scott_e30 8 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Hi there, i got offered a 1990 BMW e30 318i in manual for a very cheap price. Its in good condition inside and out, but i took it for a test drive and it had a very loud taping/ticking noise all throughout the revs and also while idleing. It smoked a bit, not too bad though. I've been told that this noise can be tappets, valves or low oil pressure? Is this a common problem with the older BMW's? Any help would be appreciated, cheers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huff3r 347 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Hi there, i got offered a 1990 BMW e30 318i in manual for a very cheap price. Its in good condition inside and out, but i took it for a test drive and it had a very loud taping/ticking noise all throughout the revs and also while idleing. It smoked a bit, not too bad though. I've been told that this noise can be tappets, valves or low oil pressure? Is this a common problem with the older BMW's? Any help would be appreciated, cheers. Tappets is very very common, but more so with the 2.0 and 2.5L engines.. The 1.8 should have hydraulic lifters, and therefore you cannot manually adjust them. There are additives you can get which fix them temporarily however.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silver Fox 43 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 It is most likely sticky hydraulic lifters, you can get additives to help clear them, but imho, I'd be getting the rocker cover off and having a good look. What can happen is for the oiling bar to get clogged and not oil the cam properly causing wear on the cam. Needs a look I'd say. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scott_e30 8 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Where abouts would i go to get it checked out? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Don't add the additive, makes a mess of everything, we had an E30 touring M40 into work couple weeks ago with the same problem, had to flush the engine due to the additive and then replaced the lifters (cam in place), a lot cheaper than most would think and afterwards was very quiet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scott_e30 8 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Its done 230km and he wants $1800 for it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Its done 230km and he wants $1800 for it?Seems bout right, the touring we did had 350k on the clock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
