Does this engine sound normal?

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 07:00 PM

It's a 2010 35i. It might have been just started (cold).

see video:

If I didn't know any better, it has some valve tap. The car only has 8k miles on it though. Just want to see if that slight tapping sound is normal.

I'll likely be buying this car tomorrow.

Thanks.

jparnes1 · 01-11-2012, 07:08 PM

Not normal. Doesn't sound like mine

Jayda · 01-11-2012, 08:17 PM

I would have to say mine doesn't sound like that on start up. It does sound like it has a tapping sound. Is the car from a BMW dealer?

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 08:24 PM

No, it's not from a BMW dealer, unfortunately.

Jayda · 01-11-2012, 08:32 PM

The car is still under factory warranty if it is 2010. I would swing it by BMW before you buy it (if possible). If anything mine revs very slightly higher on start up and quickly settles into a "tap-less" idle.

RichysBlk35i · 01-11-2012, 08:40 PM

I would have to say it does not sound like mine either. BUT, when you record with a phone, it tends to amplify some sounds more than others. It could be the injectors. Direct injection tends to have a soft ticking sound. Very hard to tell. Where is this car? Who is selling it? Will they let you have it checked over by BMW BEFORE you buy? Not to degrade the car, but for someone selling a nice car like ours, it looks pretty dirty! It looks like it just got back from a very long trip. See if you can have it checked first. Any reputable dealer or person would let you do that. Be cautious!

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayda

The car is still under factory warranty if it is 2010. I would swing it by BMW before you buy it (if possible). If anything mine revs very slightly higher on start up and quickly settles into a "tap-less" idle.

The really ironic thing is, I'm seeing two cars tomorrow -- a 2009 30i at a BMW dealer, and this 2010 35i at a Chrysler/Jeep dealer 15 minutes down the road. I'm leaning very heavily towards the 35i at Chrysler (more fully loaded, fewer miles, turbos

).... Which means that I likely won't be buying the 30i at the BMW dealership the very same day. And then before I buy the 35i, bring it back to the "loosing" BMW dealer to check out the "winner"?? Awkward!

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichysBlk35i

Not to degrade the car, but for someone selling a nice car like ours, it looks pretty dirty! It looks like it just got back from a very long trip. See if you can have it checked first. Any reputable dealer or person would let you do that. Be cautious!

Yeah, they just got it on the lot, and the sales guy took a quick video of the car for another customer. It's been to the detail shop since the video was shot.

Jayda · 01-11-2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryHank

The really ironic thing is, I'm seeing two cars tomorrow -- a 2009 30i at a BMW dealer, and this 2010 35i at a Chrysler/Jeep dealer 15 minutes down the road. I'm leaning very heavily towards the 35i at Chrysler (more fully loaded, fewer miles, turbos

).... Which means that I likely won't be buying the 30i at the BMW dealership the very same day. And then before I buy the 35i, bring it back to the "loosing" BMW dealer to check out the "winner"?? Awkward!

Wow, definitely awkward. I'd go to the Chrysler dealer first and take the car to BMW to have it checked. Then act surprised about the 3.0, play stupid like you don't know they have it (unless of course you have already talked to the BMW dealer). This might make it less awkward

RichysBlk35i · 01-11-2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryHank

The really ironic thing is, I'm seeing two cars tomorrow -- a 2009 30i at a BMW dealer, and this 2010 35i at a Chrysler/Jeep dealer 15 minutes down the road. I'm leaning very heavily towards the 35i at Chrysler (more fully loaded, fewer miles, turbos

).... Which means that I likely won't be buying the 30i at the BMW dealership the very same day. And then before I buy the 35i, bring it back to the "loosing" BMW dealer to check out the "winner"?? Awkward!

I can understand how that might be a bit awkward. But you will be using that dealer for your service or repair needs in the future?? As long as it looks like the car has not been abused, and after detail it looks great, go for the 35i. I love mine and know you will as well. As Jayda did mention, it is very much under warranty, so most of the risk is gone. Run it a few more times and DRIVE it just to be sure. If you do go for it, congrats and enjoy the great drive!!

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayda

Wow, definitely awkward. I'd go to the Chrysler dealer first and take the car to BMW to have it checked. Then act surprised about the 3.0, play stupid like you don't know they have it (unless of course you have already talked to the BMW dealer). This might make it less awkward

He he... that would be a little difficult, since I put refundable deposits down on both cars.

