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Thread: 2006 E83 M54 Engine Rattle at Idle

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2015
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    Cambridge, Ma
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    2006 BMW X3

    2006 E83 M54 Engine Rattle at Idle

    I have a troubling rattling noise coming from the intake side of the engine at idle on my E83 with 106,000 miles. I have rebuilt the DISA valve (it was not the problem), replaced the water pump (it was not the problem), the idler on Alternator (it was not the problem), the mechanical tensioner (it was not the problem) and finally the alternator itself (it was not the problem).I also checked the tightness of all six spark plugs and ran the car with the AC compressor belt removed. The noise is definitely coming from the top of the engine from either the valve train or somewhere close by. To make matters more complicated I am not getting a single DTC when I scan the car with the Bavarian Technic Scan Tool. The sound goes away when you press on the accelerator and the car runs great, except for the bloody noise. Any advice would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by gdking32 View Post
    I have a troubling rattling noise coming from the intake side of the engine at idle on my E83 with 106,000 miles. I have rebuilt the DISA valve (it was not the problem), replaced the water pump (it was not the problem), the idler on Alternator (it was not the problem), the mechanical tensioner (it was not the problem) and finally the alternator itself (it was not the problem).I also checked the tightness of all six spark plugs and ran the car with the AC compressor belt removed. The noise is definitely coming from the top of the engine from either the valve train or somewhere close by. To make matters more complicated I am not getting a single DTC when I scan the car with the Bavarian Technic Scan Tool. The sound goes away when you press on the accelerator and the car runs great, except for the bloody noise. Any advice would be appreciated.
    What your describe sounds like a vanos rattle. Do a search for "m54 vanos rattle" and maybe you will find your answer. There's several videos of the rattle as well as how to fix it. It's a common issue with M54's.
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
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    North New Jersey
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    1999 E36 M3, 2004 E83
    Hey did you end up finding out what was going on? I am having the same problem right now. Thanks

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    1993 850ci 2001 M5 / Z3M
    Another potential solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner spring. These springs lose tension over time and have been proven to quiet down after replacement. I have replaced several on M50, M52, M54, and M56 engines, they install in minutes and the e83 has plenty of access when the washer tank is removed.

    You will need:

    coil spring 11 41 1 706 809
    sealing ring 07 11 9 963 418

    Hope it helps.
    Last edited by bdiefAZ; 10-26-2017 at 08:12 PM.
    Regards,

    Brian
    Cave Creek, AZ

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm

    This might help


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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
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    Richardson, Texas
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    2012 328i, X5 1994 325iC
    Awesome advice and very true. I had an e46 that did same thing. Easy fix!!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
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    North New Jersey
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    1999 E36 M3, 2004 E83
    Hey guys I figured out what my rattle was. At first i thought it was the DISA valve becoming loose which is a common issue on m54. But i found out it was my alternator vibrating because it was slightly loose. I turned the bolt a quarter turn and it was gone. I guess i didn't tighten down the bolt enough after i replaced the oil filter housing gasket haha. Thanks for the help!


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  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Rochester, ny
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    16
    My Cars
    1994 BMW 325is
    I'm having a strange noise as well. Replaced chain tensioner and did a motor flush and still making the sound.


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
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    New York
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    04’ 525i 6-Speed Sport

    This exact problem

    Quote Originally Posted by upwardseven View Post
    I'm having a strange noise as well. Replaced chain tensioner and did a motor flush and still making the sound.

    This thread clearly needs to be revived; I have yet to find another with this exact issue.

    Can anyone PLEASE help out?

    ALREADY DONE:

    CCV/ICV/PCV
    INTAKE/THROTTLE GASKETS
    REPLACED ALL O-RINGS (INTAKE/Injector)
    ALTERNATOR
    DISA
    HIGH PERFORM WATER PUMP
    THERMOSTAT
    HOSES/ORINGS
    DRIVE/AC BELT
    LM MOLYGEN OIL CHANGE 5w40

    And A TON of other stuff that would be irrelevant to list...

    Any insight would make me forever grateful.

    -Sully

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