AchtungE60

I believe E60 has clutchless A/C. OP - have you checked your belt tensioners. I have had similar odd noises in the past which had turned out to be a bad belt tensioner. Maybe you have an updated hydraulic unit or maybe you have the spring loaded one which I always opt for (not avail at the dealer anymore) but it is worth look into. post a vid to help you.

But in regards to this, have you updated your DME software lately. I have seen a software fix that may be related. Also, Are you sure i'ts coming from once valve cover. I wouldn't be concerned about the oil you use as the culprit if only happening on one side. If on both sides, what kind of oil are you running?

B_Schnell

Have you guys checked previous posts for this? I have been on this Forum since 1996 and I recall many posts related to this noise on the V8 E60's. Believe some suggested fix is to let car idle for a few minutes and Vanos/Electronics will adjust. My 2004 545 has been making this noise since 24K miles when I purchased it. The sound is just a faint tapping noise at low RPM, not loud. I now have 80K miles and the noise is still there but nothing broke and the sound is not worse.

borderchris

Well, just about every other part has been mentioned, but the most likely on a N62 in otherwise good condition is one of two things- First, pulleys or tensioner. Second, water pump shaft play, and this one is very common. Take off your front serpentine belt (10MM torx) and check for noise in the pulleys and pumps.

JoeNg

I have the same problem and i am thinking it could very well be the A/C pulley. Turn the a/c system on and its gone.

CVTBenhogan

I agree. Its likely vanos adjusting and I feel the buzz when hitting the throttle lightly from a low or idle rev range with the car in motion. Dont hear this at idle. I'll say this, the buzz sound reminds me of a lawn mower stalling (light stall) as it goes thru long grass. It pisses me off everytime and is not what you'd expect from a BMW engine. Forget now if this happens when the engine is warm, I don't think so.

The other annoyance is the start up rumble. Otherwise the engine is a peach.

jthan25

My 04 545i has the same issue. I noticed it at 79k. After researching it I came to the conclusion that it has nothing to do with any other parts. the problem is most likely bad vanos seals (which you cannot buy separately for the 545i).

The sound goes away as soon as your rpms go over 750 as the oil pressure builds and compresses the vanos seal. The ac hides the sound as it makes the engine run at that rpm.

I talked to a private shop and the guy said that he has seen 5s and 7s with the same issue which ran for years without problems and he suggested to not worry with it unless it gets bad.

I now have 141k on the car and have had no issues with the vanos besides the sound at idle.

545iMike

Actually the n62 doesn't have those seals. Different design. It uses small pistons (pins) that slide in and out.