Reassurance wanted for E39 noise
Discussion
Dear All,
I know the vanos gear makes some noise, but despite reading through many threads here and on m5board, it's still hard to ascertain what is normal and what is bad.
The car I've just bought (more of that later perhaps) sounds a bit diesel like at idle, ticks a bit, but is not noisy and sounds smooth and regular. I've not really noticed the diesel sound going away as I've only listened for a minute or two (the engine was hot, not cold). There are no harsh rattles or clattering.
There is a distinct power band change at >4k, so I assume the vanos is working properly.
Info from the dealer is limited to some oil seals being replaced in the vanos area.
It is a 03/00 car, 80k miles, FBMWSH.
Thanks,
Dr C
I know the vanos gear makes some noise, but despite reading through many threads here and on m5board, it's still hard to ascertain what is normal and what is bad.
The car I've just bought (more of that later perhaps) sounds a bit diesel like at idle, ticks a bit, but is not noisy and sounds smooth and regular. I've not really noticed the diesel sound going away as I've only listened for a minute or two (the engine was hot, not cold). There are no harsh rattles or clattering.
There is a distinct power band change at >4k, so I assume the vanos is working properly.
Info from the dealer is limited to some oil seals being replaced in the vanos area.
It is a 03/00 car, 80k miles, FBMWSH.
Thanks,
Dr C
Mine ('02 with 140.000 km) ticks for the first 2 seconds when started from cold, but no "diesel" sound and a very smooth idle. From reading various reports, the (failing) vanos sound is pretty distinctive, so I wouldn't be too concerned.
You bought it from a BMW dealer with warranty, IIRC? Can't remember if any of the pre-facelift model was fitted with the Vanos oil accumulator modification (to ensure that the oil pressure to the Vanos units remain high even overnight) but it can be retrofitted.
See this one for more: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=...
You bought it from a BMW dealer with warranty, IIRC? Can't remember if any of the pre-facelift model was fitted with the Vanos oil accumulator modification (to ensure that the oil pressure to the Vanos units remain high even overnight) but it can be retrofitted.
See this one for more: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=...
Edited by rassi on Thursday 16th August 21:11
rassi said:
Mine ('02 with 140.000 km) ticks for the first 2 seconds when started from cold, but no "diesel" sound and a very smooth idle. From reading various reports, the (failing) vanos sound is pretty distinctive, so I wouldn't be too concerned.
]
That initial two second ticking you mention on starting is very common and even the BMW TIS disks just recommend to dealers to ensure that the oil is topped up to the max level on the dipstick.]
My old E39 528 had it for years but did improve after an oil change and flush.
The vanos noise is far more obvious.
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