Hey,
I'm a longtime viewer but my first question.
I currently own on a 2009 BMW 328i 6 cyl. Naturally aspirated...with 110k miles on it, and there is quite a worrying sound coming from it. It’s not lifter tick, because that comes from the valve cover. I can distinguish the two while it’s running. The sound I’m worried about is coming from slightly to the right (as you’re looking at the engine from the front) of the intake manifold. It basically sounds like a watch keeping time. It's like tick ( wait 1 second.....tick....1 sec.....tick.....
Sounds a lot like a click ..It’s a relatively slow ticking, compared to the lifters. I'm still not really sure, and would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so very much.
Well, … those cars do have few problems. Anyway, … my first guess: land an ear to a water pump and a thermostat assemblies. These may be just starting to fall apart. Use a stethoscope, or a long screwdriver. Probe around these two assemblies. This “thick" you are hearing may just be a precursor of a failure. Probe other parts, too. Dunno, … you have to find the source before things start really happening, … that’s all I can say. Good luck.
F.S., … quit BMW fetish c. 2004
I've suspected my N52 vacuum pump for noise. It's in that area, off the timing chain.