Need help diagnosing M42 Engine Noise

[AK2799]

hi guys. I've recently bought an e30 318is which has the M42 engine. Love the handling, but the engine sounds a bit like a diesel. I don't have a diagnostic tool for the e30 yet, so hoping the recording below will help with the diagnosis:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2W...it?usp=sharing

Any ideas why the engine is sounding like this? My mechanic checked the engine when I first bought the car, and it sounded good to him, but I'm not so convinced.

[RomeoMike]

If it hasn't been done recently/ever, consider replacing the timing belt tensioner.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...r#post26027638

Did mine when the car had 175,000 miles on it.

[AK2799]

If it hasn't been done recently/ever, consider replacing the timing belt tensioner. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...r#post26027638 Did mine when the car had 175,000 miles on it.

Is that sound in the audio file a timing chain rattle? I didn't think so, but happy to be corrected.

I've ordered the improved M44 tensioner from pelican parts and will change it.

[AK2799]

If it hasn't been done recently/ever, consider replacing the timing belt tensioner.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...r#post26027638

Did mine when the car had 175,000 miles on it.

Is the sound in the audio a timing chain rattle? I didn't think so, but happy to be corrected.
I've ordered the improved M44 tensioner, but not totally convinced it's the source.

[Boris3]

Does your mechanic work on BMWs? This is not good sounding.

Start with the tensioner like RomeoMike said. If things don't quiet down then you are in for more work: chain, guides, timing gears, etc.

Also pull your lower oil pan and make sure that the upper pan bolts have not come loose and getting sucked up into / damaging your oil intake.

This site is your friend http://www.esatclear.ie/%7Ebpurcell/...intenance.html

[AK2799]

RomeoMike and Boris3, thanks. I've ordered the timing chain tensioner (part #: 11-31-1-743-187-M40) and will hopefully install next weekend.

i take it I need to drain the oil first to check the upper pan bolts?

[Boris3]

On the tensioner I also found this helpful
http://www.m42club.com/forum/index.php?topic=2925.0

On the pan bolts
http://www.m42club.com/forum/index.php?topic=594.0

Yes, drain your oil first. You will be removing the lower pan. You will also be looking for any chain guide / timing cover carnage that has fallen into the lower pan. It will give you another indication if the tensioner change will be enough. You will need to replace your lower pan gasket.

Also there are folks with much more knowledge on this than me. I just picked up my 318is last fall and have been benefiting from their insight.

[AK2799]

I've just changed the timing chain tensioner, but it made no difference.
I'll order a gasket for the lower pan, and will then inspect the upper and lower pans as suggested.