E36 M3 Ticking Noise from Engine (S52)

[mdepena]

I ran in the CDC AX this past weekend and noticed a ticking noise (valves/lifters?) after the first hard run and it continued throughout the day.

The sound went away the following day. What causes this to occur? Am I starving the engine of oil (oil level is normal) during the runs?

Any ideas or solutions, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Biggins]

It's normal; all 6-cyl BMWs 1992-2005 do it.

[glindsay]

On the street oil levels between full and even a quart low seem just fine.

However, during Autocross and track events, I run one quart high in my '99 M3. Specifically, I fill it to the the full notch on the dipstick and then add one more quart. Doing this, I have found the valve tick following Autocross runs and track sessions is gone.

[mcoupemindy]

Welcome to hydraulic lifters ... if you want to hear some goodness of the clank, clank they make - listen to my car after a run. It sounds closer to a VW TDI rather that a BMW engine - and it's completely normal.

[mdepena]

On the street oil levels between full and even a quart low seem just fine.

However, during Autocross and track events, I run one quart high in my '99 M3. Specifically, I fill it to the the full notch on the dipstick and then add one more quart. Doing this, I have found the valve tick following Autocross runs and track sessions is gone.

Doesn't this increase the oil pressure unnecessarily? How do you remove the excess oil after the run (besides draining it)?

[mdepena]

Also, glad to hear this is normal. I was a little worried.

I appreciate the feedback and advice. See you on Saturday in Bowie.

[mcoupemindy]

Doesn't this increase the oil pressure unnecessarily? How do you remove the excess oil after the run (besides draining it)?

Oil pressure is simply a measure of pump force and restriction until opening. Adding oil should not increase oil pressure (and high oil pressure should never be a concern - it's low pressure that's a worry point).

Oil capacity of the S52 is ~7 quarts. When I had my M3, I'd put 7.5 in consistently as to get the oil to the top line of the dipstick. There's no harm in filling to the maximum specified capacity.

Additionally, lifter tick is more affected by oil weight than the capacity. Depending on what oil you are running in your car currently, you may consider going up a step in weight.

[woodym3]

Some people feel not shutting off your engine after your run, and even upping the engine speed to ~ 2,500 rpm for a couple of minutes after the run will speed the return to an idle without the ticking.

[ronh21]

However, during Autocross and track events, I run one quart high in my '99 M3. Specifically, I fill it to the the full notch on the dipstick and then add one more quart. Doing this, I have found the valve tick following Autocross runs and track sessions is gone.

I do the same on my '95, which eliminates it much of the time.

Some people feel not shutting off your engine after your run, and even upping the engine speed to ~ 2,500 rpm for a couple of minutes after the run will speed the return to an idle without the ticking.

In my experience, the only way to stop it once it starts is to drive it normally for several minutes on the road. It seems like it will tap forever at idle once it starts. I don't worry about it. It's just a signal that you're really pushing it, and that's a good thing

[adam]

Some people feel not shutting off your engine after your run, and even upping the engine speed to ~ 2,500 rpm for a couple of minutes after the run will speed the return to an idle without the ticking.

I rev the engine to ~2500-3000 for a few minutes and that helps. I also overfill if I remember to bring oil - I run 5w30.

One thing that no1 has mentioned unless I miss it, is that the cars do become oil starved because there is no baffle in the oil pan, which only matters when you are cornering hard for an extended period of time. You could go all out and get baffles installed or get a lightweight m3 oil pan. Alternatively, the suggestions everyone else posted work.

-- Adam

EDIT: Wow didn't notice this was from August lol