Tapping noise

[MLF540i]

So I just took my 00' e39 540i in to replace a clutch hose, coolant temp sensor, and to get the valve cover gaskets replaced. Once the mech finished up he started the car in front of me. It was fine for the first few minutes but shortly afterwards, a tapping noise was coming from the engine compartment, which was not present before I brought the car in. This was something they noticed earlier that day but, for some reason, didn't tell me about it. When I questioned them, they were uncertain of what the noise was. Now, after they re-did their valve cover job, it's still there. Does anyone have a clue as to what this could be? or how bad it is to drive the car with such a noise.

[lex71x]

same here with dying tensioner.

runs fine for a bit, then tap tap tap tap tap.

[MLF540i]

Originally Posted by lex71x

same here with dying tensioner.

runs fine for a bit, then tap tap tap tap tap.

so you have the same problem and it's because of a dying timing chain tensioner?

[marti5]

If you only use the car for small journeys this is the problem, take it for a good 100 mile round trip, highway if possible, all that happens is the valves get stick over time a good run will clear them, I have to do this once a month after the wife has been doing loads of stop / start trips to the shopping mall etc.

[biguglyfabrications.com]

timing case covers w/ the v/c/g's or just v/c/g's?