318Ci tapping noise

forbz86

As anyone who clicks into my profile will learn, I generally only post when I need advice, and today is no different!!!

I drive a 2001 318Ci, roughly 105k miles on the clock, good service history that I kept up after I bought it two years ago.

However I have recently noticed a tapping noise when I start the engine from cold, usually first thing in the morning. This tapping gets quicker as I rev the engine and slows again as revs drop.
It only last at most a minute or two, and seems to go away as the engine heats up.


Am I in trouble here or could there be an easy fix?
I'm going to call to my mechanic when I get the chance early next week, but just wondering what you guys think.

As always, thanks in advance.

L-M

I've heard a good few of them do that and my 318 does the same

forbz86

Had it into my mechanic couple of days ago and he's fairly confident that its worn camshaft followers, so job getting done next week. I'll update if its sorted!

stewhyte

Could possibly be your chain and tensioner

Big Nasty

Sounds like a worn cam follower. Although could simply be sludgy oil not reaching the OHC on start up as it's cold, and sludgy. That would make sense as when the oil heats up it will become more viscous and flow more easily - hence the noise going out of the engine after a few mins. I would start with an oil change and if that doesn't sort it more work will be involved.

Big Nasty

Limerick man wrote: »

I've heard a good few of them do that and my 318 does the same

Most E30's have that 'tappity' sound at the best of times.