Matt

Hmmm... The car's just had a major service and all belts were replaced, plus a belt tensioner too i think. I think there might have been a pulley with a shot bearing that was replaced as well, but i'm not sure, i may just be thinking of the belt tensioner. Does anyone have any recommendations for easy ways i can eliminate common causes of this as the actual problem??

Sorry if im being stupid but isn't the m44 non-vanos??

Hi guys, I'm just new to the forum and i have a '97 318is coupe with 101000k's. Today as I've been driving around i noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine. It seems to be coming from the front of the engine bay, somewhere near the alternator although im not totally sure about this. Its a constant tapping/knocking/rattling noise hapenning several times a second at idle. As i rev the engine a bit the tapping gets faster until the engine drowns it out towards 3000 revs (unless it's stopping at higher revs but i doubt it). Oil level is fine and the oil is brand new (just had it flushed and changed a couple of weeks ago). Any ideas on what it could be?? Anything would be appreciated. Also, while i'm making a post, i think i need a new fuel level sender unit as the guage is being a little bit dicky, anyone got one for sale or know where i can get one? How much will i be looking at for one of them? Cheers, Matt