andy545

Some time ago there was a discussion on a valve "ticking" issue on the V8, audible especially when the engine was cold. This was sometimes accompanied with some rough engine idle. Some members reported having the intermediate valvetronic levers changed ( since there was a SIB bulletin out ) and had this issue solved. Even reporting improvements during idle and low rpm acceleration. The levers seem to be out of tolerance for some V8's made between July 2004 and Nov 2004.

Having reported this problem to my chief mechanic a month ago, he informed me that they will be changed and today works started. During my lunch break, I went down to have a look at the work in progress. After the initial shock of seeing half my engine in pieces, I must say the engineering setup of the V8 is something to admire.

Anyway, the main news on this topic is that the mechanic noticed the axle ( NOT the camshaft - still trying to track down the part in TIS/ETK ) that runs through the levers had a bluish tint to it - indicating overheated metal. Pretty exceptional from my side considering how well I ran in the engine in the beginning.
The mechanic added that this could well be a problem with the metal itself ( any metal engineers here? ) and ordered a pair of new shafts. Also put a report in to BMW to inform them of this occurence or if it is known. It is possible the levers have been put out of tolerance or accentuated from this metal issue, which would explain the pronounced "ticking" issue when the engine is cold. The valve noise is still there even with a warm engine, but you need a quiet cockpit and surrounding to hear it.

Any member with a V8 and noticing valve "ticking" SHOULD have this checked out. Especially with some rough engine idle.
Although the mechanics work sheet had only 1 sentence : "valve noise when cold" - this is a pretty comprehensive operation.

Car will be in for a week instead of 2 days. Bummer, but better to resolve this issue during the warranty period, right? On the upside they will also change the door seals on the driver and passenger side, after some creaking re-surfaced mysteriously after having disappeared for 5 months. Come to think of it re-appeared during our vacation where the car had a full complement of front AND rear passengers - maybe tensions the chassis and this creates the creaking sound...who knows.

Will report at weeks end on this topic for the results.

speedracerF4i

Andy,

You're so lucky that your dealer is willing to perform this expensive fix. I have the same problem as you described. I took to the dealer 3X and even tried a different dealer to fix it. I called BMWNA 3X but they said that it was normal. I am very anxious to hear your outcome, if it would fix this problem or not.

Rudy

Hey Andy -- grab some pics of the disassembled engine if you can!!

Here's to everything getting put back together with no parts left over!!

speedracerF4i

Yes, a picture of lobotomy would be nice.

my530i

You should print out SIB and hand it to your SA, otherwise, they always say it's normal.

speedracerF4i

I did print SI B 11 02 05 and showed to the dealer. However, the problem stated in the bulletin is "Erratic engine idle speed." I also showed them printouts from the related threads describing this problem and successful fixes. They did not want to do this costly repair without getting the OK from BMW's field engineer. I complained to BMWNA but as soon as they pull out this report from the fields engineer, they declined to do anything further for me. They even told me to seek whatever action I feel necessary, but their decision is final.

my530i

It should be "...would not buy another BMW again"

andy545

Yep, asked already - I thought it would be very interesting but the works manager
did not feel comfortable with the idea. Incriminating evidence, I thought...

andy545

Will keep this post up to date. No worries.

andy545

As promised, updating some info on this topic.

Car was not ready to pick up today, as promised, but the engine work is done and complete. The bonnet had to be installed and the car given a wash. Fair enough.
Pick up tomorrow now.

I had a chance to talk to the mechanic working on the car , he said that this was a rather long and complicated repair. Further more, the Valvetronic electronics had to be programmed again ( not software update ) - and the old engine oil replaced.

I was able to start up the car, the startup seemed to me to be smoother as well as the general running of the car. The engine was cold.
Something important I noticed. The Valvetronic after start up, will go through a process of valve lift verification, at which the engine will idle on the high side and after 60 sec will reduce idle as necessary. I can't really remember this ever occuring on my car, but it was definately clear in this case.

I also have seen the old parts. Will ask if I can have them tomorrow to take pics.
I confirmed ( as per SIB - look at pdf ) that my levers were within the dates these out of tolerance valvetronic levers were manufactured : 04 217, well within the 04 180 - 04 324 dates. I am happy they are no longer in my engine.

Also door seals on driver and passenger doors fully replaced. Hopefully no more creaking doors.

I will report to all those interested some more info tomorrow regarding the "valve tapping".