3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
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the noise sounds like a ticking noise when the engine is idleing...im new to these cars so it might be normal but i wanted to see what is up with it....i also seem to be running rich (no check engine light though) it smells really strong out of the exhaust...i changed the plugs with bosch platinum plus 4's and put new coil packs in and its still the same and i pulled them out today and they all look the exact same...none wet etc...
you would think that it would run lean in fact it usually does run lean then the computer senses this then dumps what fuel it is getting all this without a check engine light
alright i pulled off the muffler where it unbolts after the cats and you can hear the ticking sound alot better....here is a video of the noise...everyone says misfire but i replaced the plugs and coil packs to no avail...help please!
alright i pulled off the muffler where it unbolts after the cats and you can hear the ticking sound alot better....here is a video of the noise...everyone says misfire but i replaced the plugs and coil packs to no avail...help please!
a bit black. I will start from checking the air filter and the AFM(air flow meter. Best way to clean an AFM is with a can of brake cleaner or carb cleaner.
then... if u haven't changed your 02 sensor yet, maybe it's time you did. 02 sensors are responsible for sensing the amount of air in exhaust and send the signals to the injection brain in order that ur engine can achieve a 14:7 gas-air ratio. Specs say they should be changed every 60,000 miles.
wrong plugs that are too cold a range can be another cause or rich exhaust-stick to factory specs. Aftermarket +4 & +2 platinums are nt compatible with european cars for some reason, even if Bosch makes 'em.
-whether ur car is OBD1 or OBD2, find someone to do a scan for u. it's cheaper to spend $20 on a scan than probing here and there in blind fashion.
-after all the above has been done, and u still have rich exhaust, start suspecting a defective AFM, or stuck in open injector/s.
a bit black. I will start from checking the air filter and the AFM(air flow meter. Best way to clean an AFM is with a can of brake cleaner or carb cleaner.
then... if u haven't changed your 02 sensor yet, maybe it's time you did. 02 sensors are responsible for sensing the amount of air in exhaust and send the signals to the injection brain in order that ur engine can achieve a 14:7 gas-air ratio. Specs say they should be changed every 60,000 miles.
wrong plugs that are too cold a range can be another cause or rich exhaust-stick to factory specs. Aftermarket +4 & +2 platinums are nt compatible with european cars for some reason, even if Bosch makes 'em.
-whether ur car is OBD1 or OBD2, find someone to do a scan for u. it's cheaper to spend $20 on a scan than probing here and there in blind fashion.
-after all the above has been done, and u still have rich exhaust, start suspecting a defective AFM, or stuck in open injector/s.
so whats with the ticking noise...i will deal with the running rich later im just trying to figure out what is with the ticking noise
ticking noise especially when amplified at the exhaust has got to be valves. If ur's is the kind that have the tappets, then you need to have the clearances set to factory specs.(i dnt know your yr & model, so i cnt give you the specs...)
If however, yours is the model that uses hydraulic lifters, then chances are it is a stuck lifter that causes the ticking. In some cases, u can correct this by adding some detergent oil additive to ur oil and driving it about 200miles(cumulatively of course).. the detergent in the oil will clean out the hydraulics.
OTHER THINGS THAT COME TO MIND:
1) low in oil/ wrong grade of oil
2) check oil pressure... ur pump might not be giving out the right pressure
3) check any heat shields for rattling ;-)
But tell me something... does the ticking increase in tempo when u accelerate? or is it a constant rhythm irregardless of RPM??? :-)
Last edited by darkhorse737; 05-29-2008 at 10:57 PM.
Reason: addendum
ticking noise especially when amplified at the exhaust has got to be valves. If ur's is the kind that have the tappets, then you need to have the clearances set to factory specs.(i dnt know your yr & model, so i cnt give you the specs...)
If however, yours is the model that uses hydraulic lifters, then chances are it is a stuck lifter that causes the ticking. In some cases, u can correct this by adding some detergent oil additive to ur oil and driving it about 200miles(cumulatively of course).. the detergent in the oil will clean out the hydraulics.
my car is a 93 325i with the 2.5l dohc..what is this detergent? know a name?
Detergent oil additive. u can try "MARVEL MYSTERY OIL" or "CD2" . there are other brands but these are my faves. the insides of my engine/s always look like new after treatment ;-)
Detergent oil additive. u can try "MARVEL MYSTERY OIL" or "CD2" . there are other brands but these are my faves. the insides of my engine/s always look like new after treatment ;-)
GOOD LUCK
is this stuff something you get at the auto parts store? does it just mix with the engine oil?
yes the ticking goes faster with higher engine rpm
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Running Rich/ Weird Exhaust Noise 
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