Solve: F8X M3/M4 Cold Start engine click/tick/knock sound

[danyalsworld]

aptwave lmk updates please 🙏🏻 have the same noise for my 2018 f80 comp. Let me know how much it costed aswell if you don’t mind since I’m not under warranty. Appreciate it

[danyalsworld]

G35POPPEDMYCHERRY So you think it’s normal? Won’t affect the car in any way? How long has your car had this noise? Anything to be concerned bout?

[spidy512]

Originally Posted by danyalsworld

G35POPPEDMYCHERRY So you think it’s normal? Won’t affect the car in any way? How long has your car had this noise? Anything to be concerned bout?

Yo.

Seeing how concerned you are about this, I would take it to a reputable indy and have them fix it. The cost could be all over the place depending on who you take it to. But maybe I can provide an example that is close.

Someone mentioned it should cost as much as a valve cover gasket replacement plus a bit more time labor wise. Since you are in there you should probably replace the plugs and coils, and any other seals, etc. that make sense while the VC is off and all the accessories are pulled off the top end. This is also a good time to do the charge pipes/intakes if you are looking to upgrade/replace those.

I just had my VC replaced and it cost about $2k (about average in my research. Dealer wanted $3.5k) done by my trusted indy. So I would budget for more like $3k for spill room and any extra needed parts. My car does not make this noise, so I cannot speak too the extra time and cost for torquing the cam.

In the meantime, history has shown that this has been mostly a noise without much concequence. Apparently even when the car has been tracked frequently. I personally would not wait to get it fixed as it clearly not a normal tick. But that is of course a subjective opinion, and I don't think your car is going to blow up.

I also agree with G35POPPEDMYCHERRY, in that we live in this disposable society these days. I watched it first hand at the Audi dealership I worked at for a month last year. Modern mechanics are not that great, and only a few good ones bubble to the top now and again. They are mostly angry young guys who could care less about you and your safety let alone hard earned money. Find a reputable, trust worthy mechanic and create a relationship. It takes time, but they are out there.

Cheers!
josh

[danyalsworld]

spidy512 Thank you Josh🙏🏻, That read actually made me understand more about this. Yea I will look into finding a good mechanic to get all this fixed. Appreciate you a ton brother

[Agustinmk]

Originally Posted by iDriftYou

Mine was getting pretty bad. I retorqured the exhaust cam when I did my valve cover, pretty simple job just have to remove injectors and buckets but no need to set timing, simple break bolts loose in sequence and retorqe and sound is completely gone.

Hi iDriftYou… I have searched countless hours for solutions for this issue and I believe that you are the only one that has fixed it yourself.

Would you kindly share with us the correct bolt torques as well as any recommendations for this procedure?

[Graves]

Had my exhaust camshaft replaced yesterday because of a metallic knocking noise and the noise is gone. However, the camshaft, alley way, and cam followers were all fine. Very weird. Bolts were all still tight so I’m not sure what was up with it, but everything was in pristine condition.

[flo93100]

I think the problem is the bolt are too much tight

[danyalsworld]

Graves how much did the repair cost? And how long did u drive the car with the ticking noise ?

[Graves]

Originally Posted by danyalsworld

Graves how much did the repair cost? And how long did u drive the car with the ticking noise ?

I continued beating on the car the entire time. Parts was about $1,500, labor was $1,500.

[danyalsworld]

Graves appreciate you bro, you’ve been hella helpful 🙏🏻 wishing all the best

[Graves]

Originally Posted by danyalsworld

Graves appreciate you bro, you’ve been hella helpful 🙏🏻 wishing all the best

I would try the above fix before going my route. My original cam and alley way were perfect. I just did the switch for peace of mind, but I don’t think it was necessary. Save you a bunch of money and time. Otherwise check out Turner Motorsports for the parts.

[TTM0TION]

Pretty sure mine does this bit only when it’s cold outside.

What’s the general consensus, worth fixing or not a big deal?

[danyalsworld]

Graves meaning retorquing can shaft method? Honestly I’m hearing so many say it’s so common so I might just let it ride out until I see/hear something wrong

[TR930]

I had bolts retorqued. Sound is gone on cold startup.

[danyalsworld]

TR930 how much did it cost if you don’t mind me asking?

[TR930]

Originally Posted by danyalsworld

TR930 how much did it cost if you don’t mind me asking?

3 grand approx.

[JGbim4]

Originally Posted by danyalsworld

TR930 how much did it cost if you don’t mind me asking?

Hey not sure if you went through with the fix. I’ve had this noise for quite some time. It would be intermittent but annoying as hell especially under load. Finally went to my Indy shop and I showed them what was happening. They immediately knew it was the exhaust cam shaft. They removed the valve cover and inspected everything from the top. Came shaft was still good. The bottom ledge, which is what was causing the noise was a bit loose. Everything was torqued down (with correct specs) and timed. Engine is sounding just fine now. 2k for the job.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by TR930

3 grand approx.

3 grand?

I had the exhaust cam checked, all the cap bolts replaced (15 off) and re torqued for 4 hours labour (£380) and about £200 parts by the BMW specialist I use.

Tie it in with a spark plug change as that is easy when stripping down the top end for this job.

You can't re-use existing cam bolts as they're single use TTY and they stretch, once used they're scrap and will probably snap in due course if they are stretched a second time.

[Bescacho]

2020 M2C here. Had the exact same sound and the dealer fixed it following the PUMA case #64203791-02. Basically they tightening the exhaust cam shaft. No more knocking sound.

[BIGJONESUS]

I purchased 15’ M4, same issue. 30k miles car was very well maintained in garage. Any thoughts or experiences with obtaining coverage for issue under third party extended service contract?

[killerbeez]

Also adding to this old thread. Anyone that's done this have some direction or DIY advice, etc.?
I have managed to do my most my own stuff, but I usually follow some kind of guide :P. really want to try this to see if this is my rattle.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by killerbeez

Also adding to this old thread. Anyone that's done this have some direction or DIY advice, etc.?
I have managed to do my most my own stuff, but I usually follow some kind of guide :P. really want to try this to see if this is my rattle.

You could follow any youtube guide to get the valve cover off, then remove and replace and re-set the 15 off exhaust cam ledge bolts one at a time.

They are TTY (stretch) bolts so have to be replaced. (8nm +60deg I read but now TIS is gone I don't know).

Then reverse to put the cover back. Cam cover needs a rubber seal in a groove underneath which can be tricky to keep in the cover as it wants to fall out, and slight nick in that and it will leak.