2004 4.8iS Engine Tick ONLY when cold and intermittent "Low Engine Oil Pressure Stop

[BimmerE38E53]

Hi guys. So I recently had to start driving my X5 daily. I have been for about a month now. Precious to now it was only started once a week if at all.

The car developed a tick first thing in the morning when starting. It's does not stop until the engine has warmed up and the warm up lights are almost completely out. Once it stops there are no more noises.

I also have gotten a low oil pressure in dash error a couple of times. Each time if I cut the car off and restart it's fine.

I am not familiar with the N62 engine at all. My initial reaction was chain tensioner. But then I got the low oil pressure warning. Is there a valve or something that keeps the oil in the top of the motor when it's not running? Almost seems like the oil just having a hard time getting though the motor in the morning. Or.....will replacing the oil pump simply fix this noise?

Also any light shed on replacing the oil pump would be great! I'm sure I can figure it out but any insight would be great!


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[Black-Forest]

It maybe prudent to have your oil pressure checked before jumping the gun on the pump. It's not a difficult job.

[zukgod1]

I would check the oil pressure ASAP. Do it when it's cold and fully warmed up UNLESS it's really low when cold. Then I wouldn't continue without doing the pan.

It's a pain to reach but there is a sensor under the vacuum pump on the passenger side on the front of the head. They are known to fail (the sensor).
That's where I would check it I think. A good rule of thumb (not BMW specs) is a min of 10lbs PR 1000 rpm. A healthy engine will have much more than that at idle. I would suspect 40lbs could be seen.
It is not unusual to have crap plug up the oil pickup screen at the pump. You can see that by doing the pan of course.

Hope this helps in some way.

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[BimmerE38E53]

Originally Posted by Black-Forest

It maybe prudent to have your oil pressure checked before jumping the gun on the pump. It's not a difficult job.

Thanks. I will check it and report back.


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[BimmerE38E53]

Originally Posted by zukgod1

I would check the oil pressure ASAP. Do it when it's cold and fully warmed up UNLESS it's really low when cold. Then I wouldn't continue without doing the pan.

It's a pain to reach but there is a sensor under the vacuum pump on the passenger side on the front of the head. They are known to fail (the sensor).
That's where I would check it I think. A good rule of thumb (not BMW specs) is a min of 10lbs PR 1000 rpm. A healthy engine will have much more than that at idle. I would suspect 40lbs could be seen.
It is not unusual to have crap plug up the oil pickup screen at the pump. You can see that by doing the pan of course.

Hope this helps in some way.

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Thank you. Just trying to get some info before dropping the pan and checking the oil pressure. The tick is what's getting me. It's very loud when it's cold. I figure if pressure is not good the sensor is fine and I can drop the pan and see the pick up. If that's ok I'm assuming the pump is not keeping the oil up top at all and not pumping correctly. I'll check it out this weekend and report back. Thanks for the help!


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[jopecasa]

What brand engine oil and type are you using?

Also, Check and replace oil filter before replacing the oil pump.

Inspect Oil pressure switch just below brake vacuum pump.....replace if necessary.

[BimmerE38E53]

Originally Posted by jopecasa

What brand engine oil and type are you using?



Also, Check and replace oil filter before replacing the oil pump.



Inspect Oil pressure switch just below brake vacuum pump.....replace if necessary.

Castrol edge 0-40W originally. Put 10-40W in last oil change to try and help with the cold start tick with no change in symptoms.


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[BimmerE38E53]

Replaced my oil relief valves (6) total 3 in front of each head. All noise is gone and oil pressure light has yet to come on. Seems to have fixed it.


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[zukgod1]

Glad I was following this thread, didn't know there was oil relief valves.
Were they external?

[BimmerE38E53]

Originally Posted by zukgod1

Glad I was following this thread, didn't know there was oil relief valves.

Were they external?

Yes sir. Here is an image and a brief video that I used when changing them. Pretty easy. 30-40 minute job and all ticking is gone as of a week ago.



https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=bkJyg1aB-BU


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