Clicking noise sometimes there, usually not....

[jrjinsa]

Hi all,

I have a 2008 328i, 4,100 miles on it. Runs like a top, however, I am noticing a definite clicking noise from under the hood. Not real loud clicking but loud enough to near clearly with the windows down. Not sure of the source but it happens at random times. It can be heard immediately upon starting the engine and always goes away after driving a short distance...never happens again once it goes away. Will reoccur several days later. Seems totally random but is usually always heard shortly after starting the engine and not necessarily when the engine is cold.

Any ideas? Valve ticking? Lifters? Driving/performance isn’t affected so I haven’t taken it to the shop. No idiot lights have come on so I'm just driving it.

I'm not OCD about this car, but, would love to hear from others to see if this is common or should I freak.

[mryakan]

Just to check, what grade of gas are you using and from where?

[jrjinsa]

91 octane Shell

[mryakan]

91 octane Shell
Same station all the time or different ones? I guess what I am trying to say is try to eliminate the possibility that bad gas may be causing some knocking at startup.

[jrjinsa]

Different places, just depends on where I am when that GAS tank idiot light appears on my dash. You could be onto something, thought.... I did notice this before last month, too...didn't give it a second thought until recently when it happened again. I am going to try a different station for sure next time. Still got half a tank of potentially bad gas....

Thanks.

[808E90]

I hade the same problem with my 2007 328i. They had to replace my cylinder head.
Not really sure what the problem was because it is cheaper and safer for BMW to replace the whole head than it is for them to take it all apart looking for the problem. Take it in because it could be much worse than just gas. If you have warranty you really shouldn't worry.

[Beer Goggles]

There is NO ZERO issues with gas at idle, even with low octane. Most cars will say that if you have to use 87 that you can, but to avoid WOT.

There are lots of "electrical" noises in car. I've had cars that randomly make odd noises and it could be a variety of things. I'd avoid any paranoia, and even though 808 says he had the same thing...you're describing a noise and a random one.

[808E90]

There is NO ZERO issues with gas at idle, even with low octane. Most cars will say that if you have to use 87 that you can, but to avoid WOT.

There are lots of "electrical" noises in car. I've had cars that randomly make odd noises and it could be a variety of things. I'd avoid any paranoia, and even though 808 says he had the same thing...you're describing a noise and a random one.

True ... And thats why I say take it in to the dealer!

[jrjinsa]

It's not going to the dealer unless it leaves me stranded. I'm one of those who just drives the car. We'll see if it's "bad" gas. Will let you guys know. ;) I do love the looks this car gets, though! :eek:

[jrjinsa]

UPDATE: MRYAKAN, I believe you were right on the money with the bad gas.

I filled up the tank yesterday with Chevron Premium and that did the trick instantly. It has proven itself over and over with all my driving I did yesterday and this morning, runs smooth as silk and no noise in the least.

That knocking (clicking) *was* so apparent with that last fill up at the Shell station. I'm suspecting I paid for "Premium" there but may have gotten 87 octane.

Anyone else this happen to? Man, these engines sure let you know when they're not happy with their gas, don't they?!?

[mryakan]

Well glad I could help. Keep monitoring it and your fill up habits to be sure. As for shell, I never had a problem with their VPower, but I do recall once filling up Vpower but getting charged for the lesser 87 octane price. When I asked they told me they ran out of 87 so they were giving out the Vpower to everyone at the price of 87. It was odd, but maybe they had lots of Vpower to spare. Now it could be in your case they did the opposite. Stick to a station you like and are satisfied with though. I've been filling up with Shell Vpower since I moved to Ottawa and never had a problem, but YMMV.

[Avalon08]

For what it's worth, there is also a ticking noise that is caused by some kind of valve lifter issue. I had it in my new 328xi -- just random ticking while idling, louder than the normal engine ticking. No pattern to it. I found reports of it from other BMW owners on the message boards. When I took it to the dealer, they acknowledged it and said it needed this valve lifter fix. I don't have the car anymore to tell you whether it fixed it permanently, and I haven't heard it in my new 335i. Just wanted to make you aware of it in case you hear it again.

[mbj898]

I personally have never had this issue but will say it could be the lifters. i had my car at the dealer for a bad gasket, at which time they put my sway bar on backwards, but after being there a few days the ticking that you talk about is very eminent at start up but after a mile it was fine. Before i even left i noticed and went back inside and asked. The mechanic told em that when the car sits the oil drains form the lifters blah blah blah and now when i start up my car especially on a cold day i notice it very faintly, but by the time i get to my destination all is quiet form under the hood. He informed me this was completely normal

just my 2 cents

[lesrrt]

Traded the 325xi for an 06 330xi. I have the tickn' upon startup too. Was told that the vanos adjusts the timing at initial start, thus letting the oil pressure build up. It runs great and under warranty; Iam not worrried. Also, my car has the sport package with the seats and steering wheel. Does it have more power? I tested a reg 2006 330xi and it did not feel like it had the same pull. Great car...so far.

[jrjinsa]

Great info all. I was the one who originally posted on this subject. I am suspecting in my case it was bad gas...been a few weeks with the new gas and it's never been replicated. If I do hear it again, however, will just live with it...unless it's permanent. Thanks. Warranties are nice.....