Louder engine operation in BMW right after starting – what is the reason?

BMW driver question

I own a BMW with a 2.0 gasoline engine and 170,000 km driven. Everything is OK, only after igniting the engine for a minute it goes a little louder. I think the sound is coming from the exhaust manifold side.

The problem was in a BMW 3 E91 with a 2.0 gasoline engine, but it may also occur in other models.

Response from BM Cars service

The described problem of a louder engine right after firing up is most often related to louder timing. After prolonged idling, oil drips from the upper engine components into the oil pan. When such an engine is started, the valve train components in the upper part – the rollers and pushrods – do not have adequate lubrication until the oil pump has pumped enough oil.

Also, the oil tensioners of the timing chains are supplied with oil, the working pressure of which is reached only after the engine is started. That’s why it’s so important to use the right oils and change them often enough (at least every 15,000 km or once a year). Castrol Magnatec is an example of an oil specially equipped with particles that, settling on the upper elements of the engine, flow much more slowly into the oil sump. Even with prolonged downtime, this ensures adequate lubrication at start-up. We have described the topic of oil selection for BMW engines in detail here.

We invite you to take advantage of our service.

Other BMW tips related to the topic

• Ringing noises after replacing the timing gear in BMW with N47 engine – how to fix it?
• How durable is the valve train on a BMW 430i F36?
• The car does not start in the cold

Read more tips and ask your own question