Cold Start rattle, need a good ear please

[6speedS54]

I recorded this audio yesterday morning. Last 10 seconds of the file is what interests me. I am not sure if this is VANOS, possibly loose header manifold bolts, loose timing chain? The noise goes away after a few seconds or if you give it slight gas. Would love to know if anyone heard this same noise. The attachment is a small m4a file.

[6speedS54]

Lama at Beisan told me my VANOS seals are shot

[jayjaya29]

Lama tells everybody their vanos seals are shot. <3 Lama though

I don't think its loose header bolts, thats more of a sharp ticking noise.

When/has the vanos ever been serviced?

[6speedS54]

Lama tells everybody their vanos seals are shot. <3 Lama though

I don't think its loose header bolts, thats more of a sharp ticking noise.

When/has the vanos ever been serviced?

No clue 😆 I changed the solenoid, cleaned the valve body, and replaced seals on the sealing plate. I am planning on changing my valve cover gasket, and will service the VANOS at the same time. 130K miles.

[6speedS54]

Lama tells everybody their vanos seals are shot. <3 Lama though

I don't think its loose header bolts, thats more of a sharp ticking noise.

When/has the vanos ever been serviced?

The reason I asked about the header bolts is I smell either exhaust or whatever it is at 5-8K when I step on it hard, so thought maybe a header gasket is not sealing well due to loose bolts

[jayjaya29]

Its probably leakage from your valve cover gasket that you are smelling.

Plan on changing the upper timing chain guide while you're in there:

https://beisansystems.com/product/s54-exhaust-upper-chain-guide/