That sounds like a very distinct possibility. The shop called me again yesterday and couldn't hear the sound. It's in the 20's this morning, so as long as they try it first thing this morning, they WILL hear it. Fingers crossed....

Well, they never could duplicate the noise. I actually went down there a couple of days ago to see if I could hear it. Of course, the weather has warmed up and so no noise. They had the acoustic covers all off. It's amazing how much clicking and clacking you can hear with the covers off! Mechanic said all the noise I heard then was perfectly normal. He also said that if it were the timing chains/ramps, or anything else broken for that matter, it would make the noise all the time. He's a long time BMW enthusiast and owns an E53, and was very reassuring.

They're going to replace the radiator and the gasket behind the flex plate for my coolant leak. Will get it back next week, so will see if the noise stays away, at least until next winter.

My experience, mine made a similar noise before the whole front and top mini rebuild. Chains, tensioners, guides, soft parts, and hard parts that were a wear item. At 189xxx the motor didn't burn any oil so didn't do a full rebuild. Did a full rebuild on the transmission at the same time. -----same noise. With 199784 a valve adjustment is due in the next 30k or so. It is only loud for the first 3-5 seconds and when warm just the normal noises.

Valve adjustment on the V8 engine? Its hydraulic whats the adjustment?

Just a quick follow-up....

The shop never could hear any unusual noises after I dropped the X off, presumably due to the weather warming up since cold temps seemed to trigger the noise. They did locate and repair my coolant leaks (radiator and gasket behind the flex plate). Was my first dealings with this particular indy and will definitely go back if necessary. Good, knowledgeable guys.

An interesting side note when I picked her up, the tech told me that my transmission is a BMW remanufactured unit. I bought the vehicle with 51K miles on it, and unless someone snuck that in when I wasn't looking, it had to have been installed prior to my ownership. The tech said I should be in good shape for quite awhile. Good to know since I plan on keeping her for as long as I can.

^ Good to read your resolve, DD!
You might post that Indy's name in the Indy List. ;)

Hope you and your Fam are all doing fine and that those Style 69s got you through your mild winter...if you didn't have them on, it woulda been a tough winter, natch. ;)
GL, mD

I'd be glad to add this indy's info! Would that be the "Dealer Info" section of the forum?

Those beautiful rims and the Blizzaks I put on them were confidence inspiring, even if the mild winter didn't really put them to the test. Maybe next winter! I'll actually be swapping them out for my summer rims/tires this weekend. Almost hate to put them away!

There is an Indy List thread in the E53 fourm:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ationwide.html

We get out of 'Africa' here soon, and head for our Mtn Home. I can hardly wait...:)
GL, mD

Posted info on the Indy List thread!

Don't blame you as I'm sure it's getting warm down there already. Head for the hills! :D