'02 318 Idle / 1500rpm Engine Rattle

[matrhos]

Hi All!

My 318 (the newer 2 litre valvetronic engine) has developed an annoying engine rattle between idle and about 1600RPM. It happens when accelerating in any gear around those engine revs and a little bit at idle.

It sounds like a cross between an old diesel engine clatter and something vibrating. I can't hear the noise from outside the car, only from the inside!?!

Anyone got any thoughts on this? Sound like a heatshield or something more sinister? My car has done almost 100k, but has been looked after and serviced well.

Thanks for any help, guys!
Mat.

[2001BMW325xi]

Did you looke under the hood with the engine running? Can you hear the noise/rattle? If its more prominent insid the car i would first check for things in the glove box or under dash......things left and forgotten long ago can rattle with the engine's vibration... ....has happened before. Is your A/c system on when the rattles come on...try turning it off an see.....could be the fan?

[storme]

sounds like the VANOS

[matrhos]

Thanks for replies.

I have looked under the hood whilst the engine has been running, but not been able to hear anything unusual. When I tap the accelerator whilst listening to the engine with the hood open it sounds quite normal. I've also checked for loose things inside the cabin but found nothing. The sound is the same with aircon on or off.

What is the VANOS? What can go wrong with it? If it is the VANOS, is that an expensive fix?