Clatter on 2005 318i

[Swiegie]

Hi fanatics

I have a problem with our 2005 318i engine as it makes a clatter sound at idle, especially when hot and even more so after some spirited driving. The car is now on 84 000km. I had the car at three different dealerships who claims the noise is normal. I have also read on a couple of forums that the 2L engine is a bit noisy at its best. From the plate in engine bay I can see that it is fitted with the N46 motor.

How do I go about asking BMW that one of their Engineers, that usually visit the dealership if some problems occur, must have a look at the car?

This weekend it took a look at the engines internals via the oil filler cap and cannot see any sludge build-up, must actually say the engine looks very clean.

My concern is that the Motor plan on the car expires next year and I do not want the egine to fail just out of plan...We intend to keep the car for another couple of years as it is still in very good condition.

Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[WernerV]

Hi there! I was looking at buying one of these a couple of months ago. I took a 2003 318i with 114000km for a test drive and when I opened the bonnet after driving it then engine sounded like a diesel! That was the N42 engine though but its mostly the same. Ive heard guys complain about this noise even when new. So I guess its normal? Can you hear the clatter when sitting in the car with the windows closed?

 

[XMAX]

whats strange is that I owned a N46 318i. sure there was a lil clatter, but not like a diesel.

if the noise is very loud, then you should look at the possibility of changing the oil. oils that are the wrong viscosity dont provide sufficient lubrication therefore you could get that roudy tappets sound.

is the sound damping mat thingy inside the bonnet in place.

if that doesnt work use the same method i used in my corsa whenever i had a squeak, or rattle..... Turn the radio up and theres no more noise...

 

[LPM320]

From what i've been told, that clatter is signs of a worn vanos unit?

Could be wrong or right....

 

[andrewbuch]

both our 318i's clatter a bit.. but mine got louder turn out it was the disa unit.. if it fails it sends bits into the intake.. so rather get it checked asap..

our 2004 318i was on 80K km still under motorplan, and also clattered in true 318i fashion

 

[Swiegie]

Howsit

Thanks for the replies. The noise is not that loud. You cannot hear it inside the car. Also when you rev the car a bit the noise dissapears.

The car clatterred even after a oil service and they used Petronas 5W30 oil.

I will ask the dealers again when the car goes in for Inspection 2 service in about 6000km.

cheers

 

[Swiegie]

Howdi ladies and gents

I would like to know if unplugging the vanos or disa unit would trigger any errors or maybe even the egine light on the car?

The reason I am asking is that the clatter sound we are experiencing on our BMW really irritates me, and I would like to check the above mentioned items for failure...

Thanks

 

[Spy007]

No Clatter in the Gopher Except when the wife is there.

I have the N46b20 engine.