Author Topic: Strange engine noise, please help (Read 8261 times)

e30Andym42 · « **on:** March 18, 2008, 02:46:45 PM »

Hey, I'm Andy, I recently bought my 1991 BMW 318is with 98,000 miles on it. It is in extremely good shape aside from a very minute engine oil leak (one drop may hit the ground once a week or less). When I got it, quite a few hoses were cracked and worn, and I have replaced the ones I have noticed in the air intake system, which include the large rubber air intake hose that goes from the mass air flow sensor to the intake manifold, the hose that is connected to that one that travels under the intake manifold (which didn't hook up correctly at first because I didn't realize I had re-installed the air filter housing incorrectly after I replaced the filter.....and made an idiot decision to attempt to improvise to make it connect, and ran the car 2 times before I fixed the air filter housing's placement. Before I did fixed this, my car ran like crap and couldn't hold a steady idle, but the second time I started it with a new improvisation, the idle seemed fine, so i drove it around the block and it basically died every time i stepped on the clutch long enough to return to idle), and one that connects from the front of the engine to under the intake manifold. Their part numbers are 13-71-1-734-385, 13-41-1-721-909, and 11-15-1-717-858. Now the car runs perfect, or so I think, except for this noise that the engine makes which I believe to be coming out from under the valve cover. Unfortunately, I can't remember if the car made this noise before I bought it or not. I made a video of the car making this noise, which it does at all times, regardless of temperature. Any help is greatly appreciated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWIny3cKHrg

pbgd3skier · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2008, 02:57:02 PM »

I would consider the timing chain tensioner... that is always a possibility.

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2008, 03:01:58 PM »

thats the timing chain tensioner. I know , I just changed mine last tues and she made the same sound for about a minute. sounds like a diesel right? you need to replace it as soon as possible. try bavarian autosport http://www.bavauto.com ok. they have all the parts you need. good luck!

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2008, 06:09:11 PM »

thx alot

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2008, 01:39:03 PM »

ok now I have a problem...I called up the dealer and told them I need a timing chain tensioner, they said, "which one?"....So thats my question, do I need the rail or the cylindrical type thing? This is beyond me >.<

Paul Strefling · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2008, 02:21:59 PM »

You want the chain tensioner piston: 11311743187

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2008, 03:10:45 PM »

ok thank god...thats what i got...thx

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2008, 07:00:11 PM »

replaced the tensioner now...but after reading some topics, i fear for my timing chain. i definitely dnt want it to cause any problems. i didn't take the valve cover off or anything during the tensioner job, so i have no clue what condition my timing chain parts are in. during my next oil change in about 3,000 miles...roughly a year maybe, i'm going to pull the pan to check for loose bolts, etc. i'll check for bits of the chain in the pan at that time, but at 99,600 miles, what risk do i run of replacing the tensioner and not doing anything to the timing chain components. in other words, is replacing the timing chain tensioner on a 17 year old, 99,600 mile timing chain a problem?

nickolas · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2008, 01:48:20 PM »

Had the same noise a week ago show up, did the research and concluded that it was the tensioner. Replaced the tensioner and the sound stopped briefly and then was back again, I tried to get the car home and I did not make it. I have the car at the shop, but am assuming the top end is $#%^@$. So it may be the end of my 318IC days.....It sounded eaxactly like the video clip....I got rid of my 325ic because I drive a lot and was always worried about the timing belt....did have faith in the chain....but got me in the end. The car only has 120K on it....so I guess it may have been neglected before I bought it!

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:30:49 PM »

Ok now I'm scared sh1tl3ss. The noise has come back as far as i can tell. The car has been sitting for somewhere around a month now, the last time I drove it I got 2 tickets, and then it sat in my driveway, and was started here and there to move it about the garage in the past week. The valence job is finally done, and I started it to put it back in its spot, and I did so, and let it run for a bit to charge the battery a small amount and to get rid of some of the carbon deposits. I came back outside and sat in my car, and revved it a few times mainly because i missed the joy of driving it. Not sure at which point the noise started, but the car was now warmed up for a while, and I could tell the timing chain was noisy again. I don't know what to think at this point, possibly due to the fact that my brain doesn't want to consider the expense and the large, complicated chore of replacing the timing chain, guide rails, etc. Please tell me this is not the next repair I'll be doing on the car

. Just as I get a taste of a completely fixed car......

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2008, 10:20:37 PM »

maybe its not chain related? hydrolifters? bearings?
i dont want to scare you, but maybe you could post another video so we can hear that sound? or is it exactly the same sound as your original post?

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 05, 2008, 02:40:16 PM »

I'll try to snag the camera and post another video, oh and after another startup to help identify the situation with the noise, I've come up with that it only sounds if the engine is warmed up. When the engine is started cold, it sounds completely normal, as far as I know what that sounds like, and the noise gradually becomes more noticeable and louder as the engine warms up. When fully warmed up, the noise sounds fairly similar if not exactly the same as before I changed the tensioner, but a fair amount quieter. I can't tell exactly, I haven't had a large amount of experience with any engine, and I've had no experience with engines that consist of a timing chain. I'll try to take a video of the engine when cold and when its warmed up.

tjts1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 05, 2008, 02:58:47 PM »

Drop your lower oil pan. Its quick and easy to check the bolts. Don't wait a year. Also, stop buying parts from the dealer. Ur paying too much.

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 05, 2008, 03:13:35 PM »

How on earth am I supposed to obtain a timing chain tensioner for my 318is without going to the dealer? And clips for the front lip? And some hoses? Don't quite follow you there...anyways, I noticed that I have a problem getting a couple videos and something that really frustrates me. I am on a tight time schedule right now, and whenever I am in this scenario I am doomed to extreme frustration (when I can't find something in a small amount of time). The point is, I can't find the camera and HOW FORTUNATE that nobody in the family knows where it is. :mad: I have the crappy piece of crap camera that sucks and cant make videos, a camera that is o.k. in quality, but no cord to connect it to the computer, and the cord to connect the good camera I can't find. I am growing increasingly irritated with the lack of organization around here!

shutter · « **Reply #14 on:** May 05, 2008, 03:24:02 PM »

http://bmaparts.com/

Talk to Patrick, and make sure to get your m42club.com discount

There are other parts places on the web and elsewhere as well.

From what I remember, you were getting really bad chain noise. Tensioner is probably not going to cut it, you'll probably have to do the same thing. Did you pull the valve cover to check the sprockets and/or drop the pan to look for carnage?

Edit: meant whole thing, not same thing.