Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice about a ticking/rattle noise and wondered if anyone else had experienced this?

BMW 1 Series Convertible, 52000 Miles, 2009

The car has just had a new fuel pump (low pressure, in the tank) and NOx Sensor fitted and new plugs and coil packs to fix a slow and long start up. Timing chain and tensioner also replaced in the last 5000 miles.

I have now noticed a (louder than normal) ticking/knocking sound coming from the engine. Possibly because the cowling and covers are off at the moment (?) as the coil packs have just been replaced.

Noticeable throughout the rev range. If I rev to about 3000rpm and then take my foot off the peddle the sound disappears momentarily but continues again as soon as at idle or accelerating.

No loss of power - and very smooth running!

Only fault code is for the thermostat, but no noises in that area!

I shall take it to my local BMW specialist when they reopen in the new year, but just wondering if anyone had experienced this issue before.

Ali

Edited December 28, 2025Dec 28 by Ali J W

Morning Ali

Welcome and Seasons Greetings

It could be a sticky or failing Hydraulic cam follower or a sticky Vanos solenoid. Clearly difficult to diagnose without being around the car

If you use Cruise Control and feel a lurch when turning it off/disengaging it I would suspect the Vanos solenoids

Dave