E30 318is Top end engine rattle

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:12 am

Hi guys I m a new member and have just bought a 318is that drives fine but has a rattle comeing from the top end of the engine and also on cold its not to bad but once warmed up its a little louder please any information or advice would be much appricated thanks keep up the good work Ben

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:20 am

check the oil level first. it may be that the internals/cams are worn. what's the mileage on the car?

welcome by the way.

i'm sure someone with more knowledge than me will come along and help you further.

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:31 am

Thanks the mileage is only 114k the oil has recently been replaced also thanks again

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 5:27 am

top end rattle on the M42 engine will be due to wear on the components that make up the chain driven valve train...
in my experience the chain tensioner and cam sprockets are the easiest to check first.
followed by wear on the guide rails and wear on the camshafts.
either way, removing the rocker cover will let you see the parts that may be causing the rattle.

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 9:51 pm

Is it OK up to 2800/3000 rpm and then gets noisy?