I own a 2007 530i and I've noticed a ticking noise that's originating from the engine compartment during idle. The engine and drive train is under warranty however, this concerns me because I only have 44k miles on the engine. Any comments would be welcomed.

Thanks,

 

check with the dealer and mention about the lift gate, it's a known issue with the N52B30 engine. I brought my car into Southbay BMW and they fixed the problems for free.

 

I've done a ton of reading on this and it seems like it's very common with BMW. I have a light ticking that occurs after driving in higher RPM's and it really annoys me. To drive home I have to go through a drive way with buildings on either side, the noise amplifies and makes me want to sell the car. I am just lazy though, I have warranty and I am sure it is a hydraulic lifter and it doesn't affect anything when it occurs.

 

Mine does this too while the engine is cold.

I did a good bit of Google-ing around, and found several others with the same thing. Several BMW SA's have deemed it a normal sound for the engine, and that it's harmless.

 

I had a E36 M3 a long time ago and this car ticked and the noise went away when you increased the rpm a little. It was caused by the lifter seals and I had them replaced and the noise went away. Not sure if this is the same setup as yours though...

 

Thanks for the great replies. It's weird. Today, I didn't hear the noise, however, since the car is under warranty I scheduled an appointment with the dealer. I want to resolve this while I have a warranty because I definitely don't want to pay for it especially if it ends up being a lifter.

 

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.

 

Thanks 530inOK,

That's exactly what's happening. I haven't heard the noise in several days however, I'm taking the car to the dealer anyway while it's still under warranty.

 

hey guy what about the n54 engine? i have a 2008 535i with sport package, While in D it makes a ticking noise with my foot on the brake and off. I took it to dealer and of course the problem does not duplicate and didnt throw a code so dealer said its fine. That was about a month ago now its getting louder and laster longer. It is not there on cold engine starts but is there after driving for awhile it sttarts up. Any help would be appreciated. Mahalo