120k on the N52 engine. New vanos solenoids and oil. On a restart - even a warm one - the engine will tick for 3-5 seconds. Sounds like one cylinder. Not a knock, it's definitely a tick. Doesn't sound like chain slap but does sound like a lifter that's bled down. I've read all about the N52 NVA problems and I don't think it's that because it only ticks for a few seconds and only upon startup. Wondering if it's worth chasing down or if I should just let it eat.

Thanks in advance

 

I'd say if it sounds like a lifter that bled down, that could well be the issue. I remember reading about a process to "reinflate' a lifter (basically holding the engine at a high RPM for a couple minutes, IIRC).

If you're running 0/XX oil, you might try moving to 5/XX instead. That might provide that little extra viscosity that you need to keep the hydraulic lifter happy (though I have doubts it'll matter if it ticks on a warm start unless the car's been off for at least 20-30 minutes).