530i m-tech 2002

I'm wondering if it was a pinking noise?  A light ticking noise that could be casued by faulty ignition system may sound like a tappety noise.  New coils would go someway to help a pinking problem but wouldn't explain why you are still getting the noise.

Were all 6 coil packs replaced?

There is no way that tappets can be mistaken for a fault with coils.

Andrew Rolland wrote: I'm wondering if it was a pinking noise?  A light ticking noise that could be casued by faulty ignition system may sound like a tappety noise.  New coils would go someway to help a pinking problem but wouldn't explain why you are still getting the noise. Were all 6 coil packs replaced? There is no way that tappets can be mistaken for a fault with coils.

So brought it back to the garage (and this went on for just under 3 months) and they plugged it in and it showed up that it was coil pack no 5 then from there I went back collected the car and one by one each time I picked it up it had to go back to get another coil pack done,so after all that the last time I brought it back they decided to reset the ecu and replace the tappets and said that noise was normal oh incidently they checked the oil leak and said that it was a loose nut in the sump,so they tightened it and it didnt leak oil while it was sitting in the forecourt.

I have noticed that while I have not been driving it does not constantly leak oil its just when the car is started or driven,im sure from the pressure the engine is under. So thats the whole palava!!!

Now the lad that came up and plugged it in for me said it sounded like a tappet needs to be replaced at the back??? But again he would have to go through the whole thing to find out,he seemed genuine enough as he did not charge for calling out to plug it in and he cleared the fault with the automatic transmission light that came on.

Anyhow I hope ye all dont think im just farting around on this forum,I am just trying to find out as many possabilities as to what the problem could be so that I am not ripped off where ever I end up bringing it to, to be sorted out.

I know what these garages are like when they think you do not have a clue what your talking about!! 

Im bilixed after all that

jetsetwilly2000 wrote: This tappety noise worries me - either they are just wrong/lying when they say it's normal, or it is normal.  You should be able to find out which by taking it somewhere else and asking them what they think - or by posting a .wav of the noise on here I guess.

I would agree with you. 

There was no need to mess about with the tappets if the engine mangement light came on.

I would get a second opinion on your car and certainly if you can make a mobile phone recording of your car engine sound and post it on here that would certainly help. I did that and someone on here got what was at fault.

The transmission warning light (your original reason for posting) will have come on as the engine was developing a fault and the transmission will have been upset at the input torque fluctuations from the engine missfiring from the dodgy coils.  I doubt very much that there is anything wrong with your transmission.

Mick525i wrote: Hi Samantha, Just saw this thread now. This sounds fishy to me..... Coil pack failed so lets replace the tappets... Dont think so....I have heard this diagnosis before but its wrong as far as I know. Get a second opinion. We need AutoFix's input here... Alan where are you?? As for the place you bought the car.... Are you sure of the history???? The M54 can rattle at start up with the wrong grade of oil and an oil treatment can help but as for replacing the tappets that sounds mad.... What ever sarsfield tell you get a second opinion. AC cars would be a good choice... Mick

Hey Mick.

I know what your saying its all sounding a bit mad alright.

I have decided when the car comes back "fixed" not taking it back till they sort it out properly I am going to sell her on....

I loose interest when a car starts to give trouble!!!

I still do not have it back yet its 3 weeks now.I checked the mileage and all that stuff on Cartel and according to their records all is correct.

If they do not sort it out this time round I might just get a Solicitor on to it..

Thanks for the info!  

I was going to say I didn't think flushing out BMW engines was recommended.

Doing something like this may damage sensitive hydraulic components in the engine like the Vanos units (variable valve timing hydraulic adjustment units) and tappets.

BMW do not even recommend the use of fuel additives like Redex etc. to clear out fuel injectors and the like