Video - the sound of money coming out of my pocket

[DallasGV]

First time posting and have to start by saying thanks to everyone who's posted a "how to" - they've helped a lot!

I need help figuring out what could make this sound!?!? It started last night and was proceeded by a slight whining sound that quickly turned into this. I've had the car for about 3 months and it's always had the Vanos rattle and the rattle at start up but this is something completely different and sounds really, really, expensive.



bmw 4.4 - YouTube


I'm taking the drivers side valve cover off tomorrow and having a look at what I hope is not schrapnel - anyone have any ideas of what I should check or look at while I'm in there?



2001 X5 4.4 167K miles

[Yii]

might want to look up DISA valve on the forum and it will tell you where it is and how to test if its broken or not. i think thats what sounds like its broken and its not too bad to fix.

[amacman]

It is a V8 M62 TU B44 engine
It has no DISA valve
My audio makes it sound like a leaking exhaust manifold .

[Yii]

o0o0o right forgot my 3.0 has that and the others don't.

[IanP]

Cam chain tensioner?

[DallasGV]

Didn't have time to get the cover off today ...hopefully tomorrow. I "think" it's going to be either:

1. Vanos - complete failure (I know it's rare but my fingers are crossed for this one)
2. Cam chain tensioner
3. Chain guide

[IanP]

If it is the tensioners (more than one I think) whatever you do dont run it until its fixed.......It gets expensive real quick

[DallasGV]

Drum roll.......it's the chain guides - WHY the F' would BMW use plastic for this part!?!?!

Can anyone recommend a good Indy in the DFW area and any guesses on how much $$$ - replacing these is way beyond my limited mechanical skills.

[IanP]

Cant help you with prices in the U.S., but reckon on 3 days work by someone who knows what they are doing. The job is'nt difficult, its the amount of stuff that has to come off to get to it thats the problem.
Check real O.E.M. for approximate spares prices, while you are in there I would change everything i.e. all chains, tensioners, guides and vanaos units, it soon adds up. Think it cost me $4000 using a rubbish indy, then I rebuilt the engine myself.
If any of the guides have broken up completely make sure the bits do not clog up the oil pump suction filter......................

[heuer21]

For sure change as much as you can while it is out.

Most timing chain guides are plastic. Metal would cause damage and heat up really fast. It is going to hurt your wallet for sure.