E46 330Ci: unusual engine tapping noise - game over?

[g3org3y]

Hi all,

This morning when starting the car and leaving it to idle to inspect for cooling system leaks I noticed a new tapping noise.

Seems to come from the front of the engine where the chain and VANOS are (which probably isn't great news). Tapping was regular. It didn't seem to increase in frequency with revs but cannot be certain. After a few minutes idling the tapping became less frequent and then totally disappeared.

Here's a video:
https://vimeo.com/453010908

There was no rattling sound, the idle was fine and the engine revved ok. I'll start it up later and see if it reoccurs. The tapping may have been present for a while but inaudible from the cabin so wouldn't have noticed it.

Any ideas chaps? Time to scrap the shed (hope not, only just passed its MOT)?

[d_a_n1979]

Video doesn’t play in Chrome or Safari pal for me

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

Video doesn’t play in Chrome or Safari pal for me

That's odd, works for me on Chrome. Will try and reupload.

[Brads67]

I'll just say it would take a lot for me to scrap an E46 330.

[g3org3y]

Video 2: https://vimeo.com/453026809 (this is with the tapping starting to slow down).

[Ciff]

check condition of V belt and ancillaries. Also upper timing chain and tensioner and vanos bolts.

Edited by Ciff on Sunday 30th August 17:51

[g3org3y]

Went for a drive, all sounds back to normal. Car runs fine. V odd. Will keep an eye ear on it.

[W201_190e]

Mine was sometimesa bit tappy when starting from cold. Apart from oil consumption never really had a problem.

[Andy70]

I'm probably barking up the wrong tree, so forgive me, its just an opinion... but I have had tappety noises with previous versions of BM's, (e46 325ti and e90 330i), generally when I have oil leaks usually from rocker cover and the noise in question has been because of a low oil level. If its a little low, its sorted it's self out but if its really low, it was worse. Top up, noise gone.. I can only presume it was because the oil wasn't circulating properly

[Krikkit]

What an odd sound, from the frequency it doesn't sound internal - a sticky lifter usually presents itself much more often than that.

Perhaps as noted it could be an accessory/aux belt issue. Difficult to tell from the video but it sounds a little like metal tapping plastic?

I'd be tempted to get the cam covers off and just have a nosey around and see what's what.

[g3org3y]

It's an odd one for sure. Doesn't sound like regular tappets. Happened again (first cold start) and then disappeared after a few minutes idle. Car runs fine.

[Yadizzle1]

g3org3y said:

It's an odd one for sure. Doesn't sound like regular tappets. Happened again (first cold start) and then disappeared after a few minutes idle. Car runs fine.


Mine made a similar noise for a bit before the vanos failed. Think it needed seals but I stupidly got rid, don't make the same mistake!!

[StuntmanMike]

Get a long screwdriver and put the handle next to your ear, touch various surfaces with the other.

Check the tightness of your power steering bolts as well.

[StuntmanMike]

Yadizzle1 said:

g3org3y said:

It's an odd one for sure. Doesn't sound like regular tappets. Happened again (first cold start) and then disappeared after a few minutes idle. Car runs fine.


Mine made a similar noise for a bit before the vanos failed. Think it needed seals but I stupidly got rid, don't make the same mistake!!

If that’s the case then look at M539 YouTube channel. He is doing up a 325 and in its part two episode he does the VANOS.

That goes for any of you. Utterly brilliant YouTube channel. Highly recommended.

[g3org3y]

I think it's most prob VANOS related. Recommendations for good repair kit? Seen X8R kits on ebay. I know their DISA valve rebuild kits are well thought of.

Edited by g3org3y on Thursday 3rd September 20:39

[Krikkit]

I did my VANOS with a cheap ebay kit (I think it was about £15) and it was a piece of piss. The only tricky bit is trying to catch all the oil that escapes when you take it off the head.

Don't forget to get a fresh cam cover gasket set as well, they're usually cooked fairly quickly.

[g3org3y]

I think I'm going to go for this X8R kit. Expensive but basically has all new everything (seals + bearings) and will be good quality. What do you guys reckon?

[dhutch]

Couldn't say, I used the Zed Shed in St Helens to rebuild mine for me.

[g3org3y]

I don't see the point in replacing the bits for crap quality items. The kit above basically has everything you need to refurb the VANOS (bearings + seals) as well as all the other bolts/bits and pieces.

[dhutch]

Absolutely couldn't agree more. If the originals 'only' lasted 20 years, it's unlikely aftermarket ones will last longer, and it's quite likely cheap ones could die within a few years. That said, it's also quite possible they all come from the same place anyway! Who knows.
How many people have had redone their vanos over five years ago? Or had them go for a second time.

Life's gets short. I did mine because the rocker cover was leaking and the cover gasket is half the cost of doing them!

Daniel