How different is the 4.4 V8 to the 4.8 V8 Valvetronic ???

Andy545 here was very helpful on the issue below, and I had contacted him because here was one of the few places this slightly odd engine noise was discussed which caused me concern in my last two cars. Andy had had his engine replaced because of the problem.

Having had a number of 7 Series cars I am now planning to buy a 5. I've had to sell my last (two actually) 745i's because of a tapping noise I didn't like/couldn't live with. Both cars were built mid to late 2004 and I have a feeling there may have been a suspect batch of intermediate levers fitted in the valvetronic system on both my cars- info I gained here. BMW were however not keen to help resolve the problem and perhaps rightly these noises may well have not posed any real problem. I just didn't like the noisy sound which remained at least half an hour into driving.

I'm mostly considereing a 530 petrol now to get away from the V8's but I am travelling to an auction in the UK next week which is all BMW (direct from BMW) ex contract hire and finance reposessed cars. The cars are mostly low mileage and still under thier manufacturers warranty.

There is however a couple of 550i M Sports which I know will be tempting!!!

I'm just totally unsure of the 4.8l V8 as I think it's pretty simelar to the N62 4.4 I believe it's now called the N62N (the4.8)

This issue caused me so much unnecessary stress that I might be best to stay away from the V8, but it seems a shame if there was little doubt the new engine would be fine!

Anyone got any input or advice for me??

Many Thanks for reading this long post.

 

My engine is absolutely great, no noise , pings , shakes, knocks , nothing ! I couldn't be happier with it.

 

Mine Too, Absolutely great e ngine!

 

Cheers, Good to hear!

 

Which auction is this and where is it located?

 

BCA and there are several BMW/mini auctions up and down the country during Nov and Dec.

 

Yes BCA, these sales are now spreading to more and more of the auction centres in the UK but Brighouse and Nottingham are the biggest, or have the most cars. They are specific BMW group auctions and are an "open" sale, meaning open to the public.

Attatched is the pdf file for one of the sales at Brighouse, which was today. There are fewer cars than normal for some reason.

http://www.british-car-auctions.co.uk/pdf/...t_261107_BH.pdf

 

My 2005 545 (12/04 build) developed tapping valvetronic noise around 12K miles and was eventually bought back by my dealer. My 2007 550 has almost 20K miles on it and the engine was buttery smooth until the last software upgrade. There is now a slight vibration at around 1,500 RPM and noticeable fan noise at slower speeds.

 

I know someone that had the 4.8 engine replaced on their 550i due to the tapping noise.

 

I recall Fred (my530i) having a problem with pinging at idle. Don't know if that was resolved. Never had a problem with my 4.8 in its 41,000 miles. Hope it stays that way.