the unit when you shut the down, that's why you get the noise on the next start-up. Unfortunately like most things BMW they fail way too soon, I'm having my timing chain guides replaced, I told my mechanic to replace them, there's one in each cylinder head. Check out the links and watch and listen to the video, my 4.6is sounded just like that on start-up, I found them on other BMW sites, I was surprised the info wasn't here on our site, maybe I missed it

Seeing that you're an experienced BMW owner it must be frustrating having one thing after the other go wrong with these cars, but it's the nature of the beast. Wait until your window regulators and door handles start breaking, not to mention the electrical problems that pop-up for no reason, you'll be pulling your hair out...lol!!

I has a noise. (M62tu, vid inside)

Decided to replace the Vanos Check Valve to Reduce Drain Back

I really appreciate the help. I researched both links....I need to replace the valve cover gaskets so I might replace those check valves too.

My noise is not like the one I heard....it is a slow tap-tap-tap then goes away like one lifter was out of oil...it sounds more like the rear of the engine but I have to get out and under the hood and have someone start it while I listen..

Door handles already replaced....Transfail already fixed with a bed neutral safety switch...valley pan gasket fixed...entire front end replaced...and so on. I'm currently stuck with a air bag light on. If the car had Yugo badges on it I would expect this.....not from a BMW, but then again these were brand new designs for BMW running 7 series early 90"s technology..

[admranger]

Are you running the new 'hi-tech' 5w-40 lubrimoly oil that meets the LL-01 spec? If not, try it at your next change. It really quieted down my N62. Maybe it'll help your M62.