2004 4.6is ticking??
 

Ok looking at a 2003 4.6IS that is great shape, has 72k on it but it has a ticking sound when first started and it gets less noticeable as it warms up but it is still there.

Did the research and figure that it is either guides going bad or Vanos?

Any thoughts? I know that this could be a risky buy and poss. a very expensive fix as the 4.6 engines are not that really available.

H:dunno:

an '04 4.6! Please let me buy it off you as I've never seen one before :)

Ha Ha what are you talking about have you had your coffee today? :wow:

Your thread title lists 04. Which would make it a 4.8is.

Too many possibilities for ticking noises. Post a video and record various places around the compartment. Where is the sound the loudest from? Maybe use a stethoscope to listen to different parts of the engine to determine the likely source.

what color?

If it sounds like marble in a can, it the guide rails.
Otherwise, it's the Vanos. Beisan system has the new/improve seals, and a VERY detailed write-up. I plan on replacing them on my 03 540i MSport.

Probably plastic timing chain guides. Tons of little parts to replace while the head is open if you so chose to do it yourself, and you could tackle the Vanos at the same time. Ideally, I'd only want to open the head once so I'd do both in one shot. If you're hearing any noises like that on a 4.6, I'd definitely do them as preventative maintenance.

Because like you said, 4.6's aren't exactly readily available and if you don't want to rebuild the whole motor I wouldn't let it go to failure.