E92 M3 ticking noise

[Putrid4444]

Hi guys,

I have a question for the e9x m3 guys regarding ticking noise coming from Under the plenum in the "V"

Some background info:

Car is a 2010 E92 m3 6spd
Bearings were replaced 10 months ago by previous owner
Actuators were replaced
Water pump was replaced
All as preventative maintenance

I bought the car maybe just over a month ago.
Car went through quality check by BMW before i bought it, BMW said everything is 100s except it needed a oil service and new oil pressure switch, that was done.

Got the car back, the oil readings were irregular ie: Car would read oil is full, then after 20-30km it would read half, then almost empty, Once you reset the oil level, it would be back to full and so on.

The other issue is, when the car is completely warm, there is a irregular ticking sound that comes from under the plenum in the "V"
When you hold revs at 1200rpm the ticking sound is more present than at idle.
I should also mention that it does not do this on cold start, only when it gets to proper temp 90-100.
The ticking sound is also not audible/there when revving over 1800rpm.

I have got multiple dealers and sources to diagnose the issue and have done quite a lot of research online regarding the exact same issues others are experiencing.

The dealer which knows the car (It has only ever gone to this dealer) first diagnosed it as possible actuator gears getting stuck, but after further diagnoses pinned it down to be the timing chain tensioners which need to be replaced.

So today i just got the car back from such repairs (Oil leveling sensor for the oil reading issues and the timing chain tensioners for the ticking sound), the car is doing the exact same things as previously, so im pulling my hair out here.

Dealer says i need to top it off with a litre of oil and drive it over the weekend and if the problem persists I should bring it back for further diagnoses.

From what i have read up on other forums, most of the issues they had from the ticking sound was the heat shield by the manifold, yet even after replacements and adjustments the sound was still there.

All of the issues with the ticking sound was always after a oil service/change.

Some blame it on the type of oil used, but i dont see how it could be that.

PS: This is NOT Mr Rod making knock knock jokes.

The video below is the exact noise mine is making:

Has anyone else experienced this problem, and if so what was their fix?

 

[SubLoaded]

Almost all the comments in that video point it out to being the heat shield expanding and making contact with something.

 

[Putrid4444]

Yeah, except it isn't the case with mine, had it checked out. :dunnoanymore:

 

[Kish2604]

Remove the heat shield for diagnosis and go from there...

 

[VinceM]

I had a faulty oil sensor in my X3, the dealer had to replace it 3 times (as they sometimes install 2nd parts, I requested to see a new part before installation, the new part worked like a charm. the previous 2 2nd hand parts failed.

 

[Nikhil]

Bud where are you based? I would suggest visiting tune tech, I dont know any dealers who can diagnose without replacing half the car first :hammerhead:

 

[Putrid4444]

Hey guys,

So abit of an update regarding the ticking noise.

BMW removed tapit covers to diagnose further to pin point the noise.
Their conclusion is that the timing chains need replacing.
They have also said that all 4 Vanos units need to be replaced, as instructed by BMW SA (they were not sure if it was needed when replacing timing chains), as apparently it goes hand in hand when putting in new timing chains etc.

The quote is a huge shock, R116k for repairs :fencelook:
Each Vanos is roughly R15k a pop.


Is there anyone who can give more insight to the above?

Also, is there anyone who can recommend another option (shop/mechanic who are known for work on M cars etc) other than the stealers, in Cape town.

 

[Peter@AEW]

The v8s are known for their vanos start up rumble but that subsides as soon as oil pressure is normalised.

Vanos units typically do not make a noise beyond that.

As to timing chains having stretch beyond the tensioners ability to regulate it is unusual and seldom happens although there are recorded cases where chain slack has been so severe as to mistime the engine.

The easiest way to change the chain is in situ with the special BMW workshop tools.
As to which dealer actually has them in CTN is another question.
As to which dealer in CTN has the skill set now that is also another improbable.

I can for nothing tell you that Werner at BMW SECUNDA did the chains on my v12 in situ.

Oh btw Werner came second in the BMW World Master Technician Competition
If you do not feel like lashing out R116k you might wish to call BMW SECUNDA and ask to speak to Werner.
Tell him that I referred you.

 

[Putrid4444]

The v8s are known for their vanos start up rumble but that subsides as soon as oil pressure is normalised.

Vanos units typically do not make a noise beyond that.

As to timing chains having stretch beyond the tensioners ability to regulate it is unusual and seldom happens although there are recorded cases where chain slack has been so severe as to mistime the engine.

The easiest way to change the chain is in situ with the special BMW workshop tools.
As to which dealer actually has them in CTN is another question.
As to which dealer in CTN has the skill set now that is also another improbable.

I can for nothing tell you that Werner at BMW SECUNDA did the chains on my v12 in situ.

Oh btw Werner came second in the BMW World Master Technician Competition
If you do not feel like lashing out R116k you might wish to call BMW SECUNDA and ask to speak to Werner.
Tell him that I referred you.

Thanks for the response @Peter@AEW raise:

This is my 2nd E92 m3, my first one was a DCT, I can definitely tell there is a difference in the low down RPM but its not a major difference, it might be "Different" as i have had 2 cars in between the two M3's and me not having driven a manual M3 before this.
I can also notice the cold start is slightly different ie: rougher than my previous one, but again not a major difference.
The engine pulls strong, there is no lack in power as far as im concerned, I even met up with @///Avi to compare between the two, and it was 100s.

According to the master tech at the dealer there is definitely slack on the chains, but nothing to the point where there are any mistiming issues IMO.

I will definitely be giving Werner a call today, thank you.

 

[evnmopwr]

you can call my wifes cousin too..

He works for NBMW and has rebuilt a few V8 M engines already

Shabeer
083 973 2901

Just tell him Khalid refered you.