Clicking Noise When Under Load?

[Advorsor]

Hey everyone.

I started the M3 up for a drive and began hearing a clicking noise coming from the engine when I give it gas. I had someone hold the fan while I turned the car on and again gave it some gas - sounds like it is coming from around/under beauty cover area.

Some info:

Rod bearings were replaced les than 20K miles ago
I have Cat Cams 280/272 (correctly installed) with stock followers

The noise is not present at idle/sitting still

Going to have it towed to a shop but any preliminary thoughts here?

[ChapterM3]

My first thought when reading this: Have you dealt with your VANOS yet? Anything done there? That's the first place I would consider based on the description

[Advorsor]

Re VANOS:

- Upgraded the exhaust hub (stronger unit with thicker tabs)
- used stronger gear bolts

[heinzboehmer]

Any aggressive driving recently (track use, banging on limiter, etc.)? What's your redline set to? Maybe the engine spit a shim.

I would pull the valve cover and investigate.