Engine valves tapping 550xi

Grizzles · 03-01-2011, 06:37 PM

Is it normal to have valves tapping?
The sound is slight but noticible.

Needsdecaf · 03-01-2011, 07:55 PM

Are you sure it's valves tapping and not the sound of the direct injection injectors? They make a clicking noise. Quite loud.

gatoman39 · 03-01-2011, 10:10 PM

I concur, sounds like tapping, but I think it's the injectors can't hear it if you're in the car, but if you're outside it's quite audible.

Grizzles · 03-01-2011, 10:30 PM

Sounds reasonable, i wonder if there is any documentation on it.

Jon D · 03-02-2011, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Are you sure it's valves tapping and not the sound of the direct injection injectors? They make a clicking noise. Quite loud.

Agreed, modern high-pressure injectors do sound a bit like excessive valve clearance in older engines, but it's quite normal so don't worry.

Needsdecaf · 03-02-2011, 10:12 AM

Anyone here think that their 535i sounds much like a modern diesel at idle and low revs? Between the injector clicking and kind of that muted growl, it kind of does to me.

gatoman39 · 03-02-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Anyone here think that their 535i sounds much like a modern diesel at idle and low revs? Between the injector clicking and kind of that muted growl, it kind of does to me.

Agreed. It's more pronounced when @ cold start, but like you said it's only at idle and low revs. And you have to be listening for it, or outside of the vehicle. Otherwise the engine and car in general is absolutely smooth and quiet. When you select sport mode the growl from the drivetrain is a very nice sound, like the car woke up. Not as visceral as a V8, but still really aurally pleasant.

1HOT BMR · 03-02-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Anyone here think that their 535i sounds much like a modern diesel at idle and low revs? Between the injector clicking and kind of that muted growl, it kind of does to me.

Same with the 550i - it does sound like a diesel at idle. It does not sound like the wonderful and powerful motor that it is and I think that even if one changes the exhaust system it would still sound wimpy because of the turbos right next to the exhaust valves just waiting to pick up the energy and muffle the sound.

For the sound of a real V8 please go here

:

Alex170177 · 03-22-2011, 10:44 PM

I'm quite sure it's the direct injection. My F10 makes the tap tap noise and the same for my prior car, that also had direct fuel injection

BestManWins · 03-25-2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Anyone here think that their 535i sounds much like a modern diesel at idle and low revs? Between the injector clicking and kind of that muted growl, it kind of does to me.

+1. It does really sound like a diesel

FG · 03-26-2011, 09:55 AM

I'll buy the explanation for the tapping sound coming from the injectors, but the second sound is more of a knocking and that's what I would say is creating that diesel like sound.
I want this rough knocking sound fixed and will continue to pursue with BMW and the dealer. Don't think it's normal nor should it be acceptable for a car in this class. It's actually embarassing to have a new car sound like an old diesel with 200K miles on it.

03-01-2011, 06:37 PM	#1
Grizzles Lieutenant 34 Rep 428 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 M Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NNJ iTrader: (0)	Engine valves tapping 550xi Is it normal to have valves tapping? The sound is slight but noticible.
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03-01-2011, 07:55 PM	#2
Needsdecaf Major General 6516 Rep 6,662 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	Are you sure it's valves tapping and not the sound of the direct injection injectors? They make a clicking noise. Quite loud.
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03-01-2011, 10:10 PM	#3
gatoman39 Major 116 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E92 335i M Sport [1.00]	I concur, sounds like tapping, but I think it's the injectors can't hear it if you're in the car, but if you're outside it's quite audible. __________________
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03-01-2011, 10:30 PM	#4
Grizzles Lieutenant 34 Rep 428 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 M Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NNJ iTrader: (0)	Sounds reasonable, i wonder if there is any documentation on it.
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03-02-2011, 10:12 AM	#6
Needsdecaf Major General 6516 Rep 6,662 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	Anyone here think that their 535i sounds much like a modern diesel at idle and low revs? Between the injector clicking and kind of that muted growl, it kind of does to me.
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03-22-2011, 10:44 PM	#9
Alex170177 New Member 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Merc C63 AMG Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Brazil-Rio iTrader: (0)	I'm quite sure it's the direct injection. My F10 makes the tap tap noise and the same for my prior car, that also had direct fuel injection
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03-26-2011, 09:55 AM	#11
FG New Member 1 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	I'll buy the explanation for the tapping sound coming from the injectors, but the second sound is more of a knocking and that's what I would say is creating that diesel like sound. I want this rough knocking sound fixed and will continue to pursue with BMW and the dealer. Don't think it's normal nor should it be acceptable for a car in this class. It's actually embarassing to have a new car sound like an old diesel with 200K miles on it.
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