Originally Posted by galenpowers

I am having the same problem. Here is what it sounds like:

Tapping BMW 545i 4.4 V8 N62 with scored cylinder wall

Here is what caused it: By the way, the BMW dealer played dumb on this. I have seen very few posts where the intermediate valve levers tsb fixed the tapping ticking problem permanently.

These pictures are tough to digest because they were taken through a small opening next to the oil pump with the lower oil pan removed. The showed scored cylinder walls in cylinder six.

Pause and full screen the video for more detail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK43Jtv_908


This problem was diagnosed by Autobahn BMW Repair in Louisville Kentucky. These guys are great.

Originally Posted by Jack-E61

Hi all,

Just another experience with a ticking V8 between 1,700 and 2,200 rpm (built May 2004):

Having driven more than 30,000 miles now and believing that the ticking has become a bit more intensive I had decided to complain - politely as distinctly - to my car dealer once more at least.

I must agree that until now the problem was even an engineer ( I am) could hardly detect the very silent ticking and neither my wife nor any service specialist sitting beside could confirm me ...!

Finally the BMW dealer did me the favor to invite a FSE (from Munich) to come in and examine my complaint.
Result: The FSE confirmed me after 30 seconds (driving himself, 2,000 rpm, slow speed, first or second gear fixed, no other traffic noise outside, all persons in the car keeping silent, radio off, ...) and agreed to servicing the Valvetronic on the right bank. This was a "known tolerance issue for BMW", he said.

After some weeks: The dealer did not succeed to fix the problem at least (for some reasons), so that the voluntary decision from Munich has been set up to spend me a new engine for free.
Next week I will get the car back with a brand new engine of 0 miles - great service! "Thank You, BMW!"

My advice to all other V8 tickers: Keep on trying hard to come into contact with a BMW FSE - the ticking is alive, it is not just your imagination. I personally blieve there are more V8 tickers outside than their owners have noticed yet, but most of them are not technicians, so their engineering perception is not trained to detect.
As this is only a matter of Valvetronic tolerances this will not affect the life time of the engine in the early miles, but I think it certainly will become an ugly noise after some more than 50,000.
So if you have decided to keep on moving your car for more than a lease period or you intend to sell to second hand interested parties at best price you should care about this problem early enough during guarentee ...!

I usely drive my cars for six years, handing over to my wife after three ...!


Good luck with your FSE.

Regards