Yet another N62 engine knocks like a diesel - E53 X5 4.8is
Yet another N62 engine knocks like a diesel - E53 X5 4.8is
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danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2020
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Hello everyone! I've searched the internet and various forums for weeks now, so I am not posting without doing my proper research. I haven't seen anything out there that is analogous to my issue, so excuse me if I have missed something. I've literally spent weeks searching and reading, but no result. Here is the issue along with a video clip, I do hope that someone else has experienced this or has an idea and might be able to help.

My X5's engine has developed an intermittent (i.e. not constant) knocking sound only when stationary in Drive (D). This is when the engine as under a small load in Drive, and the RPM's drop slightly below idle speed. The knocking sounds a bit like a diesel, goes louder as the RPM's drop a bit further (as the AC compressor kicks in or I turn the steering wheel), and completely disappears in Neurtal or when the car starts moving. Almost as if the timing goes out intermittently. It doesn't happen when the engine is cold, only after it warms up to the normal operating temperature. Here is a video/sound clip as the car is in Drive with the handbrake on:



About my X5:
It's a 2006 E53 X5 4.8is at 139,000 miles. I always put Shell V Power and change the oil annually. Very recently I've done a full engine overhaul 2000 miles, 2 months ago, The following was replaced - chains, guides, valve stem seals, bearings, coolant transfer pipe, all sensors, all gaskets, all seals, all fluids, 5W40 oil etc. Pretty much a brand new engine and a lot of work done at a great cost. I am gutted that this problem has occurred now after all this preventative work was carried out. The cam shafts, lifters and piston walls were in good condition - pretty much everything was checked while the engine was out!

Before I go back to the garage that did the work, I want to find out if any one has had a similar issue and has found the root cause. I don't want to start doing any work again before I inform myself about all the possibilities.

I've used an automotive stethoscope to check where the sound might be coming from. I doesn't seem to be the water pump, nether the alternator. I do hear the knocking when I touch on the bolts of the valve cover around cylinder 8. From what i've read so far, it doesn't sound like a lifter which is constant and stays with the RPMs?

One thing I haven't checked is the power steering pump, but I don't think i'll hear anything there as the noise in the stethoscope is the loudest on the valve cover bolts around cylinder 8... That worries me a lot..

So, over to the experts... and fingers crossed it is something simple and easy! Thank you!

ashenfie

3,328 posts

76 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2020
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Sound like it Valve related

danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2020
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Yes I suspect the Valvetronic maybe?

Olivergt

2,267 posts

111 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2020
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Have you spoken to the garage that did the work?

That does sound terrible, is it ok when you drive it though?

danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2020
quotequote all
The person who did the work is in another country at the moment, so it's difficult to diagnose remotely.

Yes, there is no knocking when the engine is idling in P or N, or when I'm driving. Smooth as butter.

Olivergt

2,267 posts

111 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2020
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I know this is a long shot, but should be easy to check.

Could it be one of the idler pulleys on the serpentine belts? When the revs drop a fraction, there might not be enough tension to stop it rattling, but then when you drive off there is more tension so the rattling stops.

danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Thursday 24th September 2020
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Thanks - I tried these with the stethoscope, but they are new and are fine. The knocking is strongest when I touch the cam cover bolts around cylinder 7 towards the back (passenger side)..

Touring442

3,096 posts

239 months

Thursday 24th September 2020
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Fractured flywheel (drive plate). I've seen it before.

danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Friday 25th September 2020
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Touring442 said:
Fractured flywheel (drive plate). I've seen it before.
Now that's interesting, thank you! Do you have any more info on this?

danny_acs

Original Poster:

16 posts

170 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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So this has now been fixed, and I'm reporting for the benefit of everyone else that might have this issue in the future.

CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham near London took the car and inspected it. It turned out that the eccentric valve shaft had a lot of wear. They adjusted the motor on the left bank, so the knocking is gone for now. They advised that if comes back, the shaft will need to be replaced, which is an expensive job... Many thanks to them, professional job!

g3org3y

22,505 posts

221 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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Fingers crossed for you. Hope it doesn't cause you any more bother.

TyrannosauRoss Lex

36,729 posts

242 months

Tuesday 6th October 2020
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Fingers crossed it'll be OK. I used to have the 4.4 version in my old car. Lovely when it worked but jeez is it such a problematic and poorly designed engine!

Touring442

3,096 posts

239 months

Tuesday 6th October 2020
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danny_acs said:
So this has now been fixed, and I'm reporting for the benefit of everyone else that might have this issue in the future.

CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham near London took the car and inspected it. It turned out that the eccentric valve shaft had a lot of wear. They adjusted the motor on the left bank, so the knocking is gone for now. They advised that if comes back, the shaft will need to be replaced, which is an expensive job... Many thanks to them, professional job!
Good old Phil!

Aluminati

2,985 posts

88 months

Tuesday 6th October 2020
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danny_acs said:
So this has now been fixed, and I'm reporting for the benefit of everyone else that might have this issue in the future.

CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham near London took the car and inspected it. It turned out that the eccentric valve shaft had a lot of wear. They adjusted the motor on the left bank, so the knocking is gone for now. They advised that if comes back, the shaft will need to be replaced, which is an expensive job... Many thanks to them, professional job!
Wise move taking it there.