Quote:

I can understand how that might be a bit awkward. But you will be using that dealer for your service or repair needs in the future?? As long as it looks like the car has not been abused, and after detail it looks great, go for the 35i. I love mine and know you will as well. As Jayda did mention, it is very much under warranty, so most of the risk is gone. Run it a few more times and DRIVE it just to be sure. If you do go for it, congrats and enjoy the great drive!!

Unfortunately, this BMW dealer is two hours away from me, so I won't be going to any service. But they do have my deposit, so I may pay them out of the deposit to do a PPI on the Chrysler Z4.

Concerning the tapping, check out this video at 3:18 I can hear a similar very slight tapping sound.

z4z4z4 · 01-11-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryHank

It's a 2010 35i. It might have been just started (cold).

see video:

If I didn't know any better, it has some valve tap. The car only has 8k miles on it though. Just want to see if that slight tapping sound is normal.

I'll likely be buying this car tomorrow.

Thanks.

You likely have this noise talked about on the following post #11.

http://www.forums.bimmerfest.com/sho....php?p=6244018

Mine sounds the same.

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z4z4z4

You likely have this noise talked about on the following post #11.

http://www.forums.bimmerfest.com/sho....php?p=6244018

Mine sounds the same.

Wow, thanks for that link -- that could be the problem... gives me something to investigate tomorrow.

HenryHank · 01-11-2012, 10:00 PM

This guy has a similar tapping and the wastegate rattle.

ChuckB · 01-11-2012, 11:59 PM

Reading the other posts, it appears that they are talking about the E85/86 (Dates listed are 2006-2008), suspect this is some Vanos noise, some of which is normal. Did you get the car to fully warm up (oil above 80C) ? Did you check check the oil level - these motors are a bit sensitive on oil level, and will burn a bit if it gets into the upper half of the tach (which is where it also seems to work best).

I would also note that on which ever car you get not to close the trunk like a normal trunk lid, push it gently closed and let the electric pull down finish its job.

Jayda · 01-12-2012, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckB

Reading the other posts, it appears that they are talking about the E85/86 (Dates listed are 2006-2008), suspect this is some Vanos noise, some of which is normal. Did you get the car to fully warm up (oil above 80C) ? Did you check check the oil level - these motors are a bit sensitive on oil level, and will burn a bit if it gets into the upper half of the tach (which is where it also seems to work best).

I would also note that on which ever car you get not to close the trunk like a normal trunk lid, push it gently closed and let the electric pull down finish its job.

Hahaha....totally agree with the trunk thing. I definitely noted the guy slamming the trunk down in the video! Looking forward to an update on which car you get!

HenryHank · 01-12-2012, 06:48 AM

Yeah, I saw the trunk thing to. That's the same goon who was revving the engine at the start of the video, which really made me cringe. I have no idea how soon after starting he did that, or how cold the engine was.. but geeze -- stop revving the engine -- I'm not racing you.

az34 · 01-12-2012, 08:58 AM

listening to an engine sound on a PC is not the best way to diagnose a problem, i did it twice and i dont think its sound different than mine, but ounce again its not like live listening.

2gumby · 01-12-2012, 06:07 PM

Original Video @ 1:46. Note temp gauge, definitely a cold engine!

jparnes1 · 01-12-2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2gumby

Original Video @ 1:46. Note temp gauge, definitely a cold engine!

Good call! But still, that's not a good noise.

Dr Stig 2 · 01-12-2012, 07:56 PM

SOunds exactly like mine.
I checked another in the dealership a year ago and it sounded the same.
Dont know if its true but they said it was injector noise and perfectly normal.

HenryHank · 01-12-2012, 10:27 PM

Sooooo... I bought the 2010 35i today!

It was a VERY long day, and a remarkably ironic/funny/coincidence story between the two dealers. I'll have to write up a full report tomorrow or Saturday.

The ticking sound was definitely there in person upon cold start -- but not as tinny as it is in the video.. and it was much less reduced once warmed up after a test drive, but still there.

Thanks for everyone's answers to all my noob questions!

But I have one super important question I haven't been able to figure out -- Where in the heck can you plug in a radar detector??? I could only find one socket in the armrest, and that's not going to work.

