540i noisy lifter(?)

[primejoist]

Hi - I am new here. This is a great forum. I have a great new car.

I bought a 2000 540i A/T now w/ 49k mi. and have encountered a sound on startup (happens cold or hot) - a rapid tat-tat-tat-tat that quickly goes away. Sound comes and goes, very irregular. Very annoying. One of those sounds that makes me think maybe there is a larger problem.

First time to dealer he said a sticky lifter and new synthetic oil change seemed to get rid of it. Second visit he only heard it once and said that it was a "normal" sound, maybe Vanos pressurizing with oil (?). Last time at the dealer we couldn't make it happen at all, cold or hot. I still have BMW warranty till 100k or 4/01/06.

Oil pressure coming up doesn't make much sense to me. A theory I have is that the lifter, being cylindrical, may be just slightly worn out of round and that this makes noise when it periodically rotates around to the greatest worn gap.

Any other thoughts?

Any ideas on how to read/print service bulletins on line? Specifically TSB #'s 110101 (June '01) and 110697 (Dec '99). Both deal with similar sounding engine noises . . .

Other than this the car is an exhilirating pleasure to drive.

Thanks

[silverlea]

My 96 E39 had some clicking noises and it was the water pump on its way out,however i'm can't but help think you may have a worn camshaft lobe,or as you say a bad lifter.If it is a bad lifter (and they are hydraulic lifters)....it is more than a mornings job to fix it.It seems to be all dealers.....BMW or otherwise hate doing a warranty claim due to the fact that BMW Germany will have a set time that it allows to do a job like yours.They may only allow 10 hours labour and parts,when in fact the poor blokes at the BMW shop find it takes 19hours and parts,and therefore are out of pocket.I would press hard for a claim and get it fixed before it causes damage to the lifter bores or whatever the problem may be.
My car also has a slight click when it is cold as do many vechiles with hydraulic camshafts and lifters.
Let me know how it all turns out for you.

Good luck.

Silverlea.

[silverlea]

I wonder also if it would be a wise move to get the engine oil pressure checked.The pumping up of the hydraulic lifters is fully reliant on the engine oil pressure.If the main crank bearings are a bit sad on your engine you may actually have lower than normal pressure.......just a thought.........I'd be suprised if this was the case with your car with only 49000miles on.........but may be worth a check.

Chers again,
Silverlea.