I've been searching for a video related to this noise for months now, until i found this video. You my friend are the man and if i had the chance i would buy you a well deserved beer. Thank you so much.

thank you so much! been looking all over the internet but no one has given me a fix on this issue but you

Thank you very much!! I had the exact same noise when activating the VANOS exhaust unit with my Autel DS808 scantool. I removed my unit (inside-the-engine sproket, not the solenoids, those were fine) and opened it up. The inside walls had become completely uneven, being worn by the inside plates/flaps that turn inside the unit due to oil pressure. I changed the VANOS unit with one from STARK for about 200€ and the sound is gone!! Perfect idle and running now.

awesome video. I have an E60 N52 engine and this has shed more light on the rattle situation for me.

Best video ever, i didn't have any problem yet, but this KZfaqr explained very well

Well thank you from Canada Spencer Latham! I've been trying to find out what this was because to me (or on my E46 M3) it doesn't sound like a "Rattle" as everyone always talks about. It sounds like a Diesel engine or like a knocking sound. This is the first video that I could clearly say it sounds like my problem (Obviously exhaust side vanos). I didn't expect to be facing this yet as I'm only at 73,000 KM. The craziest part for me though now is that these two parts for the exhaust (Pump disk and the pump drive unit with the tabs that break) are aprox $1300.00 Canadian. Not including gaskets or tools. It's nuts! Thanks again for the clear diagnosis!

Spencer, You are a legend.

My 2008 MINI Cooper S has such a similar sound. It's intermittent, but definitely not related to cold starts. It will have that "Whirring, plasticky rattle" for an entire day and a half and then go away completely for 2 weeks. Anyway, thanks for posting because it will give me an avenue to pursue on my car since it sounds so similar. (I'm pretty sure my MINI doesn't have the timing chain tensioner problem)

Man!?? I can't believe you solve the problem with an easy tip?! Thanks a lot and congratulations !!

Hi, Never got a chance to say Thank You for this video. I bought an E46 318 N46 Touring for Spares or repair with a growling vanos a few years ago, I didn’t have a clue what the noise was, but thanks to you, I replaced the offending exhaust vanos, (£45 for a used vanos from eBay) and the car ran for years with no further problems, one of the best E46’s I have ever owned! Thanks mate!

Would be great to see more vids on the n46 engine. Very few of them out there for some reason.

This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen. God bless you sir...

I hear this sound in my car, I'm gonna pull them out and clean them and see if that solves it. Thanks so much. I have looked for this all over the internet and couldn't find anything. Keep up the great work.

My vehicle was misfiring like crazy , bought new coil Packs. Sparks etc. Did what you recommended disconnected the top one misfire disappeared. Engine purred like a kitten. Haven’t driven it yet but sounds mint. Don’t no how safe it is to drive with it disconnected but you definitely helped me out. Thanks man Great video man

Excellent knowledge mate!

AWESOME, video, Spencer, Thanks for taking the time out, and if i'm in norfolk in the near future, i'll bring a nice Pizza for you, or a McDonald's 🙂

Top work here well done 👍

It is worth pointing out that these engines employ two VANOS check valves, similar to N52 engine, but unfortunately on an N46 the cylinder head has to come off to replace them. I am writing this because these could fail and make a startup rattle too (they are non-return valves to keep everything primed with oil), even though the VANOS unit might be perfectly fine

wow you were dead on. i couldnt find anyone talking about this. everyone saying lifters and valves. GREAT video. thanks

Hello what a good video it solved issue on my 320i

i change the vanoss seal in bmw e 46 318i se 2005 now the engine rattal and vibrate making same noise like in your video, I also change the breather vent as well. I have loss power at time seems to want stall in junction so I have to keep raving

hi Mark T no it cannot it's a totally different setup on the s54 and I would probably say 99 percent that the exhaust side of your vanos is warn that's the side where the oil pump is located and there is a hub bolted to the end of the cam cam shaft which has 2 lugs. those 2 lugs go into the round oil pump drive disc and the 2 holes that those 2 lugs slide into are supposed to be round but over the years they end up oval shaped and that is what makes the same sound as this n42 in the video I made. I can fix this for you but it is a total strip down and redy rebuild of the vanos new seals and a new rocker cover gasket set also. if you would like a quote for the job contact me through my work page bmp conversions. I'm located in Norfolk UK hope this helps

Thank you that's the exact sound I have been hearing

Thank you so much for this video, helped a heap.

