Hey I was hoping someone could help me, I have this terrible ticking noise on my car which would increase if the rpm increased. This isn't only on cold start, it happens the whole time I'm driving and it's driving me insane. I am trying for to fix this for myself however, I have no clue where the problem lies . This YouTube video shows how my car is (e60)
my best guess would be the lifters but are there any other potential possibilities ?

YouTube: BMW 528xi ticking Noise HELP by navi

 

Infamous N52 valve ticking noise. Lifters in N52 engine are hydraulic and have leaked out oil while the car was sitting and it takes some time and RPMs to get the refilled. BMW started with a procedure for this complaint to have dealers rev the car up and down over a period of 15 minutes or something like that. Then they went to replacing the lifters - on the exhaust side I think. Real fix was new head casting. See this SIB:
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...2&d=1397678138

My 2006 and wife's 2009 X5 both have N52 with old head casting. BMW replaced the lifters under warranty. Actually, my 2006 was out of warranty, but the dealer did it anyway at their cost. The noise was very evident before replacement, but never really noticed any drivability issues. Noise is still there now, but less. Don't notice any drivability issues.

 

I have a 08 528i that just started the same noise this morning on my way to work
Do not know if it's safe to drive it back home, last week replaced the servo motor gasket and oil service done. Any advise will be appreciated.
Thaks

 

If the noise just started, it may be something different. If it is just the valve lifter ticking noise due to this design defect, the car is fine to drive.

 

I would definitely have it looked at. Yes, they have the infamous tick, but that is louder than normal. When you rev it, it sounds as if its just one.

 

Mine has this ticking too, however I have found that driving it hard for a little bit will make the tick go away. It is not harming the engine, is just a nuisance. See the following article which helped me:

DIY ? Quieting the infamous BMW lifter (tappet) tick | quirkyuncle DIY ? Quieting the infamous BMW lifter (tappet) tick | Because everyone needs a quirky uncle!

 

Just 30 minutes before leaving to drop the car at the dealer for a check up on a loud noise little worse than the video above, this came up:
Engine malfunction! Reduced power
I need to leave the car over the weekend and they will inspect the car on Monday.
Any ideas of how bad is this?
Thanks

 

Could be any number of things. Not enough info to go on.