My 04 545i is suffering from something the dealer cannot diagnose. I was wondering if someone had the same problem and can help me while my car is still under warranty.

At low rpm, expecially from 1000-3000 and in 1-2-3 gear, I can hear a click/click/click sound coming from the engine compartement. It a fast clicking noise. If my car was a earlier 90's honda, I would say it's 100% similar to valves noise. My dealer told me it was not possible since they are hydraulic. They suspeect the injector, but IMO, that does not make any sense. The clicking is louder if it's cold outside (5 degress celcius).

When you WOT it, the noise cannot be heard at high rpm, I think it only because the overall cabin noise is too high so it does hide the clicking noise...

Anyone can advise ?

 

I think that this is a common V8 complaint. I believe it is valve train clatter. The ValveTronic valve train is somewhat complicated with additional levers that vary the valve lift in place of a throttle. I believe it is just nosier on some engines, mine is one of them, especially when cold. I asked the dealer to review it recently and they said it is normal. Even the shop foreman listened. I wouldn't worry about it unless you also have rough idle issues. In that case, search the board to find out about a problem with the intermediate levers that affected some V8 cars built in late 2004.

 

I will concur. It's normal.
Having both a '05 545i, AND an '06 X5 with a 4.4, that noise exists on both engines. In fact, when going through a drive-thru with the windows down, the X5 sounds like a diesel.

 

I do have a problem at idle, can you tell me more about the lever ? My needle is going up and down about 200rpm.

Thanks

 

I found this by searching this site for "intermediate levers", you can find more if you do the same:

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...rmediate+levers

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=Attach...st&id=11610