Knocking sound from engine???

[BIMMER DUDEE]

Hello, I'm new to the X5 world. I was wondering if someone can tell me what this light knocking sound is coming from my engine. I have a 4.4i sport package. Only hear this sound when I'm at a stop or when in park. It sounds like a lifter problem or something else that is knocking away at the engine, any ideas???? Thanks...

[avo8686]

Have you check your oil level? I had something similar to this, dealer said that my x5 needed one quart of oil .THe sound still there but not that loud.

[BIMMER DUDEE]

But thats what I have been told, maybe the way I read the dipstick is wrong. I did put a little more oil and it did go away a little but I also put thicker oil, I put 10w30... I also was told that the noise is very common because the egine has this double VANOS system, if you read about it will explain that the noise is from a silinoid that wiggles a little when it adjusts timing with air, fuel, and gas... to provide the smoothest shifting and power...

[The Cleaner]

ticking or knocking?

[BIMMER DUDEE]

A knocking noise... Why?

[The Cleaner]

Ticking is generally the top end and usually a lifter. Knocking is sometimes the bottom end and is due to a bad main or rod bearing. That kind of knocking is a serious SERIUOS problem. A sticky lifter is minor and can usually be corrected with additives to thin the oil or detergents to flush out the clogged lifter.

A solenoid knock will sound like marbles being thrown around in the front of the valve cover. If you feel the cover you can actually feel the knocking under it. That is also a rather serious problem. You will also notice you are down on power if a solenoid is failing.

[Kelly]

I have a 2005 4.4i Sport and mine does the same thing... I just noticed it about a week ago when my wife pulled in the garage (I was standing outside the car.) I had never noticed it before -- I have about 9K miles on the car now. I checked the oil, and it was a bit low, so I added more and checked again. Same thing...

-- Kelly

[BIMMER DUDEE]

But this car still has all its power, doesn't sound like marbles, and the noise comes from the top of the engine..

[BIMMER DUDEE]

Hey Kelly, sounds to me that this is very normal in 4.4i sport packages.. What do you think, yours only has 9k miles, and I have 73k...??????

[Kelly]

What year is you 4.4? They changed the engine a bit in '04 -- but it's odd that we are having the same issue... I'm not too worried about it, since mine is still under warranty. I hope it's not serious in your case!

-- Kelly