m3 e46 problems with noisy tick over,

[vman2005]

has anyone had problems with m3 e46 noisy tick over, it only rattles from 1000 to 2000 revs then gos, i have had vanos changed and still same,has anyone got any ideas as im lost

[cjj799]

Is the rattle coming from the top of the engine? if so the fact that it only rattles between 1 and 2k points to VANOS, but the VANOS rattle comes from the gear set and not from the VANOS unit itself.

More common on the E36, but not unheard of on the 46.

Many people have changed the VANOS unit only to find that it does not improve the noise at all.

See here for a more detailed explanation and solution.

http://www.drvanos.com/index.php?option=com_conten...

Apparently they shim the solenoids to take up the play in the gears and reduce the noise.

Edited by cjj799 on Thursday 12th November 22:44

[andye30m3]

is it a rattle or like a slight tapping noise which sound like it was coming from the top and rear of the engine.

I've had this twice on E36 and both times it the engine spun a shell shortly after. I think there was a recall on early E46 M3's to sort this but it is possible that some cars were missed.

Fingers crossed it not this.

[vman2005]

thanks for having the time guys to reply... i had the vanos changed and its still doing it,, its like a tapping noise as if its got a sticky tappet. only does it when the engine is warm tho, i have been told that the 2 big sprockets behind the vanos shear bolts off so its going in tomorow morning to see if they are threaded and then if not its back to drawing board, ill keep you posted,

[allgonepetetong]

Any update?

[roland breadner]

I had the same problem with mine when I sold it. I was told by BMW it was the VANOS unit and to pay about £3,000 for parts and rebuild. Although someone interested in the car had said it was more likely to a be a bottom end bearing