Ticking noise when cold?...
 

It's been awhile since I've been on here, which is good since it means things have been running well!

Recently, I've noticed a ticking noise when the engine is cold. The colder the louder. Ticking is either gone or very subtle when the engine reaches operating temperature. I'm at 113K miles, so wondering if it's timing chain/ramps, or ??? Anything to help narrow it down?

can you record the sound and post link?

I can post a clip on Saturday. Need to catch it when it's cold.

I read a good description somewhere that it sounds like a "muted diesel". :dunno:

I was getting a scary chatter on start up in cold weather, but mine subsided after a couple of min. I changed the "timing chain tensioner spring" and it solved it. Couple dollars for the spring (and you will see how age compressed it). Super easy on my 3.0, but you need an odd sized socket - I think 22mm

I tried to capture the sound a few different times. It's difficult to hear, but hopefully it sounds familiar to one of you.

At idle cold:
https://youtu.be/M65duqp1HPk

Warmed up driving:
https://youtu.be/qfrxnCgtdFI


Warmed up sitting in drive through:
https://youtu.be/TqEk0g2vB_Y

I have a similar issue and undecided if its the Hydraulic Value Lifter or Timing Chain. The noise stops once warm. I am hoping its the lifter and added some Lifter additive to see if the issue remains and figures crossed, the noise does seem to be better, but may just be a placebo effect.

From what I've read, it sounds like classic timing chain and ramps. Combined with the mileage (114K), I'm betting that's it. I was hoping someone on here could either confirm or give me other possibilities. I got a line on a good indy shop started by a couple of BMW master techs that left the local dealership to start their own place. I want to give them a call and get a rough idea of what the cost is going to be. I know it won't be cheap...

Kevin if you could share the process to do this that would be great -

I can hear the cold start sound. Does sound like timing chains/guides but sounds can be misleading. The other videos can't tell.

The auxiliary air pump can sound like that but that goes away after a minute or two on 'cold' starts. One thing you can do is see if you can pinpoint the sound with an auto stethoscope, a long extension or anything that you can put to your ear and the other end around the engine. Places to to check are on the upper timing chain cover of course, water pump housing, anywhere a shaft is turning. Also front to back on each side of the engine if it is a ticking noise when engine is warm. Sometimes getting underneath can help but you will have to remove the plastic splash shield. Start on top and see what you find.

This is one of several videos about timing guide failure. Depending on the degree of failure the sound will vary. As posted in the comments, you can pull the lower oil pan to check for timing guide material or metal filings. I do that ever other time I change the oil even though there is no engine noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GG9agUUdQ

ON my 3.0i its a 32mm socket (and of course it not the same as the 36mm socket we all bought for axel nuts).
Its a big acorn nut on left side/front of engine.
no need to drain oil, just a rag under to catch drips. Its self explanatory when you pull it out- a tube with an end that pushes (I think) the side chain guide, just swap out the spring. On mine the new spring was about 1/8" longer (old one got compressed).
#11 is the spring and crush washer #10
The aux. air pump system is in the way a bit, you need an extension, maybe a swivel.
On my car made a HUGE difference. Twice after a start up (on cold days) and putting the car in gear and acceleration - got an awful chattering sound, by the time I pulled over, opened the hood it quieted down. Never returned with new spring.
these are NOT my photos -found on web