so...vanos? lifters? something else entirely?

[$chlitz]

Originally Posted by Hudjase

My 2003 4.4i sounds exactly the same, it's at the shop right now and they are telling me I need a new engine!Please let me know what you did to fix the issue, I plan on getting the X flat bedded back home and doing the repair my self. Thanks guys

I'll be honest...I'm so sick and tired of throwing parts at this thing, it's currently on the chopping block. There is ALWAYS something that needs addressing. My 2001 had 89k on it when I bought it a year and a half ago and I've only put about 14k on it since...I've done everything I listed above--Vanos, belt tensioners & pulleys, water pump, VCG, hoses, coils, plugs, CCV system, new DISA, new intake boot, cleaned throttle body and ICV, thermostat, and a handful of sensors...the thing STILL sounds like crap. I'm figuring it's either a lifter tick or a cracked exhaust manifold, neither of which would be inexpensive to fix. And this is on top of all the suspension issues I've had...something is almost ALWAYS clunking, even after just replacing all four shocks and sway bar links a few months ago. Couldn't get it to pass emissions inspection a few months ago...tried multiple times, did the drive cycles as specified, replaced some sensors, and it STILL was saying "heated O2 sensor not ready." Bunch of crap. Finally ended up lying to the DMV and telling them my vehicle was kept in a county that doesn't require emissions testing. The good thing about that is I never have to deal with emissions anymore, but hopefully this beast will be out of my hair in a few months anyhow. I've always loved German cars, but this is my first BMW and it just isn't doing it for me...