318i TOURING , LOUD TICKING NOISE WHEN COLD

[bayman]

hi youall , my 318i touring has developed a loud ticking noise , like a tappet sound but tappets are ok . seems to do it most when cold . can anyone tell me what the problem is and how it can be fixed ??? . thanks guys .

[Simon]

Mostly likely cause is a leaking exhaust manifold gasket if it only does it when cold, my 320i touring also does this, I got the parts needed, but just need to get around to changing them!

[Davenotouring]

Mine is the same Simon.

But I'm changing the engine soon, so I'm leaving it. I don't think it causes problems, just the noise is annoying.

It also happens when you have driven for a while, then go back to your warm car for a few minutes, then goes away again!

But are the 1.8's prone to this like m20's?

[Simon]

Well there is still a gasket there so I would imagine it could cause the same sort of noise as the metals expand and seal and the noise stops.
Mine is just how you described yours!! Also when you drive down a long mountain pass just letting the car overrun, and when you get to the bottom or accelerate again it taps like buggery!

[Davenotouring]

Hi Simon,

Mountains? What are they? A 'mountain pass'?? No idea.

But yeah, I know what you mean.

Something must contract, then when it warms up, it seals the gap again.

[Simon]

Something must contract, then when it warms up, it seals the gap again.

Got it in one!