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Metallic clanking sound on cold starts

Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 BMW
  • 1.6L
  • RWD
  • MANUAL
  • 72,000 MILES
I get a metallic clanking sound on cold starts. It lasts for up to a minute and is fine when the engine is warm and driving. If I drive for a few minutes then stop and restart the car I get no sound. I have had the timing chain tensioner replaced with no effect on the noise. I think it may either be the starter, oil related or valve lifters. Please advise!

Many thanks!
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 3:13 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,173 POSTS
Are you using the correct oil weight? Do you have an anti flow back filter?
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
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  • 8 POSTS
I have it serviced with an oil service each year. The last one was done 4 months ago. I can't remember if the noise was there before or not. I've read numerous things it can be - valve lifters, front pulley or starter motor. Does this sound logical? I would much rather it just be an oil issue! Thanks!
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,173 POSTS
Have you checked to make sure the oil is clean and full?
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 8:49 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes - there is no dipstick but the computer says the oil level is within the norms (higher end). I've looked in the engine and there appears to be no sludge. How high visibly should the oil be?
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,173 POSTS
If you have maintained the engine, it will be clean inside. Thus, it will be hard to see. Plus, the only 99.9% of the oil will be in the pan where you can't see it. From above, it will just look wet.

How long has it been since the oil was last changed? I am really questioning if the gauge is correct. Your description sounds like it is low and takes a few seconds to get pressure when started cold. Once the engine is warmed, the oil is already there, so you most likely wouldn't hear any noise on starting the vehicle.
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
That sounds pretty spot on. My last service including oil change was October 2013 so 6 months+ now. Recommend I get this done ASAP? Thanks for all your advice you've been extremely helpful
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,173 POSTS
I'm glad to help. I enjoy doing this. As far as the service, how many miles have you put on the vehicle since the last oil change?
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I reckon 3500-4000 miles maybe a few more. I've heard it's best to change around this time anyway?
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 AT 12:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I change my own at 3K miles. The detergent in the oil wears out and stops keeping things clean in the engine after around 3K miles. It's a cheap easy way to eliminate one potential problem, plus it's time to change it. I would give it a try and keep my fingers crossed that it eliminates the problem.
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hi. So I took the car to my local BMW independent garage. I've used them lots before and they are good. After changing the oil they said that the filter was dry. They are convinced it is the oil pump that is broken so oil is not getting to the engine as it should. They say it's a big job - 2 days and  600ish. I can't sell it in the state it's in really so will probably have to give it a shot! What are your thoughts?
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Thursday, May 15th, 2014 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Did they check pump pressure or are they just assuming that is the problem?
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Thursday, May 15th, 2014 AT 4:53 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes they checked the pressure. They seemed pretty sure of it! But I know it could be many more things. I haven't heard of many oil pump issues on other bmws but do I really have many other options? My issue is I can't sell it in the state it's in and places like we buy any car and we buy broken cars are quoting me less than if I fixed it and then sold it (I would ideally like to fix the issue and keep the car).
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Thursday, May 15th, 2014 AT 5:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Since you had the oil changed and it still does the same thing, the oil pump is what I would suspect. However, I would use a mechanical pump to check the pressure when both when the issue happens as well as when it doesn't.
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Thursday, May 15th, 2014 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
ANDYBLACKBURN10
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Car is fixed - oil pump is changed and it starts perfectly. Exp[ensive job but worth it! Cheers for your help
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Friday, May 23rd, 2014 AT 2:35 AM

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