BMW E36 tapping on cold start
316i325i
E36 taps when started cold: is it normal?
A couple of seconds of tapping after a night is common. Hydraulic valve lifters drain of oil while standing and go quiet when the oil pressure rises. If the noise lasts over 20 minutes, it is no longer normal.
What causes long-lasting tapping in an E36?
The causes can be worn or clogged lifters, a worn camshaft, loose spark plugs or ones with faulty insulation, and a blocked crankcase ventilation. Oil quality and brand also matter, because lifters are sensitive to it.
What should I do when the E36 tapping does not stop?
First check the oil level and the tightness of the plugs. If the noise continues, the camshaft and lifters are worth inspecting or replacing. On the M50, replacing the lifters requires removing both camshafts.
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