X3 valve tick

Optimus Prime · 03-30-2009, 11:10 AM

our 2008 X3 has had a valve tick since we picked it up. You can only hear it with the windows open, and I drive it so rarely I keep forgetting to call and make a service appointment, but I drove it yesterday and it bugged me enough that I'll remember to make an appointment today.

I seem to recall a few discussions about BMWs and valve tick. What should I know?

equ · 03-30-2009, 11:22 AM

It doesn't go away when it is warm? I hear it on my e90 330i all the time when it is cold (even up to 5-10 minutes). If you go on youtube or bimmerfest and look for n52 valve tick, there are some horror stories...

Optimus Prime · 03-30-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equ

It doesn't go away when it is warm? I hear it on my e90 330i all the time when it is cold (even up to 5-10 minutes). If you go on youtube or bimmerfest and look for n52 valve tick, there are some horror stories...

Sometimes it does, sometimes not. I don't drive it enough to have a good feel for it.

TD · 03-30-2009, 11:51 AM

Dumb question... Have you checked your oil level?

Optimus Prime · 03-30-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD

Dumb question... Have you checked your oil level?

you mean push the button and have the car check it electronically? Yes.

I don't like not having a dipstick. Although I don't think I ever looked for a dipstick on the X3. I just assumed it was like the e90 and didn't have a dipstick.

equ · 03-30-2009, 02:12 PM

I think the idea is that to have oil not medium but topped (not past obviously). This "should" give the valves/lifters a bit more oil...

03-30-2009, 11:10 AM	#1
Optimus Prime Carmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Golf TDi Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 3,283	X3 valve tick our 2008 X3 has had a valve tick since we picked it up. You can only hear it with the windows open, and I drive it so rarely I keep forgetting to call and make a service appointment, but I drove it yesterday and it bugged me enough that I'll remember to make an appointment today. I seem to recall a few discussions about BMWs and valve tick. What should I know? __________________ Jason

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
tick tick tick	zach	Technical Superiority	43	01-05-2007 03:43 PM
Wheel valve stems	FC	Car Talk	3	12-08-2006 02:18 PM
3 valve engines (as opposed to 4 valve designs..)	lemming	Car Talk	2	12-27-2004 10:16 PM
I did it! Completed the valve seal job!	FC	Car Talk	4	11-14-2003 09:13 AM

03-30-2009, 11:22 AM	#2
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	It doesn't go away when it is warm? I hear it on my e90 330i all the time when it is cold (even up to 5-10 minutes). If you go on youtube or bimmerfest and look for n52 valve tick, there are some horror stories...

03-30-2009, 11:51 AM	#4
TD Founder emeritus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 21,007	Dumb question... Have you checked your oil level?

03-30-2009, 02:12 PM	#6
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	I think the idea is that to have oil not medium but topped (not past obviously). This "should" give the valves/lifters a bit more oil...