Quote:
Originally Posted by bradleyland
I could have sworn that I heard my car make the valve clack noise the other day, but I just did a recording (with a good quality 25mm diaphragm condenser mic) and didn't hear it at all. I figured I'd provide the recording for you guys, so you have a point of reference (a baseline, really) for an M3 startup without the sound. Just in case anyone tries to tell you "it's perfectly normal".
The MP3 file is compressed at 192 kbps fixed bitrate, but I only have the (pretty crappy) LAME MP3 encoder, so I provided uncompressed formats if someone needs to do in-depth analysis. The WAV file should play on just about anything. The FLAC file is a "lossless" compressed format.
2013 M3 Startup MP3 format (433 KB)
2013 M3 Startup WAV format (1.6 MB)
2013 M3 Startup FLAC format (1.2 MB) |
Thing is, you may very well have heard it. It's intermittent for many, including me with both of my E90s. Absolutely does not happen on 100% of starts. OP in this thread has had numerous perfect cold starts while in the process of trying to resolve the issue. Next time yours sits for a chunk of time, take a close listen again.
Based upon all of the forum discussion on this topic, and all who have chimed in to say they've experienced, it can be reasonably concluded that it's not outside of the norm to have the noise. "Normal" as in what M expected? Can't say. Both of my E90s (separated by 2 model years and 25k miles) have it. If it was truly a rare issue, the chances of that I'd acquire 2 of the uniquely afflicted are slim to none. Others have also had two E9Xs with the issue.
Also can be reasonably concluded based upon the available data that it is not indicative of a near term or long term serious (or even minor) engine issue.
All of that said, I certainly hope we get confirmation on the Vanos cause. If so, what characteristics of the used Vanos are creating the noise, and are they in some way compromised?
Considering this occurs on cold starts, and most commonly after the vehicle sits for a while, I have a suspicion this is much to do about a lubrication issue...