Engine Ticking / Bearings / Oil (Must Read)

[ChrisK]

So I figured out how to stop the infamous engine ticking, but what I can't figure out is the direct cause.

My car has that subtle occasional tick when the engine is hot (210F) like everyone else. See the video below.

Of course we all think bearings!

This is what I found: I added a 1/3 of qt of oil to the car (I have 24k on the car) after reading another thread, and the sound is gone. I have about 5.4k on the oil. (My last Blackstone report looked picture perfect). The last time I had the oil changed I thought the ticking seemed to disappear as well.

The car is at the dealer today, and I am getting the oil changed.

My hypothesis is this: The ticking is always there, we just can't hear it until the oil ages.

So is this normal or not? Is the oil the culprit or the oil pump or is it still bearings?

Note: If you live in a moderate/cool climate, you may never hear the tick.

Read in this post about changing the oil and the ticking: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=oil+pump+tick

[duk]

I don't know... that ticking does not sound normal.

[PerfM5]

That doesn't sound normal bud

[W///]

That doesn't sound normal to me at all. That to me sounds like rod bearings to be completely honest. The fact that it's not rhythmic makes me believe it's also rod bearings. I'll let the engine gurus chime in though. Can you please share the last oil report?

FYI, I live in hot climate, have been low on oil, and have never heard ticking that loud on my car.

[thekurgan]

Have you checked any of your pulleys/tensioners for clicking? HVAC wasn't running when this was made I take it, so the A/C compressor failing wouldn't be contributing to this sound. To be honest, the video doesn't sound to me like bearings, those usually sound like baseball cards in a wheel spoke, the pitch is different, but this could be the recording device.

[radiantm3]

Yea I don't think that ticking is directly related to how much oil you have or how old the oil is. But as other have stated, that's definitely not normal ticking. Sounds exactly like mine did (under the same load) right before BMW replaced my bearings. I'm assuming your car is fully warmed up in that video as well? I only got the ticking when my car was fully warmed up. These days I make sure my oil is always topped off as well.

[nusevad]

whats the year and mileage of your car?

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

whats the year and mileage of your car?

Don't think that really matters much. My 2011.5 had the same issue at 16k miles.

[nusevad]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Don't think that really matters much. My 2011.5 had the same issue at 16k miles.

when bmw replaced your bears at 11K were they really worn down? could it be from your track runs?

[ChrisK]

I just find it strange that the oil affects this. I would think a bad bearing sound would not be affected by my oil being new or having 5k on it?

[sgrinavi]

My 2011 doesn't tick like that, If it did I would trade it in fast.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

when bmw replaced your bears at 11K were they really worn down? could it be from your track runs?

This was before I did my first track day ever. In fact I my first track event scheduled and had to cancel it because of this issue.

[ManAndMachine]

Not normal at all,definitely have shop foreman investigate the noise.Good luck.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I just find it strange that the oil affects this. I would think a bad bearing sound would not be affected by my oil being new or having 5k on it?

Sounds nok !
Never heard this on my engine ! And my ears are always open to hear strange noises like bearing failures ect... !
Like i just said this sounds(video) not normal to me, when this was my car...
1-Stop driving ! (no risks) !
2-Call BMW/Dealer and that ASAP !
I'm also curious to know what oil and type you are using ?
Good luck man ! And keep us posted about your problem !

[BAMFM3]

That sound would freak me the hell out...bring it to the stealer!

[MTM]

Let us know what you find out if you go to the dealer...but I am betting they will say nothing is wrong. It could be that my computer speakers were not that good, but it did not sound overly worrisome to me.

[Sered]

Run a oil sample to Blackstone. If its a bearing, it'll be very obvious.

[Leonardo629]

Your latest blackstone oil report looked fine, copper and aluminum are in line (new bearings are mostly copper and aluminum according to regular guy) so why are you worrying yourself?

Did you wake up one morning and decide to look for the ticking sound or did the sound just suddenly occur with the bearing issues getting blown out of proportion?

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

Your latest blackstone oil report looked fine, copper and aluminum are in line (new bearings are mostly copper and aluminum according to regular guy) so why are you worrying yourself?

Did you wake up one morning and decide to look for the ticking sound or did the sound just suddenly occur with the bearing issues getting blown out of proportion?

My warr. is almost up, and I don't think I should have to buy an extended warr. on a car I meticulously maintained and didn't abuse.

I'll send my oil out again and see the numbers.

[coloradoe92m3]

You change sparks recently? My sparks were not tight enough and had that sound. When I replaced I tightened to spec and was gone

[ChrisK]

Haven't touched the spark plugs, but I may check them.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

My warr. is almost up, and I don't think I should have to buy an extended warr. on a car I meticulously maintained and didn't abuse.

I'll send my oil out again and see the numbers.

Unfortunately, things like throttle actuator, hvac evap, and in a few cases rod bearings fail regardless of how well a car is maintained. Its up to you of course but it is worth considering an extended warranty.