is my engine humped?

[kbis]

a 91 318is
its a bit rattly at startup from cold, this disappears completely after the the engine gets up to operating temperature (bout 5 mins of really gentle driving) can then drive normally (bit of throttle when necessary) and no problems. anyone able to give me some other possible rattly things it could be before i get a new engine.
(had a knackered engine on a previous car but the prob only showed up at first at high revs so this is a bit different and im new to e30's)

(given it a flush and oil change and new filter already, need the sparks changed)

[tylerma]

to be honest mate i think that rattle is quite normal-ish on cars and engines of this age

[E30Mark]

Change the timing chain tensioner, and ensure the heatshield surronding the HT leads isn't cracked through.

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaults.html

[Brianmoooore]

to be honest mate i think that rattle is quite normal-ish on cars and engines of this age

??????????? This is BMW wer're talking about.
The last 200,000 mile M20 i stripped, everything, except the exhaust valve guides was within new spec.
Just started stripping an ancient 525e engine today, and can still see the honing marks on the cylinder walls. No measurements taken yet, but no signs of movement anywhere where there shouldn't be.

Is your noise a tapping sound? If so, then it's probably one or more worn hydraulic tappets, and quite harmless.
Other most likely possibility is a worn timing chain tensioner. Easily changed.

[E30Mark]

to be honest mate i think that rattle is quite normal-ish on cars and engines of this age

Might be normal on a M40 lump, but as Brian says, not acceptable else where...

My M42 is lovely and quiet, although the alternator is chattering a bit

[tylerma]

to be honest mate i think that rattle is quite normal-ish on cars and engines of this age

??????????? This is BMW wer're talking about.
The last 200,000 mile M20 i stripped, everything, except the exhaust valve guides was within new spec.
Just started stripping an ancient 525e engine today, and can still see the honing marks on the cylinder walls. No measurements taken yet, but no signs of movement anywhere where there shouldn't be.

Is your noise a tapping sound? If so, then it's probably one or more worn hydraulic tappets, and quite harmless.
Other most likely possibility is a worn timing chain tensioner. Easily changed.

i didnt mean the engines are a pile of poop mate
the engines are fantastic

what i was meaning was i have heard a few of the 318i and 318is
that have that sort of rattle

and its normally not a major worry

I guess i should have worded it better
my apologies

[kbis]

thanks for the info, i'll have the chain looked at,

was poking around again today and the 'rattly' noise (not really a tapping) is coming from the top end of the engine, possibly taking a bit of time to get the oil around the engine on startup, maybe?
it does sound a little 'tappety' though if you strain your ears once the engines warmed up, nothing hideous, they'll be the next step if the chain doesnt sort it.

cheers guys
kb