[es]

Hi everyone,

This forum helped in the past, so I thought I will try again, so basically I have this weird sort-of metallic rattle coming from my engine, I had for a while, and seen few so-called specialists about it, and few of them said, that this is normal, somehow after seeing that they do not know shit about newer BMW's, I started to doubt if this is so normal after all, so basically, it is coming through the grill and is quite load, I did film it, I really hope you can hear it. However, it's worth noting that engine is not giving me any warnings, or any issues (it does always start-up nicely, never more than 1k rpms), however it is a bit loud and shaky? (but, I suppose that's normal, given it's a F series BMW).

It's a 316i, so it has a 'Prince' engine N13. So I was wondering if anyone here have had any problems like this? Sound like this? Every time I leave my car while its running, it scares the shit out of me, and I just simply can't believe that the engine supposed to have a rattle-alike sound like this?

Please see the video below, video was taken after I drove for about 4-5 mins to a shopping mall, I got out, it was so loud, I decided to finally take a video. Because every time I get out of the car it freaks me out, it just doesn't seem normal. (You do have to listen carefully, tho, it is really loud in reality, but my old phone just can't give the same audio over the video).

[HighlandPete]

You have got the normal rhythmic injector type rattle, I assume you mean the additional/odd off beat and random 'tinny' sound?

Not sure what that is, would need the bonnet up and listen with on and off loads put on the alternator and A/C, to see if it is the front belt drive assembly which is generating some odd sounds.

[CraigJ]

My 320i has the n20 engine, its similar to yours and it is noisy but most of the noise comes from the fuel injectors. i can hear your fuel injectors but there's definitely another rattle noise i can here. Some of these engines have suffered with timing chain problems i would get it checked for that.

[Soul_Glo]

Sounds like the classic vanos rattle to me.

[es]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

You have got the normal rhythmic injector type rattle, I assume you mean the additional/odd off beat and random 'tinny' sound?

Not sure what that is, would need the bonnet up and listen with on and off loads put on the alternator and A/C, to see if it is the front belt drive assembly which is generating some odd sounds.

Yes. I am talking about that random rattle, it feels like metal is grinding on metal or something like that, but yeah it is inconsistent.

CraigJ So does your engine have the same rattle as well? DId you fix it? The issue is, that I don't know want to go to random person and tell whem to look at it, I had this experience 3 times and no one of them knew what they are doing, and I just had to pay for a "visit", so the reason why I am writing here is to find out if there is a common problem and is someone aware of it, because it freaks me out, and I am not really sure what to do at this point, where do I get it checked out, is it serious, etc. Many thanks.

But yes again, there is 2 sounds coming from my engine, the latter is random "grinding" rattle at random times and random intervals (I would think so), although it's non stop. When you open bonnet it is harder to hear it actually, because it is coming through the grill.

Also, thank you everyone for helping me out on this one.

[CraigJ]

Originally Posted by es

Yes. I am talking about that random rattle, it feels like metal is grinding on metal or something like that, but yeah it is inconsistent.

CraigJ So does your engine have the same rattle as well? DId you fix it? The issue is, that I don't know want to go to random person and tell whem to look at it, I had this experience 3 times and no one of them knew what they are doing, and I just had to pay for a "visit", so the reason why I am writing here is to find out if there is a common problem and is someone aware of it, because it freaks me out, and I am not really sure what to do at this point, where do I get it checked out, is it serious, etc. Many thanks.

But yes again, there is 2 sounds coming from my engine, the latter is random "grinding" rattle at random times and random intervals (I would think so), although it's non stop. When you open bonnet it is harder to hear it actually, because it is coming through the grill.

Also, thank you everyone for helping me out on this one.

My engine just has the same fuel injection noise they all have, it also sounds louder on a cold start. If your noise is most noticeable through rad grill then its less likely to be the timing chain because it runs around the back of the engine, ill have to take a look under the bonnet not sure what could make that noise on the front of the engine.

[JLR1969]

Have you taken it to a BMW main dealer?

[snipnoob86]

I bet you that is auxiliary / tensioner / pulley / bearing or even a belt itself hitting something that has come loose. the sound would come straight through the grills. check around the engine bay / especially the front, check the air filter box and air inlet duct they can rattle.

hopefully nothing major, but I can confirm I can hear it and it is not quite right

[es]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

Have you taken it to a BMW main dealer?

