porsche911targa

I dropped off my car for plug replacement and oil change and in passing, I mentioned that I hear a ticking that does not go away after warm up. Not very, very loud, but a ticking nonetheless. I asked if they could locate the ticking and if it came from the valves, if they could please look and see if SIB 11 09 07 would apply.

A while later, my excellent SA called me and stated that yes, the ticking came from the valves area and they determined that the hydraulic lifters needed to be replaced with the improved design. I was ecstatic hearing the news, but when I started researching this, people mentioned that the heads need to be replaced too. I then called my SA and asked him about this. He said that heads replacement is not necessary and that the improved valve lifters will make my car that much better.

I looked and looked for the SB and all I could find was something hand-typed by somebody. Here it is:

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"September 2009

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 09 07 dated January 2009.

SUBJECT
Intermittent Hydraulic Valve Adjuster (HVA) Noise

MODEL
All E82, E83, E88, E85, E86, E60, E61, E70, E90, E91, E92 and E93 vehicles with N51, N52 or N52K engines produced approximately up to November 31st 2008; refer to cylinder head casting identification attachment.


SITUATION
An occasional ticking or rattling noise from the camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) may occur during cold engine starts, due to frequent short-distance driving, or the noise may occur for an extended period of time even though the engine is at operating temperature.

Improved parts were phased into production beginning on 10/1/2008 and fully implemented on November 31st 2008.

CORRECTION
Do not perform the bleeding procedure that was previously provided in SI B11 09 07 which has now been deleted.

All vehicles produced between 10/1/2008 and 11/31/2008 must have each vehicle's cylinder head casting number identified before hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) replacement, due to staggered implementation. Refer to the attachment for the casting number location. Vehicles produced after 11/31/2008 have already been fitted with improved parts. Vehicles produced prior to 10/1/2008 will require the new parts.

Improved Casting Numbers

N51 (B30)
7588277.01

N52 (B30)
7588273.01

N52K (B30)
7588271.01

A cylinder head casting number that does not match will require replacement of the 12 exhaust camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA) as per Repair Instruction RA 11 33 050, Removing and installing/replacing all rocker arms. Only the exhaust camshaft and rocker arms have to be removed in order to replace the hydraulic valve lifters. Do not remove or replace any intake camshaft valve train components.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number
Description
Quantity

11 33 7 605 330
Hydraulic Valve Lifter (HVA)
12

Refer to EPC for additional gaskets, seals and bolts, as required by the Repair Instructions.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, or the Certified Pre-Owned program.

Please refer to the latest KSD for the applicable Main or Associated labor allowance for the specific model.

Defect Code:
11 33 93 39 00


Labor Operation:
Labor Allowance:
Description:

00 58 248
Refer to KSD
Replace exhaust camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA)

*Main Work

or

00 58 827
Refer to KSD
Replace exhaust camshaft hydraulic valve lifters (HVA)

+ Associated Work

Note: The following explanations will spell out the correct use of the work times.

Main Work:
Use this labor operation number when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.


OR


+Associated Work:
Use this labor operation number when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.
Under no circumstances should both labor operation numbers be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment."
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According to the SB, there's no mention of heads replacement. To the people who also had the heads replaced, what led your dealer to replace the heads? Were they warped, burnt, damaged in any way? Should I strongly suggest that they replace the heads? Is this something to even worry about? My car is a 2006 model with build date of May/2005.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am happy that they are replacing the lifters, though. I figure it's one less thing to worry about after the CPO expires. TIA

Krozi

Nice

jay bimma

i believe when the original SIB came out they replaced the entire cylinder head assembly but later on they found that the problem was fixed with just replacing the lifters!

redEYEjedi

Congrats! Damn that makes me hate my SA even more since I had to fight with him to get this covered!

DAMN YOU PACIFIC BMW IN GLENDALE CA!!!

At least I got it fixed, after about 4 weeks..

porsche911targa

Sorry you had to go through all the trouble, but ultimately they did right by you. How has the repair worked
for you? Is everything really quiet now or do you still hear some ticking? Did they replace the heads?
Have you noticed any difference in performance or gas comsuption? Thanks for the input.

325/528

Now they just replace the exhaust side lifters. Had mine done on the 528xi and no ticking since. No change in performance or gas consumption.

bmwf1

Newbie question, how do you know what # your engine is (ie N51, N52 or N52K engines). Also, what about the pre-LCI or LCI that ive seen thrown around. Thanks in advance !

porsche911targa

By your MY and make, I can tell you have a pre_LCI with N52 engine.

Here's a very informative link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_%28E60%29

ktlocklear

damn....not covered on the N62? I have some kind of ticking....but only when I hold the rpms steady...like 3k in 2nd gear...under light acceleration (light load). Under full acceleration I don't hear it, or in neutral if revved. It'll do it cold or warmed up.

rafichicago

I've had same (i guess) ticking in my 545. Over my warranty period dealer was telling me that it is normal. I am 4500 miles and 5 months past warranty now waiting on decision to replace my engine due to "warped" cylinder #7. Seems like all the noises are normal until You are past warranty... Best case scenario I will have to pay 8% tax of $20.000 US cost of new engine Worst case.... I do not even want to think about it.