[F32Huncho]

UPDATE: I contacted BMWNA and told them about my issue and asked for goodwill assistance. Got a phone call today from the SA at BMW of Columbia, they are going to cover 75% of the repairs. I was able to get the dealership I purchased it from to split the remaining 25% 50/50 just to make it right. I am not sure that we will ever know what caused the engine noise, but I am beyond grateful for BMW of Columbia, and BMWNA... they saved my ass.

Just an FYI the dealership I purchased the car from wouldn't even return my phone call. I only had the car for about 45 days, I was not looking for them to fork over any cash, or take the car back, but maybe offer to look at it themselves. They wouldn't even call me back. I learned a lesson.

I purchased a 2014 435, I've owned it for a couple months now and I've been noticing this "rattling" or ticking noise on occasion. I finally was able to reproduce the noise and record it. It only happens after the engine is warm between 1500-2000 RPMs and it doesn't even happen every time. It occurs with the AC on and the AC off, in all driving modes. There are already weights on the AC lines and in the video it seems like it's coming from the right side of the car.

I did get a DTC for the Fuel Tank Vent Valve (P0440), but I didn't assume these two could be related. I've done a lot of internet research and it seems like this issue has occurred with several N55s with a variety of associated reasons. Anyone care to listen in on the video and give a guess as to what it could be.

[thejeremyman9]

Is it RPM dependent within that range? You can get a mechanics stethoscope to more accurately pinpoint the location. Sounds like it could be valvetrain/top end.

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Is it RPM dependent within that range? You can get a mechanics stethoscope to more accurately pinpoint the location. Sounds like it could be valvetrain/top end.

What do you mean RPM dependent? The noise increases as the RPMs increase up to 3K-ish then the sound goes away completely. The dealership removed the valve cover, but couldn't find anything abnormal. Of course they are saying I need a new engine... I'm surprised they didn't use a stethoscope to pinpoint where it is exactly. It sounded top end to me, I'll have to check and see if it's audible from under the car.

[Billfitz]

You don't need an actual stethoscope. Use a piece of rubber hose. Stick one end in your ear, place the other end to find where the noise is loudest.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by F32Huncho

What do you mean RPM dependent? The noise increases as the RPMs increase up to 3K-ish then the sound goes away completely. The dealership removed the valve cover, but couldn't find anything abnormal. Of course they are saying I need a new engine... I'm surprised they didn't use a stethoscope to pinpoint where it is exactly. It sounded top end to me, I'll have to check and see if it's audible from under the car.

No you dont NEED one but they're $5 and a good tool to have: https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63691.html

Anyways, rpm dependent as in does the noise get faster as rpm increases. Which it sounds like it does. I assume you aren't under warranty... Maybe take it to an indy for diagnosis? I am not super familiar with the valvetronic issues than occur and if it could cause similar noises.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by F32Huncho

I purchased a 2014 435, I've owned it for a couple months now and I've been noticing this "rattling" or ticking noise on occasion. I finally was able to reproduce the noise and record it. It only happens after the engine is warm between 1500-2000 RPMs and it doesn't even happen every time. It occurs with the AC on and the AC off, in all driving modes. There are already weights on the AC lines and in the video it seems like it's coming from the right side of the car.

I did get a DTC for the Fuel Tank Vent Valve (P0440), but I didn't assume these two could be related. I've done a lot of internet research and it seems like this issue has occurred with several N55s with a variety of associated reasons. Anyone care to listen in on the video and give a guess as to what it could be.

https://youtu.be/I0nsGIlT3z8

Remote diagnostics are very difficult. Few questions:

What is the production date of your vehicle?
How many miles?
Oil change history?

N55 engines in a small percentage of 2013 model year F30s experienced premature connecting rod bearing wear. The symptomatic sound was however more subtle.

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Remote diagnostics are very difficult. Few questions:

What is the production date of your vehicle?
How many miles?
Oil change history?

N55 engines in a small percentage of 2013 model year F30s experienced premature connecting rod bearing wear. The symptomatic sound was however more subtle.

What is the production date of your vehicle? Didn't look before I dropped it off @ dealer
How many miles? 75846
Oil change history? every 10K miles

Update: The dealer said they saw what they believe is metal flakes in the oil they are pretty confident that it's gonna be a new engine even though, they can't say with confidence what the issue is. They removed the valve cover because they thought it was the top end, but then today said it's coming from the bottom end.

I spun a bearing in a Trailblazer SS I owned, and that thing knocked from the moment the engine started. This only makes that noise after the engine warms up, and only between 1500-2500 RPMs... and sometimes it doesn't even make it then.

Either way, I'll get the quote from the dealer and then one from an Indy and go from there. I'll keep you posted.

[cfm56d7b]

It could very well be a known problem with earlier N55 engines: excessive connecting rod bearing wear.

Thanks for the update. Please share the root cause once identified.

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

It could very well be a known problem with earlier N55 engines: excessive connecting rod bearing wear.

Thanks for the update. Please share the root cause once identified.

Right, I just don't understand why it wouldn't knock all the time if a rod bearing failed. There was another post where a X5 N55 owner had a similar issue, turned out to be an eccentric shaft.

This is the exact same noise, at the exact same RPM range. At this point it's either throw loads of cash at the diag, or just replace the engine. My only thing is, I want to know what it is so I can prevent it from happening again ya know.

[cfm56d7b]

Did you have a chance to price a slightly used engine?

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Did you have a chance to price a slightly used engine?

My SA priced one with 29K miles for $12K installed, my thinking on that I'd rather build one. None of that matters though, BMWNA swooped in and agreed to cover 75% Goodwill for a brand new engine. Not sure we will ever find out what went wrong with this one, but I am more than thankful for BMW of Columbia and BMWNA for assisting.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by F32Huncho

My SA priced one with 29K miles for $12K installed, my thinking on that I'd rather build one. None of that matters though, BMWNA swooped in and agreed to cover 75% Goodwill for a brand new engine. Not sure we will ever find out what went wrong with this one, but I am more than thankful for BMW of Columbia and BMWNA for assisting.

This is perhaps the best possible outcome. Congratulations. BMW NA deserves a special thanks for doing what's right for the customer. Thank you note is always a good thing.

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

This is perhaps the best possible outcome. Congratulations. BMW NA deserves a special thanks for doing what's right for the customer. Thank you note is always a good thing.

Done and done! I was more than appreciative of their responsiveness and customer service.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by F32Huncho

My SA priced one with 29K miles for $12K installed, my thinking on that I'd rather build one. None of that matters though, BMWNA swooped in and agreed to cover 75% Goodwill for a brand new engine. Not sure we will ever find out what went wrong with this one, but I am more than thankful for BMW of Columbia and BMWNA for assisting.

What the cost of the brand new engine - engine itself, and/or installed?

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

What the cost of the brand new engine - engine itself, and/or installed?

75% of the repair. Install and engine. Is that what you were asking?

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by F32Huncho

75% of the repair. Install and engine. Is that what you were asking?

I meant the $ amount, either for the engine itself (parts) or the total cost (parts + labor). Basically, i am curious what a "crate" N55 engine would cost brand new OEM.

[F32Huncho]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

I meant the $ amount, either for the engine itself (parts) or the total cost (parts + labor). Basically, i am curious what a "crate" N55 engine would cost brand new OEM.

I have not seen the cost breakdown, but the SA stated it was $21K in repairs with the engine being just under $19K. I read somewhere that it is a 15 flag hour service, so I guess that adds up.