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Although the BMW brand has been a paragon of excellence in the world of luxury vehicles for over a century, their products are not without their own share of unique flaws. One such flaw can be found in the N52 engine. This engine model commonly experiences what is known as “lifter ticking.”
In this article, we are going to define and diagnose the lifter ticking issue and tell you how you can have it resolved quickly and efficiently.
The N52 engine model was first manufactured in 2004 and was actively in production until 2015. It was initially hailed as one of the best on the market, the first water-cooled engine constructed with magnesium and aluminum in the engine block.
However, this reputation was quickly diminished as BMW drivers noticed a peculiar ticking noise in the engine, especially after 50,000 miles or in colder weather. After years, the root cause of the noise was finally discovered to be a faulty hydraulic valve lifter.
The hydraulic valve lifter in a BMW’s N52 engine is made up of four parts, and its main function is to expand and contract as needed to make space for other engine parts. These four parts, the ball mechanism, socket, plunger, and body are crucial to the overall proper function of the valve lifter.
When any one of these parts malfunction or do not receive enough lubrication, the entire valve will begin to fail, and as a result, the ticking or rattling sound will become evident while driving.
If you are the owner of a BMW equipped with an N52 engine and you begin to hear this dreaded ticking noise, you will be able to get to the root of the issue by taking your vehicle to a team of trusted auto mechanics for help.
The primary symptom of a malfunctioning hydraulic valve lifter is a ticking/rattling noise while driving, but the lifter is not always the source of noises like this. Any number of issues, especially those in the engine, could cause a ticking or rattling sound, hence the necessity of having the problem diagnosed by professional mechanics.
As you may already be aware, it is generally unsafe to continue to drive when you notice strange noises or other unexpected changes in past drives. Doing so, in many cases, can be unsafe and detrimental to the overall health of your BMW.
While a faulty hydraulic valve lifter will not necessarily make driving dangerous, it isn’t recommended. Repairs and replacements are always better for your driving experience and the longevity of your vehicle.
If you are experiencing issues with your BMW’s N52 engine, bring your vehicle to our trusted team of automotive specialists for help. At Bavarian Motor Repairs, we strive to put customers first, guaranteeing individualized and personalized service from our small staff of experts.
Each of our technicians undergoes 120 hours of rigorous training annually in order to stay up-to-date with diagnostic and repair techniques on several brands of European vehicles, including BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce.
Our team has been providing service that goes above and beyond what other auto shops offer since day one. When you entrust the mechanics at Bavarian Motor, you can expect:
These measures ensure that you are satisfied with all repairs and that you are in control every step of the way. No surprises, no frustration, and best of all, no uncertainty about the trustworthiness of your mechanics. You get inside access to the entire process.
The Bavarian Motor Repairs staff services drivers in Capitol Heights, MD, and the surrounding areas, including Washington D.C., Largo, North East, Upper Marlboro and College Park. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with the team at Bavarian Motor Repairs, please fill out our online appointment form or call (240) 552-9988.
* BMW 1 Series Car image credit goes to: aapsky.
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