Andy barker

Checked all exhaust joints and non blowing, I have removed the inlet manifold because the noise is definitely coming from the unit. I can see the chambers inside actually move up and down inside by a black solenoid type unit on the front near the throttle body, does anybody know how this works? BMW want the car in so they can charge me the earth lol but I have worked on all of my cars over the yrs so this will be a last resort but info on how the manifold works would help. Any idea's???

Firstly can I say what a fab site this is......my partner and I own 2 BMW's, 2007 2.0 Z4 and a 2010 320d M sport. We are both new to these cars and at the moment the Z4 has developed a rather strange noise from the intake manifold area ( see post ) but anyway, I am an electrical/mechanical field service engineer and my partner is a psychotherapist. We both enjoy driving and these cars loved to be driven, although mine ( 320d M sport ) is really good to drive, I find the Z4 a bit skittish tbh but none the less it is a great fun car to drive with the roof down.

It is not fitted with the Vanos system, just double checked. Does this engine have swirl flaps and if so this could be the noise I am hearing, from the 4 black intake tubes/pipes the noise seems coming from the 4th intake tube ( bulkhead end ) Just checked lol, no swirl flaps on a petrol.......Doh

Thanks for your reply Trevor, my partner has just come home and is saying that the car has lost power and is not very sharp on the take off so to speak. I forgot to mention the engine management light is also on. Everything looks fine under the hood although the car does sound a little bit more throaty from the engine bay but I not detect any blowing from the exhaust at the front end. Thanks again for any clues before I decide to take it to a dealership for checking.

Hi everyone and sorry for not introducing myself yet but I have an urgent question to ask. Our 2.0 Z4 has suddenly developed a noise in the intake manifold! when revving the engine and shutting of the throttle quickly a noise which sounds like a clatter or a clacking sound. This is not valve train noise or timing chain noise as it is backside of the engine ( bulkhead end ) I have had all pipes off today and inspected the throttle valve itself and all is in good order with no apparent play. The engine sounds very smooth until the revs are dropped, it's the same when driving and changing gear or free revving without being driven. Any idea's? Thanks for any help ok