Engine metallic rattle

[SilverFox06]

X5 makes a metallic rattling sound only when the engine is cold. As soon as it warms up the sound is gone (or atleast I can no longer detect it). The sound is coming from the engine compartment and is RPM sensitive; i.e., sound gets faster as engine is revved. It's almost like a light metallic ringing sound. Can't really explain it better than that - any ideas?

[DallasGV]

Does it make the sound for a few seconds or minutes when you start it?

[Koody]

Originally Posted by DallasGV

Does it make the sound for a few seconds or minutes when you start it?

I'd like to know that also.. Mine does that for a sec when cold. I Think its the chaintensioners in my case.

[SilverFox06]

It does it mainly when it's cold upon start up. Sometimes, I think a few seconds, but not always.

[IanP]

Cam chain tensioners or possibly hydraulic tappets (bit more of a clatter)

[DallasGV]

If you have the m62tu engine with the original chain tensioner then you can try switching it out with the updated version - Home Page > Search > 11317531813 > ES#22304 Timing Chain Tensioner - 11317531813

It's not too hard to replace just a little hard to reach and if you still have the rattle after the switch, then I'm sorry to say your chain guides have broken up and need to be replaced.

[SilverFox06]

The engine rattle sound turned out to be a faulty alternator.