Ticky tappets

[HairyScreech]

The M52B28 on the Z3 is ticking a bit at the top end when warm. Oil level is ok and the oil is the right spec, seems this is a common problem with the M52 tappets.

Anyone know any tricks to quieten them?

The engine is a good one but has only had the specified servicing so is a bit black up top like a lot of newer engines. I have been tempted to dump some seafoam in before the oil change but will admit to cold feet knowing it gets mixed reviews.

[DanThe]

Usually just changing the oil more regularly with quality fully synthetics will quieten them, lots of hot/high rpm action is needed too

Other than that its a case of remove and service

Unless its a low oil pressure problem.

[Motorhole]

Always had the same problem - and last trackday I was on, there was a dude there with a Z3 2.8 with exactly the same issue again - got warm, got tappy.

A change to higher hot viscosity oil helped a bit - 5w30 to 5w50. Think for this kind of use though, an oil cooler is needed.

As I've recently discovered, dismantling and cleaning lifters is a sad job.

[HairyScreech]

Exactly why I was trying to avoid having to remove and clean. I'm not enough of a molester to consider that a fun weekend job.

Oil pressure is fine, cars been driven well by the first owner and has had next to no mileage for the next 10 years so has only just tipped over 100k despite being 18 years old.

Trouble is, find me a modern owner that understands anything other than "book says change oil at x number of miles".

Might dump the Seafoam in before popping to Bristol on Friday, change the oil when I get back.
Gives it about 35 miles to do something in before changing.
Reports on it are good but I'm always sceptical about these kind of things.