Yep, same noise for about 2 seconds on cold starts. But my e46 has the N42B20... Thanks!

Got a 2013 335i X-drive, with the exact disturbing clanking. Along with that noise, the engine misfires. Upon inspection, the #4 spark plug appeared to be the culprit, covered in black soot (but no gas smell). A compression test on #4 cylinder showed a lower compression than the others. (Possible stuck piston ring due to carbon build-up, and I intend on treating the cylinder to break it up.) I initially believed that the clanking noise was a bent valve, but there was no incident that I know of where it would bend without the timing chain breaking. However, unlike what was showed on this video, the clanking noise on my engine does not go away even when the engine has warmed up. I definitely will unplug the exhaust vanos to see if the noise goes away.

What a lovely guy I just subscribed plus he’s giving his number out to help true hero respect to you sir

Hi there the vac pumps on these engines and the n45 wear out and can mack a rattling noise from the rear of the engine so if the noise is from the back of the engine do a closer inspection thanks

Thank you - extremely helpful. Do to know if this affects the N47T in the F30/31 ?

Thanks for this great video. I have and odd issue if you can help. Mine has shown a lack of power in lower revs also when warm I have a loud whistle like sound that sounds like a bearing... it's not as I disconnected the serpentine belt. Could this also be the vanos?

I cleaned both vanos sensors out because they where blocked up. put them back in and the car started OK then started running lumpy after I took off the intake housing to find out where this rattleing noise was coming from. disconnected the bottom vanos and made my engine run OK instead of being lumpy.

any e46 problems you no the answer too, please please make a video of it because we all do appreciate it!!! thanks

hello , nice video very helpful ,(Q) can you run the car at any speed without having any problem after this process.?

I will post more as I work on them thanks

hi nick they have twin vanos 100 percent

Thanks bro. Could you pls explain why it is make the noise when vanos activated. And how to fully fix it?

can the same test be done on the m3 S54 ? ,mine just strated and when i rev to 2500 RPM plus it goes away! so i thinking the spline is at fault once oil pressure fill it quiets up! no codes ! thank you

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Brilliant thanks ☺️

Thank you so much

Very helpful Spencer! Love the accent also.

Hi mate I'm looking at a 2006 x3 BMW 3.0 diesel and when I took the oil cap of it made a loud taping noise from inside the taper cover when I put the oil cap back on it stops ?

Hello sir, My bmw 320d 2010 also make that tractor noise but couldn't find the solution, i think this video will do some magic.

Hey nice video, i have a big question and hope you can help me cause no one could until now. I have the same engine as in this video and my problem is that the car have starting problems when the engine is warmed up it even shuts down after a second starting the car starts bad but keeps running i don´t have any strange noises and no power loss when the engine is running but when the car is cold it starts like it should.... any suggestions?

I have the exact same problem exhoust vanos , Thank you so much God bless you , What should i do can i drive more like this ?

Thank you so much!

Hello, nice video :) Can you tell me how much km can i run with vanos exhaust side unplugged ?

I have the same problem after going hot is running like this and heave smoke grey is making this noise in warm when it is cold is working Very good

Just as you show I had the same noise from my N42. I have replaced the timing gear as the top plastic guide had fractured and the exhaust vanos was shot. However I still have a misfire that comes as the motor warms up and a new coil pack made no difference.

I've got the same n46 engine produces 148bhp & 200nm torque. I got a full service including a oil change recalled the car then slapped a k&n air filter. Drives smoother than ever

I would have to ask questions at the Inlet side disable must also get noise

Hi there, I have an e46 with an n46 engine and have the same sound on a cold start for a second or 2, but for the last 2 weeks my car has got harder to start from cold, once started it will fire back up straight away until left for a while, also noticed lower fuel economy, it idles at 700rpm and fluctuates by about +/-20rpm, could the vanos be also causing those issues? The car had a full service less than 1000k miles ago and has just had a new fuel pump fitted 4 weeks ago. Hope you can help. Cheers

Hi Spencer, Do you know how I can deal with a P1170 and P1168? I have a BMW 320i E90 2006. The car misfires at cold start and smooth when restarted warm after driving for a liitle while.

