Motor clicking noise after sustained 4000 rpm driving

[m3f_tailhappy]

My 1997 M3 Sedan exihibits a clicking sound after driving a few minutes above 4000 rpm. It sounds like the valves are clicking. If I drive very low rpm for about another 5 minutes it goes away. I never hear this noise when I just go briefly into the higher revs, only when I stay there awhile. But what an annoyance this is because then I have to slow way down. Could this be a VANOS problem? This car uses a single stage VANOS system. Signed.. wanting to have more fun. =)

[m3f_Serious_eeb8859403]

its called lifter tick. not a big deal many m3 do it.



try adding some extra oil like 1/2 quart over the dipstick line.



it has been known to cut down on the lifter tick.

[m3f_tailhappy]

Thanks Serious.

Normally I do hear some minor valve clicking; but the problem that I have comes and goes and the clicking is pretty loud. But only after sustained hard driving; then after a few minutes of easy driving the loud clicking goes away. Something's up..

[m3f_Kyle Shon_d7cd3bc02b]

I used to get the same problem, but adding a little extra oil does the trick. I think if the oil level is too low and it starts sloshing around like during some good driving the enigine gets a little starved.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Odd, I drove my car for 460 miles at right around 4,000 rpm's (85-90mph) for 6 hours straight and didn't experience this...

[m3f_tailhappy]

I believe that the problem may be with the VANOS system, but am looking for feedback from others if they have seen this symptom before I go and replace the VANOS unit.



As I understand the single stage VANOS, (as opposed to the E46 which uses infinitely adjustable), it makes valve adjustments around 1500 and also at 4000 rpm. My guess is that the adjustment change is not occurring as it should and hence the clicking.

[m3f_///Motorsport3 kID]

before you start trying to diagnose your own problem, i think you should listen to some of the knowledgable members on this board. your clicking has been identified as valve tap and a solution has been provided for you...:nixweiss: why cant you just accept that theres no problem with ur car :nixweiss:

[m3f_M3HighwayPilot]

The only time I get the tapping sound is after a high speed/high RPM blast, although mine doesn't usually go away until the car has been shut down and restarted. :banghead: Annoying as he!! when your high performance car has issues with high performance.



And yes, while adding / topping off the oil may help, I don't think it truly fixes the issue. And not that I want to go drop a bundle of $$ on repairs, M3kid, but I would preffer to "fix" a problem as opposed to hiding it with extra oil, so I understand were T.H. is coming from. :smiley_ab



Of course if the problem is with BMW's engineering of the VANOS unit and replacing it for $1,000 will only solve the problem for 15K miles, well then I'm buying some Mobil / Texaco stock! :chair:



Let us / me know if you find out any more detailed info. on this issue TailHappy, I'd like to completely eliminate the TICK as well.



eace:

[m3f_EastBayMPower]

my car lifter ticks a little for a few minutes after HARD driving above 5000 rpm or so, like road racing and such. I think what you're hearing is lifter tick like a few people have said. The only other thing that would make a noise like that is valve backlash, but i think our engines are self adjusting, not sure though. Lifter tick is the most reasonable answer though, might try changing oils, I get minimal lifter tick with 5w-30 mobil 1.