4.6 makes noise during up-shifts

[bbloch1114]

Has anybody noticed this problem and if so, has anybody been able to get it fixed -- here is the issue:

During up-shifts under semi-hard acceleration, the car makes a sound that is like a combination or air being released and a chain dragging on the ground. It also sounds a little like pinging.

I had an '02 4.6 and now I have an '03 4.6 and they both made the exact same sound under the exact same circumstance. To hear the noise, all you need to do is hold the accelerator in a steady position where the transmission shifts at 4000 RPM. You should hear it every time.

It's really easy to hear either with the window down on a quiet street or with all the windows closed. I'm betting that they all do it -- or at least a lot of them since I've had two with the exact same problem. The noise is loud enough that you can hear it from outside the car. Of course, the dealership never heard of this problem but miracle or miracles, they did actually hear it on my car -- of course, now they don't know what to do about it and I have to wait for the factory rep. Typical lousy BMW NA customer service. If only Lexus would buy BMW and teach them how to treat customers!

Bryan