Well here's my first problematic post We live up in Massachusetts on the side of a mountain - in other words, the BMWs go to sleep around November and wake up in April/May
During that time, however, I put car covers on 'em, rotate the tires to prevent flat spots, put trickle chargers on the batteries, etc. All the good winter prevention stuff that one should do.
So today, while firing up the engines to get them running, *both* the 540 (98) and M5 (00) start making this ticking sound! It sounds like a valve tick - it varies with RPMs, does not change if I move the steering wheel, turn off the climate control, etc. I used one of those 'car stethoscopes' and it seems to be coming from the drivers side valve area (U.S. drivers side).
Now realize that the two cars haven't been run (either driven or engine run) for about 2 months - I let them both run up to operating temperature and then let them sit for about 10 mins idling. Then I rev'd both of them a few times and shut them off.
Regardless, that damn ticking noise *won't* go away. I think it has something to do with the engines not being run for such a long time, but I'm not sure.
Unfortunately with the weather, I could not get them out and drive them - they'd never make it back up to our house - let alone the salt and sand
So, I am curious - has anyone else heard of this ticking noise? As far as I know, this is *not* the famous VANOS noise - this is a profound ticking that varies with RPM and it's pretty darn loud.
I'm going to call the dealer, but I wasn't sure if anyone has heard of this.
Thanks Ivory, I appreciate the link. The problem is that it really doesn't sound like a bunch of marbles in a box (as mentioned in that VANOS faq) - I *do* realize what that sounds like, as our M5 has the VANOS noise (which is fine - it's normal apparently). This is definitely a ticking sound, and not something that's normal, at least in my book
Since both are doing it, I am beginning to think that it's just because the engines haven't been run in awhile, but I just want to make sure. I don't want a big bill down the road!
One possibility would be that a hydarulic lifter is stuck. This is very common in cars that HAVE hydraulic lifters - however I don't honestly know if the M5 engine has them or not. Here's a clue: if the ticking rate is 1/2 the RPM, then the cause is in the valvetrain somewhere, and the lifter is the most likely suspect.
(1000 RPM = = 16.7 revs per sec, half of that is about 8 ticks per second at 1000 RPM.)
If the lifter is stuck, the engine will still run pretty well - one valve won't be opening as far as it should. It is probably safe to let the engine run, even drive it - let it get warmer and it will probably free up - and it will then be fine. It is possible if a valve isn't opening far enough that there would be enough lean-ness to trigger the "check engine soon" light - but I still think it would be OK.
If I were you, though, I'd collect a few more votes. I don't have a lot of first-hand experience with this particular problem.
P.S. - If the tick rate is EQUAL to the RPM, (i.e., closer to 17 ticks per sec in the above example) the problem is more serious - could be a rod knocking or bad main bearing. If this is the case have it TOWED to the shop.
As greg suggested, you may be hearing lifter "noise" from a cold engine. It may be easier to notice in an acoustically lively enclosed garage. Such a noise would be in keeping with a BMW tradition of tight mechanical valve train tolerances. Since you report two different cars sharing the same problem at the same time, I tend to doubt there is a real serious problem...
The best (extreme) example of the "box of marbles" car sound that I have ever heard is the 93'ish Nissan Maxima (V6.) Give it a listen and you'll never complain about any other engine noise.
Back on the sticky lifter issue, I assume your cars are stored with a premium brand name fuel in the tank that will resist varnishing...?
I don't know if this is a factor for you, but it seems to me that your cars have spent a minimum time at normal operating temperature recently, and most of that time is at idle speed. I'd try running the cars longer, at higher and varied engine speeds. This will help move more fuel through the system, e.g. fuel injectors. Gasoline flow is definitely preferred over stale, stored gasoline.
Quote:
Originally posted by greg: One possibility would be that a hydarulic lifter is stuck...
Well I tell you what I had the same thing happen on my 540. I took it in and they tore down the engine and really did not find anything conclusive. They built it back up and it was silent. They figured maybe a bit of carbon etc.
With it being close to 50 degrees yesterday (amazing for New England weather), the 2" thick pile of ice that covered our entire driveway is gone!
This means the 540 could go out and run around and still make it back up the driveway.
After driving it 10-15 miles, the noise was gone! In fact, the ticking immediately dissappeared after backing the car out of the garage. Go figure!
I am assuming the M5 will be the same way - the car just needs to be driven. Unfortunately the roads still have sand and salt on them - so the beast will stay inside.
I apologize for the false alarm - at least this all turned out on a good note.
Thanks for everyones advice! Greg, if you ever want to bring the TT to race on the ice, you're more than welcome
After not driving my car for about 4-5 weeks I started it up and the same problem, which is definitely lifter clatter. It stopped after all the orange lights went out, ie engine oil was warm.
It would seem that after such a long time without being started every drop of oil drains to the bottom. I don't know whether the lifters are hydr or solid.
Strange Ticking Sound - 540 *and* M5!
We live up in Massachusetts on the side of a mountain - in other words, the BMWs go to sleep around November and wake up in April/May 
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