Best Garage in Oakland for Fixing BMW Lifter Ticking Issues

If you are a BMW owner and you have ever heard an unusual ticking sound coming from your car’s engine, you may be experiencing lifter ticking problems. These clicking sounds can be alarming but if you know what is causing them and how to sort them out, you can get back to driving in peace in no time. Let’s get into the specifics.

What is Lifter Ticking?

When the hydraulic lifters in BMW engines fail to function properly or become worn, this is known as a lifter ticking, lifter noise, or a lifter tap. Hydraulic lifters are small cylinders that are located between the camshaft and the pushrods for quiet engine operation.

Their major work in the engine is to make sure that the valves open and close in the correct manner, which is done by maintaining the valve lash. When this component starts to fail the valve will not be properly seated or there might be too much gap, resulting in valve train noise.

Why Does Lifter Ticking Happen in BMWs?

• Wear and Tear: The friction and heat of the engine components may also wear them out with time as they are subjected to regular use. A result of this wear and tear is an increased clearance between the lifter and the camshaft which causes a noise during the operation.
• Lack of Lubrication: If the lifter lacks enough oil or if the oil gets contaminated with dirt or sludge, it can result in more friction between the lifter and other engine components. This absence of lubrication causes the lifter to emit noise when it operates.
• Wrongly Adjusted Valves: Another reason your BMW valves may tick is a poorly set valve. When valves are not adjusted to the right clearance, they can make the lifters vibrate as your BMW engine runs. This gap or misalignment can cause the engine to run rough and in the end, make noise level increase.

How to Address Lifter Ticking Issues

• Check Oil Levels and Quality: Firstly, check if your BMW’s oil is clean and at the right level. Low oil levels or dirty oil are one of the most common reasons behind lifter ticking. If your oil is low, add some to the recommended level. If it’s dirty, you may want to go for the oil change to provide sufficient lubrication for the components of the engine.
• Perform an Engine Flush: If your BMW has oil that has been in the engine for a longer period, it is advisable to do an engine flush to remove sludge or debris that might be the cause of the lifter ticking. The engine flush can clean the oil passages and restore the normal oil flow to the lifters and other engine components.
• Replace Lifters: If the lifter ticking continues even after you have fixed the oil-related problems, then it is time to inspect and replace the lifters. This is a more complicated process but it is a sure way of resolving ticking problems.
• Consult a BMW Specialist: If you can’t figure out how to address lifter ticking in your BMW or if the ticking continues after trying the DIY solutions, it’s better to take your car to a BMW specialist or mechanic. They have the skills and the diagnostic equipment to detect the source of the problem and to suggest the best ways to fix it.

Talk To Our Experts In Oakland For Your BMW Maintenance and Repairs

At Germany’s Best Inc., we have been servicing Oakland and its nearby regions for more than 25 years, and it is no wonder that we are the city’s most trusted German auto center. If you’re hearing strange noises from your BMW, it could be a lifter-ticking problem. When you bring your car to us, our qualified mechanics will give the problem the attention it deserves, and your BMW will be fixed to run quietly and smoothly again.

Aside from the fast and quality services we render, we also ensure that our repairs and maintenance are done at a reasonable and affordable price, meaning our customers get the best value for their money. Our garage is located in Oakland, so we are also able to extend our services to drivers from Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont, CA. Call us at 510-658-8948 to schedule an appointment today.

* Black BMW M4 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.