hating my M.....

AtoB · 05-20-2010, 09:11 PM

i posted a couple of weeks ago that my car had seemingly developed the 'vanos noise issue'.. and that my dealership handed me a bulletin from BMW stating it was a known issue, that is caused no harm to the engine, and that it was acceptable to them and there is no fix. BS.. i don't know if anyone else here has had this issue, but let me tell you... it has taken my favorite car of all-time and turned into something i LOATH to drive. i actually had someone tell me today my car sounded like a diesel! i am giving it another shot next week at another dealer with a head tech i am friends with. if they can't find a solution, the fucking car is GONE! $58,000 car that sounds like a clunker... it's a freaking joke... totally unacceptable. other than trading it in, i see no option. a private sale would be a disaster... there is no way not to notice the noise...RANT!

Bammered · 05-20-2010, 09:23 PM

I particularly love the noise. Makes the thing seem so mechanical and raw. Definetly is a known issue though , the only reason you dont hear it in an E46 ///M3 is that they have insulation under the hood and we dont. Also im not sure but i know stock Z4's have a sound pipe into the cabin. But for some reason think the ///M's might have had it blocked.

Man you wanna talk about diesel? GO hear an E9x ///M3 cold start. chug chug chug chug... sounds crasy.

BUt again i love it. Sorry to hear.

AtoB · 05-20-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bammered

I particularly love the noise. Makes the thing seem so mechanical and raw. Definetly is a known issue though , the only reason you dont hear it in an E46 ///M3 is that they have insulation under the hood and we dont. Also im not sure but i know stock Z4's have a sound pipe into the cabin. But for some reason think the ///M's might have had it blocked.

Man you wanna talk about diesel? GO hear an E9x ///M3 cold start. chug chug chug chug... sounds crasy.

BUt again i love it. Sorry to hear.

the rasp that started i could deal with... the loud 'tapping' is unbearable... i'm not kidding. i pulled up to my coffee shop this morning... the waiter asked 'what the hell was wrong with the car... sounds like a diesel engine???" it came out of nowhere.. all of a sudden the car was making noises it never had before. the 'check engine' light came on tonight ... and the car went into 'limp mode'.... i shut the engine off, then cranked it back over and it went off... i was hoping it would stay on... at least then i'd know there was something the dealer would have to deal with.

onebluemcm · 05-20-2010, 09:34 PM

Doesn't matter if the CEL is not currently on - if it came on the on board diagnostics will have recorded a code that does not go away when the light goes off. Take it in, have them scan it for error codes and see what is going on.

AtoB · 05-20-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

Doesn't matter if the CEL is not currently on - if it came on the on board diagnostics will have recorded a code that does not go away when the light goes off. Take it in, have them scan it for error codes and see what is going on.

will do... thanks. it really sucks... i LOVE this car. have been on the fence about trading kit in... i trade every three years... i was starting to reconsider keeping it for a fourth until now. i barely use the radio... have always loved just listening to the engine and exhaust note.... now i HAVE to turn the radio on to tolerate the noise... no exaggeration... it's down-right embarrassing in daily traffic.

mike87 · 05-20-2010, 10:34 PM

make a video and youtube it? i would like to hear

aerobod · 05-20-2010, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtoB

will do... thanks. it really sucks... i LOVE this car. have been on the fence about trading kit in... i trade every three years... i was starting to reconsider keeping it for a fourth until now. i barely use the radio... have always loved just listening to the engine and exhaust note.... now i HAVE to turn the radio on to tolerate the noise... no exaggeration... it's down-right embarrassing in daily traffic.

If it is just a tapping sound, then the valves probably need re-shimming. How far from Inspection are you?

I was surprised how noisy my valve tappets had become until I had them re-shimmed at Inspection I, this week. Engine is quieter than I ever remember, now. Also idles smoother and seems to have a bit more power at the top end.

The VANOS rasp should only occur after 3000RPM and before 3500RPM.

Incompatible · 05-20-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bammered

.... Also im not sure but i know stock Z4's have a sound pipe into the cabin. But for some reason think the ///M's might have had it blocked.

The Z4M did not come with a sound generator.

Dammmittt · 05-21-2010, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerobod

If it is just a tapping sound, then the valves probably need re-shimming. How far from Inspection are you?

I was surprised how noisy my valve tappets had become until I had them re-shimmed at Inspection I, this week. Engine is quieter than I ever remember, now. Also idles smoother and seems to have a bit more power at the top end.

The VANOS rasp should only occur after 3000RPM and before 3500RPM.

^WHS

pokeybritches · 05-21-2010, 03:50 AM

If a check engine light came on, that is definitely not normal.

