Rattle ticking noise just started

[Stevo96]

Note, the car started chugging when the noise appeared, it feels like it's missing. I've checked the plugs and they are ok. All except for one which I couldn't remove, in fact I could only see the white bit of the spark plug that the coil pack goes over, it looked like it had some sort of metal sealer around it. If you look at the engine from the driver seat it was on the left hand side of the engine, second plug back from the back of the engine..

[Stevo96]

Ok, I get code 'function 21 camshaft control inlet bank 1' car is ticking still and shaking at idle...

[Stevo96]

I'm thinking my chain has gotten loose if the camshaft sensor is throwing a code, this would also Explain the ticking/rattle. I think it's time to sell it for cheap.

[Stevo96]

Does this code mean it's deffo not a lifter or a spark plug and can only be guide rails or camshaft sensor?

[BladeX5]

Hey all, sorry Stevo96 for hijacking your thread, but I'm having some similar issue.
Mine is doing a random (cold or warm) starting noise just like marbles or something hitting metal inside the engine, and then a rattle noise after that at idle. I have no idea what is it but have read a lot here and there and all is giving me clues that it could be:

1) chain guide tensioner
2) chain guide rails
3) vanos needing a rebuild or at least new seals
4) a combination of all the above

I took a video to show you how it sounds, "unfortunately" it didn't do the marble start noise, just the later rattle as you can hear from this video:
http://youtu.be/rPKCOHDQMOQ

Forgot to mention, I have INPA with me and there are no codes related to the engine whatsoever.

Any ideas what it might be?

Thanks!

[Stevo96]

Ok, I've swapped the camshaft position sensors over and the code stays on bank 1 so may sensors are fine but I guess my timing is ou?! Thoughts on next steps?

[DavesEx]

I 've been having a similar ticking/knocking sound on my engine ('01 3.0i) for a while. Engine performance was not impacted significantly and unlike the scenarios where the timing chain guides are broken, the car still runs ok (besides the irritating noise). Though not to encourage continued use of the car in this state, there are rattles/noises that are indicative of a more serious problem. I had also changed to semi-synthetic oil at the last service and learnt that using fully synthetic oil in earlier oil changes could have caused the issue especially with an older engine.

My issue was with the hydraulic lifters and as such I had the entire rails (2) replaced. The engine is quiet now. All the best sorting the noise (and the related problem) out.

[Stevo96]

Yeah, I think if I only had the ticking it would be lifters but because I have the rough idle and camshaft sensor codes I think it's something worse than lifters...

[Stevo96]

Bmw mechanic confirmed its the chain guides, time to sell!