Hopefully YOU will reply but im having a juddering issue with my n46 bmw e90 318i dunno if its the timing chain on the way out or the valvetronic motor needs changing or its the vanos solenoids shall i just unplug the exhaust one and see if the noise goes i take it thats what your saying to do if i have a simular noise to this bmw whod have one great to drive... when they drive

I have a 54 316 makes that noise on mid throttle above 2k not at full throttle or off throttle is this a similar issue. Not sure how to diagnose it.

Hi. I have a question. I have a knocking come from my engine. But I don't think it's either of my Vanos unis or the solenoids. If poss could it be a stuck a tappet ? Only when you drive away the noise stops all together.. when started from cold or hot. It knocks. As soon as you drive away.. No noise.. It's a BMW 53 X5 with M54 3.0 engine.. Many thanks.. Lisa.

Gained a sub THANKS so much Sir.. Need that snap on tool in my life haha... Have a great one.. =)

do you know whats the problem with a 2007 bmw x5 e70 it makes a noise when i put reverse and when i start D to drive like overheating but i already put the new updated water pump that fix several water problems in my bmw but i still have the same problem, i already check and test radiator, but my bmw its not hot its normal, so im not sure if the engine will have problems in the future :/

I have a 2006 m5 and it's doing the same noice it just started las Friday can you help the noice sounds from the right side

Hi, my 1 series had the similar sound but mainly when accelerating and it’s seem to have lost power. Would you know if it’s the same issue or is it my turbo? Thanks in advance.

I have similar defect in my bmw e87 116i What should I repair exactly? On some videos they are talking about vanos replacement kit as a reason of rattle noise, but I can't find such for e87. I want to avoid replacement of everything. Could you help me? Thank you in advance

Hi mate, nice video. Can i still drive the car with the solenoids unplugged

Hi i had issue with eml light throwing vanos codes and engine running ok so bought 2 new solenoids and fitted them started car and rattled like a dirty diesel at the north pole. Tried to do adaptions but its still the same. Any idea how a new set is causing it to rattle but old solenoids didnt make it rattle.

Which obd2 reader do you use?

can this sound appear on a diesel too?

I have valvetronic change and chain timms but this vanos exhaust is not going what i need to doo ?

Hi is throttle butterfly supposed to be fully open at idle on a n46 2008 e91 please

Hi Spencer, on start up on my 1 series (when cold) and sometimes hot. i am hearing the exact same noise as above, but my engine also *hunts* i've changed the sparks and coils and now it's nowhere near as bad as it was, it still slightly feels like it *hunts* however at work i had it looked at and was told this was due to a timing chain, i have had the rocker cover off and it for sure looks really gunked up inside which suggested poor maintenance before i owned it so i spent some time cleaning it up, noticed the breather hose to the manifold / rocker cover was bodged, so i replaced it and spent more time cleaning up the cover side. so far that has resolved issues with erratic idling and severe misfiring however the engine noise and *hunting* still remain it sounds like the chain is rattling like mad on start up but however under load the noise disappears i checked the chain and felt no play behind it, does this sound like a vanos or could this be a timing issue. Engine code - N45B16A 1.6/2.0 block - 116i

i have same sound on the exaust side, what need to be replaced,vanois unit?

Great video am having same issues when i unplug the vanos solenoid the car run smooth.. But sometimes i got the oil light on can you help on that

Mine is a slight one second rattle on start up that appears one in every 5 start ups. Can this damage the engine if this is ignore or does the rattle get worse. Thanks ever so much for posting this helpful video

i have engine light is on when i scan give me the code VANOS, some time you can tell the car not running good. i try to replace the vanos and resete the code but back again do i have to do any program when i replace the vanos. ? 2005 116i n45 uf11

is the top solenoid the exhaust one ?

