Engine "ticking" between 2500 and 3000 rpm

jollerbarn · 02-05-2010, 06:14 PM

Hi,

I've noticed that my CSL makes a very slight ticking noise between 2500 and 3000rpm. I can hear it when driving and when in neutral just revving the engine.

My 335i does it too, but it's a bit more difficult to hear on that engine. I'm guessing this has to do with the engine bay insulation om my 335i though. Is this just a "thing" with the BMW straight sixes?

sailorbaz · 04-05-2010, 01:25 PM

See here for some info Possibly the VANOS, can be noisy anyway, unless you've got a increase in Fuel consumption and /or reduction in power, it should be ok.

thegingerninja · 04-05-2010, 03:16 PM

Loads of them do it - apparently it's fine, unless it's really obvious - get the vanos checked.

jollerbarn · 04-05-2010, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailorbaz

See here for some info Possibly the VANOS, can be noisy anyway, unless you've got a increase in Fuel consumption and /or reduction in power, it should be ok.

I think I'll have it looked at ASAP. I read somewhere that you could put a screwdriver against the exterior of the VANOS unit and then the rattle would be very easy to hear?

jollerbarn · 14-06-2010, 10:01 AM

Just wanted to post an update on this issue.

I had the car checked out at the dealership today, and they told me that the sound is perfectly normal. For reference they had a regular E46 M3 Cabriolet parked and I listened to that engine making the exact same noise at around 3000rpm. Apparently it's some kind of resonance with the engine cover that's specifically loud at ~3000rpms.

Dan · 14-06-2010, 10:13 AM

My old E46 M3 did it, my mates E46 M3 does it, my CSL does it, an independent said it was something to do with the gases flowing through the head? Whether that's accurate or not I don't know but it certainly seems the norm that these S54 engine's make that noise!

**mole** · 14-06-2010, 10:46 AM

Mine is making a similar noise between those revs, I'll get it checked out soon but reassuring to know it may be "normal" - never used to do it though

**grumps** · 14-06-2010, 11:43 AM

Mine too has this noise and it has had a replacment vanos! i have noticed it more of late mileage is 48k.

jollerbarn · 14-06-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumps

Mine to has this noise and it has had a replacment vanos! i have noticed it more of late mileage is 48k.

They immediately ruled out vanos since the issue was only apparent at 3000rpms. Vanos is noticeable at all rpm's - even at idle and the sound is different. They told me vanos issues sound like a can of marbles being shaken.

Anyway, they tell me it's normal for this engine. Still, it _does_ sound like there's something wrong with the engine and I was 90% sure they'd tell me they wanted to change the vanos.

Make no mistake. I'm definitely a fan of the S54 over the newer M3's S65B40, but that V8 is definitely smoother and less grumpy through the revs.

DuncanR · 14-06-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

My old E46 M3 did it, my mates E46 M3 does it, my CSL does it, an independent said it was something to do with the gases flowing through the head? Whether that's accurate or not I don't know but it certainly seems the norm that these S54 engine's make that noise!

Mine doesnt !!

... but it soon fookin will !!!!

02-05-2010, 06:14 PM	#1
jollerbarn Mode S1 - Starting Out Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 21 Casino cash: $602	Engine "ticking" between 2500 and 3000 rpm Hi, I've noticed that my CSL makes a very slight ticking noise between 2500 and 3000rpm. I can hear it when driving and when in neutral just revving the engine. My 335i does it too, but it's a bit more difficult to hear on that engine. I'm guessing this has to do with the engine bay insulation om my 335i though. Is this just a "thing" with the BMW straight sixes?

14-06-2010, 10:13 AM	#6
Dan Driving it like I nicked it Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2,058 Casino cash: $6689	My old E46 M3 did it, my mates E46 M3 does it, my CSL does it, an independent said it was something to do with the gases flowing through the head? Whether that's accurate or not I don't know but it certainly seems the norm that these S54 engine's make that noise! __________________

14-06-2010, 10:46 AM	#7
mole S5, Sport On, DSC M-track Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Brentwood, Essex Posts: 1,060 Casino cash: $6209	Mine is making a similar noise between those revs, I'll get it checked out soon but reassuring to know it may be "normal" - never used to do it though __________________ CSL Solutions

14-06-2010, 11:43 AM	#8
grumps S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: devon Posts: 181 Casino cash: $632	Mine too has this noise and it has had a replacment vanos! i have noticed it more of late mileage is 48k. Last edited by grumps; 15-06-2010 at 11:03 AM.

04-05-2010, 03:16 PM	#3
thegingerninja S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 370 Casino cash: $4367	Loads of them do it - apparently it's fine, unless it's really obvious - get the vanos checked.

14-06-2010, 10:01 AM	#5
jollerbarn Mode S1 - Starting Out Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 21 Casino cash: $602	Just wanted to post an update on this issue. I had the car checked out at the dealership today, and they told me that the sound is perfectly normal. For reference they had a regular E46 M3 Cabriolet parked and I listened to that engine making the exact same noise at around 3000rpm. Apparently it's some kind of resonance with the engine cover that's specifically loud at ~3000rpms.