Yes I did, and they told me it's common, although, I wasn't present then they checked it, so not sure what did they actually check.

snipnoob86 I'll check, the sound (rattle) USUALLY (not always or I am imagining things) will get noticeably quieter when the engine is warm, it's like you really have to listen then to hear something, but there is a lot of different sounds + the background as well, but the cold start you can hear from a mile away...

Anyone, I mean anyone know a GOOD place where I could bring it to check it out? I don't mind paying if there is an issue and someone can diagnoze it, but I had a problem before and someone recommended me PMW LTD in Chelmsford, cost me around 500 quid just to hear "we changed this and this, but that didn't help", not mentioning 50mile drive each way + train tickets to get back. So, I don't mind paying or going somewhere further (im located in London) if it's trusted.

Also, I guess there is no clear answer yet, if there is confirmed issue regarding this kind of rattle.

Many thanks for the replies guys, hopefully I'll get this sorted, the problem is I do not know where to take the car, because main dealer told me it is normal, however, I do not agree and heard many stories that dealer told them it is normal, and then engine just went bust. I do love and value my car way too much to just ignore that.

Also, I'll re-upload a new video which I will film with way better camera, hopefully it will be better to distinguish sounds. Many thanks.

[Sasquartch]

My approach would be to see if it's possible to remove the auxiliary drive belt and start the car from cold and see if the noise disappears - this will either rule in or out quite a few components.
Any half competent garage ought to be able to do this. I'm not familiar with the N13 but on my old 530i you could easily disconnect the belts by turning the tensioners with a socket
Hopefully the noise disappears when the belt is disconnected, if so it's going to be alternator/ AC compressor / tensioner or possibly damper if there's one fitted to these engines
It's a tricky thing to diagnose so best approach is at least to eliminate the easy things first

[autosyonal]

Thats the best what you can do for now take the belt of en start the car
intresting noise
good luck
grtz
Yonal

[Rukka]

Listen to it with the oil filler cap off. Don't worry, oil won't fling everywhere. See if it sounds any louder in there. Those engines are prone to cam chain tensioner failures which cause the tinny/clattery sound you describe and you can hear it better with the cap off. Better get it checked out sooner rather than later at a decent garage just in case.

[Stefan1404]

Hi!
I have a BMW 320i ED with the same engine (N13 1598 cmc) and similar turbocharger. I noticed this winter this inconsistent noise similar to yours. You can check it out here: https://streamable.com/5c64v. You can clearly hear it at seconds: 1, 3, 16 (twice), 43 (twice).
But, the thing is in my case the sound is present only when I switch it to ECO PRO mode. When I put it back in Comfort or Sport the noise disappear. Did you find any solution meanwhile for making this noise disappear ?
Thanks

[Stefan1404]

Originally Posted by es

Hi everyone,

This forum helped in the past, so I thought I will try again, so basically I have this weird sort-of metallic rattle coming from my engine, I had for a while, and seen few so-called specialists about it, and few of them said, that this is normal, somehow after seeing that they do not know shit about newer BMW's, I started to doubt if this is so normal after all, so basically, it is coming through the grill and is quite load, I did film it, I really hope you can hear it. However, it's worth noting that engine is not giving me any warnings, or any issues (it does always start-up nicely, never more than 1k rpms), however it is a bit loud and shaky? (but, I suppose that's normal, given it's a F series BMW).

It's a 316i, so it has a 'Prince' engine N13. So I was wondering if anyone here have had any problems like this? Sound like this? Every time I leave my car while its running, it scares the shit out of me, and I just simply can't believe that the engine supposed to have a rattle-alike sound like this?

Please see the video below, video was taken after I drove for about 4-5 mins to a shopping mall, I got out, it was so loud, I decided to finally take a video. Because every time I get out of the car it freaks me out, it just doesn't seem normal. (You do have to listen carefully, tho, it is really loud in reality, but my old phone just can't give the same audio over the video).

Hi! Did you found out if there was a problem or what is the problem with that noise ? I think I might have the same noise. I ve recorded it here https://streamable.com/5c64v.
Thank you!

[franco.altuna]

Hey guys, maybe you can help me out. Im having issues with my 2013 BMW F30 328i, which is making a very noticable rattle on rev-down. I've made a full scan with BimmerLink and don't seem to be anything there. The rattle ocurrs on "violent" rev-down, If I let of the gas gently it doesn't happen. I've also checked the exhaust for rattles but it doesn't seem to be the culprit here.

I've made a couple of clips, maybe someone can figure out what it is? Maybe those nasty injectors?

Cheers!

