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Your BMW needs the best treatment, especially when it starts producing strange noises. There are certain sounds that are not normal and should be taken seriously; one of them is a ticking noise in the engine, also known as a ‘lifter tick’. Let’s take an in-depth look at what this is, why it happens, and how to get it fixed before it gets worse.
What Is BMW Lifter Tick?
The tick sound you hear is produced by your engine lifters which are small components of your car’s valve system. Lifters assist in regulating the intake and exhaust of the engine’s valves and operate them with great precision so the right amount of mixture of air/fuels enters the engine and the correct expulsion of the exhaust product. Lifters are important parts of an engine and when not working correctly, the performance of the engine is compromised.
When these lifters don’t function properly, they produce a ticking sound that is loudest when you idle your car or during a cold start. The noise is mostly low when it starts to malfunction, but this can turn into a louder or persisting noise if you do not fix the problem. A lifter tick isn’t necessarily an indicator of a major engine failure, but it is a problem that should not be overlooked.
What Makes the Lifter Tick in a BMW?
- Low or Dirty Engine Oil: Lifters are lubricated by the engine oil so the oil needs to always be in the correct amount. If the oil level is left low, the lifters may not receive sufficient amounts of lubrication leading to that ticking sound that you hear. Likewise, an old or contaminated oil that has lost its efficiency will make the lifters noisy. This is a common problem, especially if the car has not been for an oil change for a long time.
- Air in the Hydraulic Lifters: BMW engines are widely known to incorporate hydraulic lifters that merely rely on oil pressure to work correctly. When air is trapped in the lifters, the oil flow is interfered with and this makes the lifters noisy. This is another common reason for the ticking sound you hear.
- Incorrect Oil Viscosity: It is important not to use the wrong oil for your BMW as it may cause some issues. Having the wrong viscosity not only leads to poor lubrication but also makes the lifters noisy. The thickness of the oil and the quality must always meet the standard of BMW before you use it in your engine.
How Can BMW Lifter Tick Be Fixed?
- Check and Change the Oil: The first thing is to ensure you check the engine oil. Sometimes, if the level is low, then, adding some more to it could solve the problem. But, if the oil is dirty, then it is going to need a complete oil change. Lifter tick that is attributed to issues of lubrication can be eradicated by using BMW recommended high-quality oil.
- Bleed the Hydraulic Lifters: If air gets into the hydraulic lifters, bleeding them will remove the air and correct the problem. This process involves taking the engine through some specific speeds in order to allow the air trapped to escape.
- Replace Worn Lifters: If the lifters are badly worn or damaged beyond repair, then the only solution is to replace them. Although this is a bit cumbersome it will help eliminate the ticking sound from returning again. The worn lifters also need to be replaced to avoid further straining of your engine.
- Replace Related Components: A ticking sound can be an indication of other problems such as; a faulty camshaft, bad rocker arms, or a bad timing chain. A close examination of these parts might show if their damage is likely to have contributed to the ticking problem.
Why Should You Bring Your BMW to MotorHaus For Repairs?
MotorHaus in West Palm Beach, FL is familiar with BMW repairs and maintenance. We have trained professional technicians who have been working on BMWs for several years and always apply the current technology to service your car. Regardless of the problem you’re facing – lifter tick or any other – you can count on us to offer a workable and effective fix. Call us now to restore the quiet driving of your BMW!
* BMW X3 sDrive30i SUV image credit goes to: Different_Brian.
