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

Thanks for posting that video. Mine is nowhere near that bad sounding. I know it's hard to hear it on the videos I posted, but mine sounds more like a ticking/tapping than a rattle. More like valve tappet noise. It is most noticeable when it's cold outside and the engine is dead cold. It gets quieter as the engine warms up, but is still there at operating temperature. It seems to be getting worse as time goes on.

At some point the chain tensioner was redesigned by BMW. If your X5 has the original tensioner and because the tensioner is not expensive I suggest buying a new chain tensioner from BMW. Good to replace it but I would continue to troubleshoot to verify the core problem prior to addressing the chain tensioner.

Well, guess I'll find out next week. Taking the X to a recommended indy Monday. I'll let you know what they say...

Shop called a little while ago and said they can't hear the noise. It was not that cold this morning, so they're going to try again tomorrow morning. They did manage to find my mystery coolant leak. Apparently, the radiator has a small leak as does a gasket behind the flex plate requiring the tranny to be pulled. Ten hours of labor for that alone... Ouch.

Hey David is your noise constant til it warms up ?
Reason I'm asking, mine doesn't make any noise at startup but after a minute or two when engine warms up a bit and the RPM drops a little, it's like the engine has a hiccup, and for 3 seconds or so I hear a tick tick tick noise then gone. That's it....only on cold startup.
I know it's a different engine but wondered if that's the kind of problem you have ..

Mine makes the noise if it's cold (as in the 30's or colder) and it does it right away. It will still make the noise after the engine is warmed up, just more subdued. Sounds like a "muted diesel". I can go to the drive through at McDonald's at lunch time and can hear the noise bouncing off the building wall. Not really loud mind you, but definitely noticeable. I can hear it from inside the car when first driving off when cold . Don't hear it going down the road at speed as the road noise is masking it I'm sure.

Ahh got ya, seems like mine could be the lifters but like I said, only does it for 3 seconds or so.

Have you been adding coolant?. It is easy to make a mistake as to source of a coolant leak since exit point and often even evidence unless traced to highest point on the engine the evidence is visible, are non conclusive.

Very slow leak. I've had to add coolant a couple of times the past several months. Been smelling coolant intermittently, but no sign of leakage that I could find on driveway, or by looking at belly pan.

As odd as it sounds, I'm REALLY hoping the ticking noise IS the timing chain. I'd really like to get that done before the warranty ends as I don't relish doing that one at home, especially since my garage won't get built for another couple of years.

Hi David. I recently had the same issue. I had a very loud "lifter tap" type sound when the engine was cold that totally went away once warmed up. I actually replaced my oil relief valves (did all 6) and everything is gone. Nice and quiet when starting now. Seems they trap a little oil in the top of the motor so it doesn't have to travel all the way from the pan on a cold start. Was like $120 and maybe 25 minutes to replace them all. Just sharing my experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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