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerobod

If it is just a tapping sound, then the valves probably need re-shimming. How far from Inspection are you?

I was surprised how noisy my valve tappets had become until I had them re-shimmed at Inspection I, this week. Engine is quieter than I ever remember, now. Also idles smoother and seems to have a bit more power at the top end.

The VANOS rasp should only occur after 3000RPM and before 3500RPM.

i just hit 32K... so i have a while.... but i will ask about 're-shimming'.
the rasp happens al the way from 1000-3500 rpm.

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike87

make a video and youtube it? i would like to hear

i'll see what i can do... my iphone has a audio recorder. i just need to see if i can pull the sound clip off it.

inTgr8r · 05-21-2010, 06:45 AM

Did you see this thread,
camshaft gear bolts loose
and O-cha's & Serious's comments @ posts #9 & #10

It could be the early stages of this same problem.

Are there any good indies in your area, it might be worth the small investment to get another opinion.

dekaliber · 05-21-2010, 07:05 AM

I haven't had my car for long, but a few days ago I noticed some sounds that match some of the descriptions of your problem, but not all.

I get this weird, almost reedy resonance between 3000-4000 RPM -- seems to happen more when I drive it in the morning than when I take it out for lunch or on the drive home, so I wonder if it's more prone to happening when it's cold. My thinking is that there's something a little loose somewhere, and as the car warms up in the sun it tends to go away.

I don't think there's a tapping or marble-in-can sound, but I would characterize it as a little "raspy." I brought it to the dealer to check out when I got my oil change, but it was in the middle of the day and the noise had gone, so they didn't find anything. They told me to stop by next time it happens and they'll send a tech out on a drive with me.

FWIW I also asked them to check the engine mount bolts, and they reported that they were fine.

All the reports of engine-related failures scare the crap out of me. I love the M, despite its idiosyncrasies.

shitbrownMcoupe · 05-21-2010, 07:26 AM

my car didn't even have any noise and the fucking bolts snapped off.... take apart the vanos and look as the screws on the cam gears, probably loose. my valves were bent. now the valves replace, there is some sound from the engine, but i'm running it in and bmw will adjust some shit. my engine light has been on for over a week... whatever, car is still warranteed and pulling as before... if the engine blows! can't wait.

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Did you see this thread,
camshaft gear bolts loose
and O-cha's & Serious's comments @ posts #9 & #10

It could be the early stages of this same problem.

Are there any good indies in your area, it might be worth the small investment to get another opinion.

yes... i pray that is it... so at least they can diagnos the issue, and fix it. but i'm sure i won't get that lucky. i'm going to a different dealer here in boston. one of the head techs is a friend of mine. i am taking everyones comments from this post, making a 'check' list, and bringing it with me to have him look them over and get his take... so thank you everyone that has offered feedback and suggestions. good news is the dealer is a BMW/porsche dealership.... i kid you not, i'll be trading the car in on the spot if they say they can't solve the issue.

chickdr · 05-21-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dekaliber

I haven't had my car for long, but a few days ago I noticed some sounds that match some of the descriptions of your problem, but not all.

I get this weird, almost reedy resonance between 3000-4000 RPM -- seems to happen more when I drive it in the morning than when I take it out for lunch or on the drive home, so I wonder if it's more prone to happening when it's cold. My thinking is that there's something a little loose somewhere, and as the car warms up in the sun it tends to go away.

I don't think there's a tapping or marble-in-can sound, but I would characterize it as a little "raspy." I brought it to the dealer to check out when I got my oil change, but it was in the middle of the day and the noise had gone, so they didn't find anything. They told me to stop by next time it happens and they'll send a tech out on a drive with me.

FWIW I also asked them to check the engine mount bolts, and they reported that they were fine.

All the reports of engine-related failures scare the crap out of me. I love the M, despite its idiosyncrasies.

That is the normal VANOS sound if it is in the 3-4K range. I have it too.

To the OP- you say the car has 32K on it. Have you had the valves adjusted? Most seem to do it in the 25K range so maybe this would fix your problem?

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 07:46 AM

how do you upload sound clips? i have one now... but can't figure it out.

chickdr · 05-21-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtoB

yes... i pray that is it... so at least they can diagnos the issue, and fix it. but i'm sure i won't get that lucky. i'm going to a different dealer here in boston. one of the head techs is a friend of mine. i am taking everyones comments from this post, making a 'check' list, and bringing it with me to have him look them over and get his take... so thank you everyone that has offered feedback and suggestions. good news is the dealer is a BMW/porsche dealership.... i kid you not, i'll be trading the car in on the spot if they say they can't solve the issue.

