Lifter ticking is a common issue that affects various automobiles including BMW automobiles. The lifters are tiny hydraulic devices within the engine that assist in the opening and closing of the valves. If they start to fail, you can hear a ticking sound, particularly when the engine is idle or running at slow rpm. Here are some steps to take and where you should go for repairs when you hear this noise in your BMW.
Measures to Prevent Lifter Ticking
- Check and Change the Oil: The first and easiest of these is to use the dipstick to determine the amount and quality of oil that is present in the engine. Lifter ticking results from low or dirty oil. Make sure the oil is at the correct level and doesn’t appear dirty. If indeed it is time to change your oil, then use the right type of oil for your BMW.
- Use Oil Additives: Lifter noise can often be minimized with the use of oil additives. Some of these additives can remove deposits on the engine parts and enhance the circulation of oil, which could help to eliminate or reduce the ticking sound. It is advisable to use products that are suitable for the BMW engine so that they do not cause any complications.
- Inspect the Lifters: If a car owner fails to rectify the situation by changing the oil, then it may be necessary to check the lifters. This is something that would need more mechanical understanding and equipment, you may want to hand over your BMW to a professional mechanic. They can assess whether there is wear and tear on the lifters and decide whether or not some should be replaced.
- Clean the Engine: As time progresses, sludge and deposits accumulate in the engine and can get to the lifters. These contaminants can be washed out of the engine through an engine flush to regain the engine efficiency. An engine flush involves adding a special cleaning solution to the oil, running the engine for a short period of time, and then draining the oil. This process assists in clearing the internal parts of your engine.
- Adjust the Lifters: Lifter noise or ticks can be caused by a wrong adjustment of the lifters. Certain BMW models have variable lifters that can be adjusted to the right amount of clearance. This is a more advanced task and should be done by someone who has worked on BMW engines before.
- Replace Worn Lifters: If the lifters are worn out or damaged then the only option is to replace them. This is a little more complicated repair and often involves the need to remove the cylinder head. It is recommended that this job be done by a professional mechanic for the right results to be achieved.
- Regular Maintenance: It is wise to prevent a problem from occurring, rather than to wait for it to occur and then start running around on how it can be solved. Your BMW needs regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in the best condition. Adhere to the manufacturer’s schedule for changing the oil and filter as well as other routine check-ups. Preventive care allows the mechanic to discover any developing complications and treat them before they escalate.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some of the measures that can be taken to stop lifter ticking are simple and can be done at home, while others need to be done by a professional. If you are not ready to tinker with your engine or if the ticking has refused to go away even after some of the most basic solutions have been applied, then it is high time you sought the help of a mechanic. They are capable of conducting a proper examination and coming up with the right action plan.
Visit Us in Lewisville For Your Lifter Ticking Solution
Fifth Gear Automotive has been offering 
the best automotive repair services in Lewisville and other parts of the DFW metroplex since 2004. We have four locations, which are located in Argyle, Cross Roads, Lewisville, and McKinney, TX, so BMW owners in these areas can benefit from our quality repairs. One of the problems that is frequently reported by BMW owners is the so-called lifter ticking. Our certified mechanics are in a good position to address and solve this in a quick and accurate manner. To schedule an appointment, it is advisable to call the number of our nearest shop to you.
* Black BMW M4 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.
