BMW is called “the ultimate driving machine” for a good reason: it provides its owners with the ultimate driving experience. These premium luxury vehicles are known for their high standards of quality and performance, which is why it can be especially annoying to hear an infernal clicking noise while you drive to the corner store to pick up eggs and bread. As a BMW owner, you should know that these cars, especially older ones, are susceptible to this clicking noise because of a common malfunction in the “hydraulic valve lifter.” In this article, we will talk about what this lifter does and why it clicks over time. Then, we’ll share tips on how to fix this annoying issue once and for all.
What is the Lifter in BMW
The ticking noise that you may experience comes from the hydraulic valve lifter, also simply called a “lifter” for short. It is a cylinder whose main purpose is to keep your performance engine running quietly. Isn’t it ironic, then, that when this part fails, it makes an incessant clicking noise that’s impossible to quiet?
More often than not, this clicking is caused by regular wear and tear on the associated parts. Of course, you should have your BMW regularly serviced by a qualified technician in order to avoid this and other problems, but every proud owner of one of these vehicles will encounter the infamous clicking at one point or another, even with regular scheduled maintenance. In addition to normal wear that comes with age, the more mileage the car has, the more likely it will encounter this issue with the lifter, even if the car isn’t considered that old.
Reasons for BMW Lifter Clicking
Although lifter ticking can occur in even BMWs that are well-serviced throughout their lifetime, regular maintenance by a qualified technician can help to prevent this and all other issues. As we have said, parts get old and wear out over time and mileage. In addition to age, the accumulation of particulates in the engine can also cause the hydraulic valve lifter to stark ticking. To prevent dirtand sludge from building up in your engine, be sure to have your fluids regularly changed.
Another potential cause of lifter ticking issues is a freezing climate. When your vehicle is constantly exposed to cold temperatures, the metal of the car’s components naturally contracts. This means that the car has to work harder to accomplish things than it would have to in warm weather. The increased wear that your BMW can go through because of freezing temperatures can lead to premature lifter ticking.
By far the most common cause of lifter ticking issues is that the lifter itself is not receiving adequate lubrication. What this means is that the metal parts rub against each other, creating friction,and that friction then wears down the parts at an exponential rate. Inexperienced technicians will often miss this!
Since this is part of an engine design flaw on older models, BMW has actually suggested that Bimmer owners with lifter ticking get new cylinder heads with an improved design, so that the lifter will be properly lubricated. It’s important to have a BMW specialist who is knowledgeable and has the experience necessary to give you the best possible service for your car.
Finally, a loose bolt or another small broken part of the hydraulic valve lifter assembly can cause the ticking. Again, these parts simply wear down and break over time. Thankfully, a trained specialist will be able to quickly and easily take care of these problems for you. Although newer BMW models tend not to have this problem as often, it is still possible.
How DART Auto Can Help
We at DART Auto have 
been specializing in German car maintenance and service for years. We have all the tools and machinery needed to provide you with the highest quality service. Our state-of-the-art center attracts drivers from throughout Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, and Denver, CO. We always offer OEM and factory parts, a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and loaner cars to help you stay active while you wait for your repairs to finish. To have your BMW lifter ticking problem fixed, or to make an appointment for any issue, give us a call today at (303)-296-1188.
* BMW F26 X4 image credit goes to: DarthArt.
