'01 4.4i engine chatter
 

Shortly after my last oil change I began to have a "lifter chatter" like sound under the hood. I only have a generic obdII and getting a cam shaft pos. sensor code(timing advanced). I replaced the cam position sensor- left bank. Same problem. It starts and runs fine, just noisy! I love my Bimmer!!! Can someone please help?? Not to brag, but my mechanical experience and abilities are above average, SO LAY IT ON ME! Thanks

Incorrect oil?

Is that a possibility? I instructed them to use castrol syntec.

A couple of things come to mind:

1. Vanos - #4 in pic
2. Timing chain guides - #6,13,16 in pic
3. Timing chain tensioner - #19 in pic

Go to Youtube and search "vanos rattle" and see if that's what you're experiencing. Also, I would go ahead and change/upgrade the tensioner and see if that gets rid of the code - IMO you should change the tensioner even if it isn't your problem right now.

tensioner see if it changes any thing?
 

the guides are shot or about to fall apart in the pan the u shape guide most likely is loose,maybe oil good luck ! how many miles ? dont drive it to much check your oil filter if theres metal in it its the timin cover the chain hits it and will go through it,

I once used oil 10/40 oil in an old ford and it should have been 5/30 if I remember correctly. Had a noisy lifter basically because the oil was to thick, it went away once engine was up to temperature and it was fine when I dropped the oil and put the right stuff in

Thanks everybody. Anybody know where I can get a kit that has all the timing chain guides, tensioner and gaskets for the best price?

no !
 

theres alot You can change in there haahahah its gona be up to You .I just replaced the guides ,tensioner ,and gaskets 500 bucks plus the lock down tool 360.00 its been 1000miles and it sounds so good iam still smiling .You find metal in it or not?

no metal
 

Ordered the piston style tensioner today. I'm gonna try that first since I dont have to pull the engine apart to install it. Then I'll take it from there! Thanks again for all the advice!

Very possible if you let a speedy lube or indy shop do the oil change. Not all Castrol Syntec oils are approved for your BMW, too thick and you will have the noise on cold start ups.