Diagnosing and Fixing Lifter Ticking in Your BMW

If you own a BMW, you might find yourself diagnosing and fixing what is called “lifter ticking.”  It’s a pretty common issue that BMW owners can encounter so knowing what it is and how to fix it can keep you from having to spend money on bigger damages that could have been prevented. The “lifter ticking” sound is usually noticeable when the car is idling or when you rev the engine at low RPMs. While a ticking noise may seem harmless at first, it can be a sign of something more serious.

Common Causes of Lifter Ticking in Your BMW

If you’ve even found that your engine oil has run low or you used a poor quality oil, the lifter ticking can happen. The lifters need oil pressure to keep up their hydraulic function. If the oil level is too low or the oil has become dirty or thick, it may not flow properly through the lifters, causing them to stick or malfunction. This leads to that annoying ticking sound.

If you’ve had your BMW for some time, it’s a good idea to keep in the back of your mind that lifters can wear out due to constant use over time. If the hydraulic components inside the lifters become damaged or worn, they may fail to maintain proper clearance, causing a ticking sound.

You can also find that oil passages can become clogged with dirt, debris, or carbon buildup, especially if the engine hasn’t been maintained properly. When the oil can’t flow freely through the lifters, they may not receive the necessary oil pressure to function correctly, which can lead to ticking. Think of it like the Spanish River – if it were to get clogged with a bunch of plastic or trash, it would start backing up and causing issues upstream.

Diagnosing Lifter Ticking

To diagnose the cause of lifter ticking in your BMW, we follow steps just as one would if you went to the doctor to help figure out what is ailing you if you find yourself not feeling well. First, we will perform an oil inspection, checking the engine oil level and quality. If the oil is low or dirty, they may recommend an oil change to see if this resolves the issue. We will then conduct an engine noise analysis, listening closely to the ticking sound to determine whether it’s coming from the lifters or another engine component, such as the timing chain or valves. If the ticking persists after an oil change, we’ll inspect the valve clearances and make any necessary adjustments. If the ticking continues, the lifters will be examined for wear or damage, and if faulty, we might have to replace them. We’ve also had to check the oil passages to make sure they are free of debris that could be causing the issue.

It’s not always just a one-size fits all when it comes to diagnosing lifter ticking. Sometimes we find the issue right away while other times it can take a little bit of digging.

How to Fix Lifter Ticking in Your BMW

If you’ve diagnosed lifter ticking in your BMW, the fix will depend on the cause of the issue. For small problems like low oil levels, you can easily just get an oil change or top off the oil. However, if the issue is caused by worn or damaged lifters, clogged oil passages, or valve clearance problems, the repair may be more complex and require parts replacement or system cleaning.

At World Class Auto Repairs our team can get that lifter ticking fixed. Our team of experienced technicians specializes in BMW service and repairs and we can get you back on the road quickly. We’ll determine the root cause of the ticking and provide you with a clear solution, whether that’s an oil change, part replacement, or cleaning service.

Why Choose World Class Auto Repairs?

If you’re experiencing lifter ticking in your BMW you don’t want to just let it go – we promise, it’s not your BMW keeping time like a grandfather clock! Taking care of the problem early can keep you from having bigger problems and save you money in the long run.  At World Class Auto Repairs, serving Boca Raton, FL, we’re committed to providing top-quality service for all your BMW maintenance and repair needs.

* White BMW E92 M3 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.