01-11-2012, 07:00 PM	#1
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Does this engine sound normal? It's a 2010 35i. It might have been just started (cold). see video: If I didn't know any better, it has some valve tap. The car only has 8k miles on it though. Just want to see if that slight tapping sound is normal. I'll likely be buying this car tomorrow. Thanks.
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01-11-2012, 07:08 PM	#2
jparnes1 Colonel 248 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Not normal. Doesn't sound like mine __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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01-11-2012, 08:17 PM	#3
Jayda Lieutenant 41 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	I would have to say mine doesn't sound like that on start up. It does sound like it has a tapping sound. Is the car from a BMW dealer? __________________ 2009 Z4 35i, alpine white with beige leather and all the goodies (new to me with 4,500 miles in October, 2011)
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01-11-2012, 08:24 PM	#4
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	No, it's not from a BMW dealer, unfortunately.
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01-11-2012, 08:32 PM	#5
Jayda Lieutenant 41 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	The car is still under factory warranty if it is 2010. I would swing it by BMW before you buy it (if possible). If anything mine revs very slightly higher on start up and quickly settles into a "tap-less" idle. __________________ 2009 Z4 35i, alpine white with beige leather and all the goodies (new to me with 4,500 miles in October, 2011)
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01-11-2012, 08:40 PM	#6
RichysBlk35i Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW Z435i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Orange County, Ca. iTrader: (0)	I would have to say it does not sound like mine either. BUT, when you record with a phone, it tends to amplify some sounds more than others. It could be the injectors. Direct injection tends to have a soft ticking sound. Very hard to tell. Where is this car? Who is selling it? Will they let you have it checked over by BMW BEFORE you buy? Not to degrade the car, but for someone selling a nice car like ours, it looks pretty dirty! It looks like it just got back from a very long trip. See if you can have it checked first. Any reputable dealer or person would let you do that. Be cautious!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-11-2012, 10:00 PM	#14
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	This guy has a similar tapping and the wastegate rattle.
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01-11-2012, 11:59 PM	#15
ChuckB Lieutenant 18 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2020 X2 2.0i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hockenheim, Germany (APO) iTrader: (0)	Reading the other posts, it appears that they are talking about the E85/86 (Dates listed are 2006-2008), suspect this is some Vanos noise, some of which is normal. Did you get the car to fully warm up (oil above 80C) ? Did you check check the oil level - these motors are a bit sensitive on oil level, and will burn a bit if it gets into the upper half of the tach (which is where it also seems to work best). I would also note that on which ever car you get not to close the trunk like a normal trunk lid, push it gently closed and let the electric pull down finish its job.
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01-12-2012, 06:48 AM	#17
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I saw the trunk thing to. That's the same goon who was revving the engine at the start of the video, which really made me cringe. I have no idea how soon after starting he did that, or how cold the engine was.. but geeze -- stop revving the engine -- I'm not racing you.
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01-12-2012, 08:58 AM	#18
az34 Major 54 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2009 z4sdrive35i 2008 x5 3.0i Join Date: May 2011 Location: montréal iTrader: (0)	listening to an engine sound on a PC is not the best way to diagnose a problem, i did it twice and i dont think its sound different than mine, but ounce again its not like live listening.
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01-12-2012, 06:07 PM	#19
2gumby not so pokey 1 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 35i, Orion Silver Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	Original Video @ 1:46. Note temp gauge, definitely a cold engine!
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01-12-2012, 07:56 PM	#21
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	SOunds exactly like mine. I checked another in the dealership a year ago and it sounded the same. Dont know if its true but they said it was injector noise and perfectly normal. __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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01-12-2012, 10:27 PM	#22
HenryHank Private 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Sooooo... I bought the 2010 35i today! It was a VERY long day, and a remarkably ironic/funny/coincidence story between the two dealers. I'll have to write up a full report tomorrow or Saturday. The ticking sound was definitely there in person upon cold start -- but not as tinny as it is in the video.. and it was much less reduced once warmed up after a test drive, but still there. Thanks for everyone's answers to all my noob questions! But I have one super important question I haven't been able to figure out -- Where in the heck can you plug in a radar detector??? I could only find one socket in the armrest, and that's not going to work.
	Appreciate 0 Quote