[Silverlining_m2]

Originally Posted by franco.altuna

Hey guys, maybe you can help me out. Im having issues with my 2013 BMW F30 328i, which is making a very noticable rattle on rev-down. I've made a full scan with BimmerLink and don't seem to be anything there. The rattle ocurrs on "violent" rev-down, If I let of the gas gently it doesn't happen. I've also checked the exhaust for rattles but it doesn't seem to be the culprit here.

I've made a couple of clips, maybe someone can figure out what it is? Maybe those nasty injectors?

Cheers!

That sounds like every example I've heard of the timing chain/tensioner issue

[franco.altuna]

Originally Posted by MRii328i

That sounds like every example I've heard of the timing chain/tensioner issue

That doesn’t seem to be the problem, it’s not a whining, it’s more like a rattle coming from behind the engine. I’ll sure have it checked out anyways since I’m right on the edge of the extended warranty. It’s a 2013 with 60k miles on the clock.

[Silverlining_m2]

Originally Posted by franco.altuna

That doesn’t seem to be the problem, it’s not a whining, it’s more like a rattle coming from behind the engine. I’ll sure have it checked out anyways since I’m right on the edge of the extended warranty. It’s a 2013 with 60k miles on the clock.

MY2013's birthday was in march. I'm past my 7 years, but only at 52k. My 328i doesn't have quite as high pitched of a rev as yours. I'm not hearing any rattling sounds. Well out of the ordinary ones I guess. I'm no expert though!

[Silverlining_m2]

Originally Posted by es

Hi everyone,

This forum helped in the past, so I thought I will try again, so basically I have this weird sort-of metallic rattle coming from my engine, I had for a while, and seen few so-called specialists about it, and few of them said, that this is normal, somehow after seeing that they do not know shit about newer BMW's, I started to doubt if this is so normal after all, so basically, it is coming through the grill and is quite load, I did film it, I really hope you can hear it. However, it's worth noting that engine is not giving me any warnings, or any issues (it does always start-up nicely, never more than 1k rpms), however it is a bit loud and shaky? (but, I suppose that's normal, given it's a F series BMW).

It's a 316i, so it has a 'Prince' engine N13. So I was wondering if anyone here have had any problems like this? Sound like this? Every time I leave my car while its running, it scares the shit out of me, and I just simply can't believe that the engine supposed to have a rattle-alike sound like this?

Please see the video below, video was taken after I drove for about 4-5 mins to a shopping mall, I got out, it was so loud, I decided to finally take a video. Because every time I get out of the car it freaks me out, it just doesn't seem normal. (You do have to listen carefully, tho, it is really loud in reality, but my old phone just can't give the same audio over the video).

I do not know what I it is, but I can hear the "extra" ticking sound, aside from the injectors as well.

[franco.altuna]

Originally Posted by MRii328i

I do not know what I it is, but I can hear the "extra" ticking sound, aside from the injectors as well.

Maybe is just because I had the engine cover off that you heard it louder.

And are you certain your car has a timing chain issue?

Mine turns 7 in June so I guess I'm still inside the extended warranty period. I'm from Argentina though, so I don't know if the extended warranty is in place here... Do you know if its a worldwide warranty? I don't seem to find anything online here. I'll give them a call on Monday to check.

[Silverlining_m2]

Originally Posted by franco.altuna

Maybe is just because I had the engine cover off that you heard it louder.

And are you certain your car has a timing chain issue?

Mine turns 7 in June so I guess I'm still inside the extended warranty period. I'm from Argentina though, so I don't know if the extended warranty is in place here... Do you know if its a worldwide warranty? I don't seem to find anything online here. I'll give them a call on Monday to check.

No I'm not certain I have the issue. I have an appt in the beginning of june for the oil/alignment, and I plan to have them look at my guides and chain. My car has a "hum" kind of when I get off the gas pedal, but I dont think I'd call it a high pitched whine. My dealer says it's normal but they will look at it anyway.

[franco.altuna]

Originally Posted by MRii328i

No I'm not certain I have the issue. I have an appt in the beginning of june for the oil/alignment, and I plan to have them look at my guides and chain. My car has a "hum" kind of when I get off the gas pedal, but I dont think I'd call it a high pitched whine. My dealer says it's normal but they will look at it anyway.

I took the oil cap off and inspected the timing chain. When cold, it has some movement, but the guides themselves have no movement at all. After leaving the engine running for a while, the chain has no movement at all. I read somewhere that this it how it should be.

I made another clip, I left the phone below the car, and you can clearly hear the rattle it makes. I'm now more inclined to think its an exhaust/downpipe/heatshield rattle.