2002 X5 E53...clanking sound from engine. Need Help
 

http://youtu.be/gu1GiDgLeY4

PROBLEM:
Clanking sound from the engine with all accessory belts removed.

BACKGROUND: (home mechanic using Bentley Manual & Bavarian Technic Cable with program)

1)Started with Radiator leak..so replaced it

2)Had to replace water pump (since fan nut really wouldn't come off), so also replaced tstat, tstat sensor, radiator outlet sensor (on bottom hose of radiator)
Needed a driver's side engine cover gasket - oil leak-- replaced.

3)On start up and after driving 60 miles..bottom radiator hose coolant is still cold, top is hot but do get heat in car. Bleed screw got air out (to best of my knowledge, 3.2 gal of rated coolant capacity in engine used, so no trapped air hopefully (?)

4) Shouldn't that bottom hose be at least a little hot?

5) Then..as if that wasn't enough started getting that clanking noise from the engine..as per you tube video link posted above and here again
http://youtu.be/gu1GiDgLeY4

Hooked up laptop to Bavarian Technic cable & got:-

Did a error code test and got:
0021 Camshaft Control,
007 D Temp Sensor rad outlet (was replaced-aftermarket),
0073 Hot film air mass,
008C output thermostat map cooling,
0050 Secondary air system,
now 48 Torque converter too much slip

Don't know what to do. Thank you in advance.

don't run that engine anymore! your timing chain guides have gone. get that fixed asap.

Yeap...sound like the timing chain hit the valve body cover...pull the oil pan to check for broken timing chain guide....most likely you will see some pieces in the oil pan. It's going to be a big job. Just did it last month...wasn't that bad but prepare for 25+ hours labor. Good luck!

How many miles

Thanks X5Alpine & Jleecare, (Also To: ezrax5--103,000 miles)

I was afraid of this....

Qn 1) Just so I know..the bottom coolant hose not getting hot.. is it related to this timing chain failure ? (oil was also low & dirty)

Qn 2) Jleecare..is there any link to replacing the timing chain guide ?? (I know I will have to buy some tools for this)

You got to know when to hold them and when it's time to run. Now will be a good time to run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVlRx2U-xUA

By the looks of your vid you have a V8 do you have 4.4-4.6 or 4.8?

That's does sound like the timing chains guides are broken. I had the same thing on my 02 4.4. Don't run the engine anymore, if the chain jumps a tooth the pistons will hit the valves and the engine wont be re-buildable.

Don't do this job yourself only the most experienced tech should do this. Doing the vanos, the variable cam takes the most experienced tech to remove and disassemble correctly with special tools to get the chain on and off. There is a vid on you tube someone with a 5 series did and they outlined some of the repair.

You should ask around on this board and find out if anyone here had it done in your area. The repair cost is something like $6,000 to $8,000 at independent shops...dealers want $12k You don't need a new timing chain, just the guides, they break due to age and not mileage. You have to disassemble the entire front of the engine and remove the oil pan.

If you have a 4.4 I would do the valve cover gaskets and the valley pan gasket and tube. The valley pans all leak antifreeze at the rear of the manifold. All 3 are very common for the 4.4 and I had them done.

Thx Rockit..its a 4.6is.
Funny how everything crumbles at the same time.

Being of very poor means..I will have to do it myself...probably a 1 month slow job..the German marvel is at best worth $8k running.

If anyone knows someone in the Orange county, NY area and repair info...pl let me know.

I don't know if the 4.6 suffers from the valley pan or coolant pipe problem, maybe someone can chime in. Definitely do the valve cover when you do this.

It's worth zero right now..... If you put 8K into it and everything else is in good shape it will last another 100k if you have 100k on it now and then it will pay for itself.

I wouldn't do this repair yourself....if one thing is off, you will be getting check engine lights that will never go off.

Harleyclassic2>>> you must pull the oil pan to confirm the broken chain guide. If you do a search for timing chain guide replacement. There are few DIY guides for this repair but it's not a easy task for normal mechanic. Parts from bmw oem is about $1500 + $500 for special tools. Labor is about $4000+ for bmw specialist or $2000+ small garage mechanic (but not recommend due to their less-expert in bmw). For your lower coolant hose not being hot enough...I think your engine is not fully reach the operation temperature for the thermostat to open up let the coolant flow-thru. My new thermostat will not open until the coolant reach 208' temperature. Don't worry much about that lower coolant hose. Your main concern is the timing chain guide. Have it check out first! Good luck.