Oxygen Sensor Heat Shield Question

[espejo]

I have 2 alumnium heat shields located on the passenger side engine just below the O2 sensors. The move up and down quite freely. Is this normal? I hear a strange sound at 1500 rpm and I don't know if this is the problem. My independent BMW shop has no clue but says not to worry. Any help?

[walpole5]

My 528i has two aluminum shields that are actually part of the exhaust manifold gaskets. You can bend them, but they are certainly not loose. I'm not sure if the 530i uses the same gaskets with integral heat shields, but it probably does. Maybe try some duct tape to hold them in place temporarily and see if the noise goes away. If it does, then you have determined the problem. You could put new manifold gaskets in, but that would be a pain. There should be an easier fix.

[16valex]

Yes, those are notoriously known for metalic rattling. I wedged some 1 inch rubber hose on top of the air valve to keep the first heat shield from rattle, the second heat shield (close to firewall) still nice and tight.

[jamesdc4]

Using duct tape or rubber hoses on those surfaces will fry the material. You are going to be smelling some nasty smells if you do that.

[espejo]

That is what I'm afraid, bad smells. Any other ideas on how to secure.

[walpole5]

I was not suggesting the duct tape as a permanent fix, just a test to see if if got rid of the noise. If it does, the only permanent solution I can think of is replacement or ripping them off.