The Boxster S is a nice option for sure....

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

The Boxster S is a nice option for sure....

yes... they have an atlas gray one.. 19" wheels, black interior....here i come!

inTgr8r · 05-21-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtoB

how do you upload sound clips? i have one now... but can't figure it out.

If it's a digital video recording you can upload to photobucket or youtube
Then post the link here.

AtoB · 05-21-2010, 08:22 AM

it's a 'm4a' file... youtube doesn't recognize it

05-20-2010, 09:11 PM	#1
AtoB Major 112 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	hating my M..... i posted a couple of weeks ago that my car had seemingly developed the 'vanos noise issue'.. and that my dealership handed me a bulletin from BMW stating it was a known issue, that is caused no harm to the engine, and that it was acceptable to them and there is no fix. BS.. i don't know if anyone else here has had this issue, but let me tell you... it has taken my favorite car of all-time and turned into something i LOATH to drive. i actually had someone tell me today my car sounded like a diesel! i am giving it another shot next week at another dealer with a head tech i am friends with. if they can't find a solution, the fucking car is GONE! $58,000 car that sounds like a clunker... it's a freaking joke... totally unacceptable. other than trading it in, i see no option. a private sale would be a disaster... there is no way not to notice the noise...RANT!
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05-20-2010, 09:23 PM	#2
Bammered Track Addict 10 Rep 207 Posts Drives: E86 Z4 ///M COUPE Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NYC/NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E86 ///M COUPE [0.00]	I particularly love the noise. Makes the thing seem so mechanical and raw. Definetly is a known issue though , the only reason you dont hear it in an E46 ///M3 is that they have insulation under the hood and we dont. Also im not sure but i know stock Z4's have a sound pipe into the cabin. But for some reason think the ///M's might have had it blocked. Man you wanna talk about diesel? GO hear an E9x ///M3 cold start. chug chug chug chug... sounds crasy. BUt again i love it. Sorry to hear.
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05-20-2010, 09:34 PM	#4
onebluemcm Captain 42 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	Doesn't matter if the CEL is not currently on - if it came on the on board diagnostics will have recorded a code that does not go away when the light goes off. Take it in, have them scan it for error codes and see what is going on.
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05-20-2010, 10:34 PM	#6
mike87 Private First Class 109 Rep 129 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	make a video and youtube it? i would like to hear
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05-21-2010, 06:45 AM	#13
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Did you see this thread, camshaft gear bolts loose and O-cha's & Serious's comments @ posts #9 & #10 It could be the early stages of this same problem. Are there any good indies in your area, it might be worth the small investment to get another opinion. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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05-21-2010, 03:50 AM	#10
pokeybritches Colonel 479 Rep 2,782 Posts Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M [10.00] 2006 BMW Z4M [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [9.00]	If a check engine light came on, that is definitely not normal.
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05-21-2010, 07:05 AM	#14
dekaliber Major 75 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	I haven't had my car for long, but a few days ago I noticed some sounds that match some of the descriptions of your problem, but not all. I get this weird, almost reedy resonance between 3000-4000 RPM -- seems to happen more when I drive it in the morning than when I take it out for lunch or on the drive home, so I wonder if it's more prone to happening when it's cold. My thinking is that there's something a little loose somewhere, and as the car warms up in the sun it tends to go away. I don't think there's a tapping or marble-in-can sound, but I would characterize it as a little "raspy." I brought it to the dealer to check out when I got my oil change, but it was in the middle of the day and the noise had gone, so they didn't find anything. They told me to stop by next time it happens and they'll send a tech out on a drive with me. FWIW I also asked them to check the engine mount bolts, and they reported that they were fine. All the reports of engine-related failures scare the crap out of me. I love the M, despite its idiosyncrasies.
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05-21-2010, 07:26 AM	#15
shitbrownMcoupe Lieutenant 41 Rep 543 Posts Drives: 2006 z4 M coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	my car didn't even have any noise and the fucking bolts snapped off.... take apart the vanos and look as the screws on the cam gears, probably loose. my valves were bent. now the valves replace, there is some sound from the engine, but i'm running it in and bmw will adjust some shit. my engine light has been on for over a week... whatever, car is still warranteed and pulling as before... if the engine blows! can't wait.
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05-21-2010, 07:46 AM	#18
AtoB Major 112 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	how do you upload sound clips? i have one now... but can't figure it out.
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05-21-2010, 08:22 AM	#22
AtoB Major 112 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	it's a 'm4a' file... youtube doesn't recognize it
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