N62 sounds like a diesel - 05 X5 4.8is

[YETTI]

Hi all, I have 2005 X5 4.8is with 141k miles that has been meticulously maintained. I purchased the truck about a year ago and it has been great since. I noticed shortly after I bought it that I have the notorious diesel like noise. You only hear the noise when the car is in gear under light load, and at operating temperature, when the car is cold or in P or N it's quiet as can be. I believe the noise is related to valvetronic system, I have reset the valvetronic limit position adaptations and it did not make a difference. But I did unplug the eccentric shaft position sensors and drove the car for a few miles and the noise was completely gone. I cant seem to find any posts that pinpoint exactly what the issue is and how to fix it or if the issue is something that is catastrophic to the engine or if it's just an annoying noise that I can just live with. Any help with this would be appreciated. Been chasing this issue for a few months and just want to see what I'm up against here.

Please see the YouTube link for a sound clip of the noise:
https://youtube.com/shorts/yrTqPV0lsLg?feature=share

[powers1]

Impossible to sound like an M57 diesel! I have this and on Mobil 1 5w30, the 6 cylinder is so smooth and quite on idle that sounds like an I6 petrol and once you get moving and accelerate it sounds more V8 isch!
Anyway, hope you find the problem with yours!

[crystalworks]

Check the idlers/tensioners. They can clack like that sometimes.

Though unplugging the eccentric shaft sensor doesn't really point to the above. Worth a shot though before digging into the valvetronic.

[Homerlovesbeer]

Does the noise go away after a quick rev?

[YETTI]

@homerlovesbeer yes it does, only really notice it occasionally in a drive thru or under very very light acceleration, anything more then that the noise goes away and the car sounds normal.

[X5chemist]

Grab a mechanic stethoscope. Try to pin point the area. Wow, if I didn't know it was a V8, I would also be sure it was a small diesel. What type of scanner do you have available?