Purchased (new) manual 2007 E83 (X3).

At approximately 11,000 miles, the engine developed a ping that sounds oddly similar to that heard in the E30s when they are approaching need for valve re-adjustment. Paradoxically, this was worse after warm up, although was audible in cold start-ups as well.

Dealer review indicated that several X3s have been reported to have a similar presentation due to "insufficient air-free oil" seen primarily in low-mileage, frequent commute cars (i.e. short drives to work). They performed the recommended procedure, but the ping persists.

The matter went to BMW Engineering and they will replace the cylinder heads (both banks) under warranty.

Has anyone else had similar trouble with E83? I am just curious, not out to get BMW. To their credit, they will be replacing these without a peep.

"The matter went to BMW Engineering and they will replace the cylinder heads (both banks) under warranty."

Both Banks ???

ab

Both Banks ???First National and Citibank?

:lol3 :clapFirst National and Citibank?

From American Heritage Dictionary:
bank 3 (bāngk)
n.

A set of similar or matched things arranged in a row
Does that help? Meaning if you replaced one head it would be i.e. a straight six, not a V-configuration. Let's be serious now kids : )

er, you know your X3 has an inline-6, yes?

From American Heritage Dictionary:
bank 3 (bāngk)
n.

A set of similar or matched things arranged in a row
Does that help? Meaning if you replaced one head it would be i.e. a straight six, not a V-configuration. Let's be serious now kids : );)

SI B 11 10 07 this is an internal bullitin, nobody at bmw will tell you what this is or that it exists. If the bleed procedure does not work from SIB 11 09 07, and the customer is still complaining, then bmw will replace the cylinder head with the updated cylinder head with integrated check valve.

Oops! My bad - totally forgot about that little inline thingy. You know cause it's "all the same". Used to working on old 4-banger 318i.

Purchased (new) manual 2007 E83 (X3).

At approximately 11,000 miles, the engine developed a ping that sounds oddly similar to that heard in the E30s when they are approaching need for valve re-adjustment. Paradoxically, this was worse after warm up, although was audible in cold start-ups as well.

Dealer review indicated that several X3s have been reported to have a similar presentation due to "insufficient air-free oil" seen primarily in low-mileage, frequent commute cars (i.e. short drives to work). They performed the recommended procedure, but the ping persists.

The matter went to BMW Engineering and they will replace the cylinder heads (both banks) under warranty.

Has anyone else had similar trouble with E83? I am just curious, not out to get BMW. To their credit, they will be replacing these without a peep.


Oddly enough, problems with hydraulic lifters ARE usually worse when warmed up as the oil tends to "thin out" after warm-up and the oil doesn't stay in the lifters as well.

I imagine that the check valve that is in the redesigned cylinder heads is for the oil going to the hyraulic valves, no?

Critter - that's a good point. I didn't think about that. Thanks for the input