Hi mate how about bmw x5 please it has the same noise , but the engine is different? I dont know what part to unplug or something. Please help

Can this be the same problem with my the N52 engine that’s making that same ticking noise

I have this sound only when I crank up the car. Happens from time to time. Would it be the same issue? What do you think

Hi there I have a exactly same noise on startup for 2 second it's a n47d engine

Good video i have the rattle noise on my N45 not on cold start but on the road especially when revving on low speeds.. Please advice

Mine has had both.vanos from febi whole timing chain kit bga, genuine bmw oil pump and new chain kit still rattles got any idea?

hello I have bwm e90 318i with n46 engine and it makes the same lifter ticking sound as the n52 engines. I searched and found that the problem is only in with n52 and some other engines but not with n46?? yesterday bwm engineer said that my lifter should be ok but he didn't know what is making that noise. He also mentioned that oil has not enough pressure to reach the top of the engine. I don't know.. can it be the oil pump that causes this?? (ps. sorry for my bad english I'm from Finland)

Hi I got same problem on my n42 is it the solenoids I need to change so in this case the exhaust soloneid? I’m getting lots of different answeres cheers

Can I check this on a foxwell nt510 ?

Whats oil to n46b20?

I have 120i bmw with the same noise and i have snap-on diagnostic machine but i don't know where to go and turn this noise off💔

Hi, I have this N46 engine in a 316ti. I occasionally hear a noise on cold start but I think it is more like the engine running dry (goes after less than a second when the oil circulates). I wonder if this also explains some of the complaints. I have it serviced regularly btw so it's not running old or incorrect oil etc.

What if vano probelm...it makes engine stop?

Hello I have a BMW e46 318i automatic 143 hp N42b20a. The engine does not run smoothly during a cold start. It does not indicate an error on the diagnostic device. the car shakes Please or Annone could help me fix it!

Hey mate i have a E90 2007 320i with the exact same sound in the mornings when i start it up and put it in reverse or drive,after it warms up it goes away

I have had the same noise, but just when driving off. When motor is hot it goes into emergency mode and i have no power. Error Codes show Valvetronic Motor, what do i have to do and how do you unplug it in n46 320i e90?

Vanos units that need replacing means the vanos solenoid for the affected side right ? Could i just leave the exhaust solenoid out and drive it round ... Would it restart after switching the car off etc ?

Hi and thank you for the video. Mine is a N43 E92 320i, My does same noise like yours but as it is in idle.I took the Vanos out and they were clean. I heard it's the injectors and HPFP.. would you look at my channel and hear it? I have the engine cover out. Many thanks in advance

Hello Spencer. I have the exact same problem on my n42b20 engine, and the rattle disappeared when i unplugged the exhaust vanos. Should i change the solenoid or the whole unit? The unit seems to be a difficult and expensive repair for a 20 year old weekend mechanic like myself...

i have the same problem. new timing chain & tensioner, guides but still rattle and very bad misfire ,only when the engine is warm the rattle will start & misfire at low speeds. i know it's the vanos unit. but do you think it can be the vanos solenoid? great video thank you

hi i get a rattle at about 2k-3k rpm when its hot or cold , its more pronounce under load and the check endgine lights now come on think it could be vannos allso?

I got the reverse problem, it starts rattling when it gets up to temp. Last owner just swapped chains and new oil, any input?

Hi, I have about the same sound but only when the engine is warmed up. Only below 1000 Rpm above that the sound is gone.

hi great video... I have a bmw e46 318i it has a bit of a noise on idl not as bad as in the video but after it warms up it goes away but it has a constant rough vibration which you can actually feel when seated in the car we replaced the following: MAF sensor Timing chain tensioner plugs and all mountings including tranny any suggestions from your side please...

I am about to buy 318i with the n42 engine and it knocks/rattles exactly like that,,,,, what is the fix???

Hi what engine can I use to replace a N42 engine

This did not solve my problem😪 sounds exactly the same but no difference when unplugged. Tried both intake and exhaust side.