Looking for an upgrade from my 2003 Z4 2.5 ... found a nice 3007 Z4 3.0si, CPO, in service 6 months, 9 kmi. Started it up today on the lot but did not test drive. Oil indicator shows 3 out of 5 bars, and the engine emits very loud valve tappet noise. (Also observed slight engine hestitation when revving from idle.)

A friend who owns a 3.0si reports no tappet noise (similar period of ownership and mileage).

Dealer service rep says the tappet noise is "normal "- characteristic of the complex mechanical valve arrangement in the N52 engine. (Research indicates BMW recommends valve adjustment at every oil change for this engine...seems to support the possibility of tappet noise emergence with engine wear.) Wondering if other owners experience the tappet noise ... comments/advice/recommendations from BMW service techs requested. Should I pass on this car?

I haven't noticed this noise or hesitation when revving from idle. But then again I dont have a 3007 Z4 3.0Si I have a 2007 3.0Si ;) I dont think it's normal.

(Research indicates BMW recommends valve adjustment at every oil change for this engine...seems to support the possibility of tappet noise emergence with engine wear.)

That's absolutely false. Where did you get this info?

Also yes N52s can be noisey. You can keep taking your car in, but do you want to drive and enjoy your car? Or would you rather have it in the shop all the time for something that doesn't hurt anything?

I have a tapping noise with my 07 3.0i. I'm not sure but suspect it's the ethanol in the gas that been sitting in there. This car sits for 1-2 weeks at a time right now. I've read some stuff on the cold weather and Vanos too. I'm going to take it in for BMW to look at soon.

Greetings folks.

I recently purchased a 2004 Z4 3.0i with Steptronic, Premium package, etc., no sport package. About two days after purchase, I noticed a faint rattle under the hood at low RPMs, kind of reminds me of running 87 octane fuel in a 12:1 compression small block chevy but not as dramatic. Sometimes I don't hear it, other times I can hear it only with the top down, still other times I can hear it with the top up and Frank Sinatra crooning over the stereo.

The car was a CPO and the dealer already is having me bring it in to fix a faulty cupholder and look for this problem but I figured, while I'm here, I should ask if this is typical to my age engine/Z4.

Much appreciated.
Chrisp0410