The Solution to that Annoying Ticking Noise From Your BMW’s Engine
With its sleek designs and quality craftsmanship, owning a BMW is the dream of many people around the world. After purchasing this renowned brand, owners expect this brand to last for many years.
When something goes wrong, like hearing a ticking noise coming from under the hood, many owners get nervous about the cause. There are several reasons you will hear a ticking sound coming from your BMW; most of them are serious indications of a problem that needs attention right away.
Major Causes of Ticking Sounds
Most drivers become accustomed to how their BMWs sound. If even a slight difference in noise comes from their car, such as the dreaded ticking sound, they will notice it right away. Let’s look at several reasons why your BMW is making this noise.
- Low Oil Level: Your BMW’s engine components use motor oil designed to keep the moving parts like the camshaft, rocker arms, and others lubricated and running efficiently. If your oil is low, there is not enough oil to lubricate all of the parts as they should be. When this happens, you may hear a ticking noise.
- Bad Oil Pump: Even if your car has plenty of oil, it needs your oil pump to have enough pressure to reach the top of your engine. Just as in having low oil, if the pump does not give enough pressure for proper lubrication, you may experience the ticking sound.
- Loose Lifter: A pure mechanical issue in your BMW engine that causes a ticking sound is a loose lifter. The lifter drives the intake and exhaust valves open as your engine runs. If the lifter becomes loose, it will tap the camshaft making the ticking noise.
If caught soon enough, the low oil and bad oil pump issues are a simple repair. A loose lifter, on the other hand, will require a major repair. If any of these sounds show in your BMW, have it serviced immediately by an expert BMW technician.
Other Minor Issues Causing a Ticking Sound
Outside of engine trouble, there are other problems with your BMW that will result in a ticking sound.
- Pulley Bearing: Your BMW’s drive belt runs on pulleys that turn vital components like the water pump, air conditioner, and oil pump. If one of these bearings is in bad shape but has not yet completely failed, it can make a ticking sound.
- Manifold Leak: The exhaust for your car is attached to the engine. If the manifold springs a leak, the expelled gases will make noise, which you may interpret as a ticking sound.
- Ventilation Valves: Valves like the PCV on your BMW release burned and harmless vapors out of your crankcase when relieving pressure. This release will sometimes make a ticking sound, and it is quite normal. However, this sound should be sporadic as it will only make noise when it releases the gas.
How to Solve Ticking Sounds in Your BMW
The most efficient way to solve the ticking sound noises in your BMW is to have your car taken in for its manufactured scheduled maintenance. Most of the issues discussed are discovered and prevented during these service times. Some people think they are saving money by skipping scheduled service. In the end, a major repair is in their future.
For example, if a lifter is loose, it can be found and corrected before a component breaks apart inside your engine and causes you thousands of dollars in repair costs. Another example is that low oil levels found during an oil change will trigger the technician to investigate whether your car is burning oil or has an easily fixed leak. The alternative is a seized engine when oil becomes too low to lubricate its parts.
Bring Your Ticking BMW to Us
If you find your BMW making a ticking noise, 
bring it to the experts in European imports. At Munich West, located in Decatur and Atlanta, GA, our trained and certified staff have years of experience in servicing and repairing high-end European cars like the BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and others.
Our team and advanced equipment will diagnose what’s causing the ticking noise in your BMW and correct the issue fast and with quality service. Contact us today to have your BMW serviced.
* BMW Car image credit goes to: Roman Stavila.
