Terrible tick click grinding noise past 3800-4000 RPM with any acceleration 03 ZHP

[TDiesel]

Good afternoon, I'm hoping the Mafia can help me diagnose a problem I've been hunting for quite a while on my beloved 2003 ZHP 6MT.

The noise is a very loud ticking and grinding that ONLY occurs past 3800-4000 RPM, along with power loss.

The codes I have pulled are P0171 P0305 P0306 P0300 P0133

I have cleaned my MAF, replaced coils and plugs on cylinders 5 and 6, inspected my DISA and replaced the O-ring, inspected all intake boots. Ordering a fuel filter and replacing pre-cat 02 sensors is what I plan to do next, however I am extremely concerned with the noise I am hearing past 4k. I lose power, hear a very loud clicking grinding noise that increases in frequency as I increase RPM. It doesn't go away anytime past 4k RPM.

Thank you for your time in advance!
Tony

[wsmeyer]

That sounds frightening.

Any chance your motor mounts are bad and you're hearing one of the pulleys / belts making contact with something as the motor shifts?

[TDiesel]

Very frightening indeed. I replaced motor mounts approximately 30k miles ago, so they should be solid. I am in the process of digging up my service records I will list everything that has been recently replaced.

[Vas]

Vanos?

[TDiesel]

I considered the VANOS to be a possible culprit. However, according the the previous owner's service records, it seems that most of the appropriate parts that have been replaced included parts of the VANOS. Here is what I have taken care of, as of now, in my pursuit in to solve the issues of my hesitations (past 3k and on), lean fuel code, and this noise I can not diagnose. That click grind noise past 4k rpm that increases in frequency with more acceleration and higher RPMs, is definitely my main concern, as the sound really has me worried being so loud plus hesitation and power loss.



Date
Supplier
Part #
Description
Qty
Price


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
11531436410
E46 3 Series (Not M3) Expansion Tank Coolant Hose
1
$21.40


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
17127510952
Upper Radiator Hose - E46 3 Series
1
$29.95


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
STE 30330
EMP/Stewart High Performance Water Pump for BMW
1
$195.00


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
11511436590
Water Pump Pulley - E46 E39 Z3
1
$29.95


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
171117127889
Brass Radiator Bleeder Screw
1
$5.95


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
13621433077
Coolant Temperature Sensor
1
$22.95


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
11537509227
Thermostat
1
$59.95


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
17111742231
Coolant Expansion Tank Cap
1
$15.75


8/13/2012
Turner Motorsport
82141467704
BMW Antifreeze Coolant, 1 Gallon Jug
2
$41.90


8/14/2012
Pelican Parts
11-53-1-436-408-M21
Lower Radiator Hose
1
$27.50


8/14/2012
Pelican Parts
17-11-7-573-781-M58
Coolant Expansion Tank
1
$75.00


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-1-706-545-M21
Belt for Alternator, Water Pump and Power Steering, BMW E46 3 Series
1
$17.25


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-1-717-188-M40
Belt Tensioner for Water Pump/Alternator Belt
1
$62.75


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-1-727-159-M9
Protection Cap for Water Pump and Alternator Belt Adjusting Pulley
1
$4.00


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-1-730-349-M9
Protection Cap for Drive Belt Deflection Pulley
1
$4.00


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-1-748-131-M40
Adjusting Pulley, used on Water Pump/Alternator Belt
1
$17.75


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-7-512-758-M40
Drive Belt Tensioner with Pulley for A/C Compressor Belt
1
$60.25


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-7-512-762-M21
A/C Belt (4K X 863), E46 330i
1
$10.00


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
11-28-7-841-228-M40
Idler Pulley, for Water Pump/Alternator Belt
1
$26.25


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
13-32-7-512-019-M93
Fuel Filter, 325i/Ci/iC/Xi
1
$41.75


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
32 42 1 740 858 M58
Power Steering Pump Pulley
1
$25.25


8/20/2012
Pelican Parts
64-31-9-216-590-M63
Activated Carbon Microfilter, BMW E46 3 Series
1
$21.00


9/13/2012
Pelican Parts
12-12-0-037-607-M220
NGK High Power Spark Plug, BKR6EQUP (Updated 4-Ground Electrode plug)
6
$69.00


9/13/2012
Pelican Parts
12-13-1-712-219-M14
Ignition Coil, BOSCH, Includes Spark Plug Connector (6 per car, sold individually)
6
$208.50


9/13/2012
Pelican Parts
12 61 7 508 003 M44
Oil Level Sender, BMW E46 3 Series
1
$100.25


9/13/2012
Pelican Parts
12-61-7-568-480-M64
Oil Pressure Sender, BMW E46 3 Series
1
$6.50


11/27/2012
Turner Motorsport
D946M
Axxis/PBR Metal Master Brake Pads - Front - E46
1
$59.95


11/27/2012
Turner Motorsport
34356751311
Brake Pad Wear Sensor - Front - E46 330
1
$15.95


11/27/2012
Turner Motorsport
CBMW1
Caliper Bushing Upgrade Kit
1
$59.95


11/27/2012
Turner Motorsport
34101166071
Front Brake Rotors - E46 330
1
$159.90


11/28/2012
Pelican Parts
34-21-1-161-806-M9
Brake Disc Retaining Allen Bolt 8 X 14 mm
2
$4.50


2/21/2013
Turner Motorsport
34201166073
Rear Brake Rotors - E46 330i / 330Ci / 330xi (Pair)
1
$129.90


2/21/2013
Turner Motorsport
D1397M
Axxis/PBR Metal Master Brake Pads - Rear - E46
1
$44.95


2/21/2013
Turner Motorsport
34351164372
Brake Pad Wear Sensor - Rear - E46
1
$12.95


2/21/2013
Turner Motorsport
34416761292
Parking Brake Shoe Set - E46
1
$49.95


2/23/2013
Amazon
HU 925/4 X
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$7.48


2/23/2013
Amazon
15305
Red Line 5W-30 Motor Oil- 1 gallon jug
2
$95.90


6/12/2013
Amazon
HU 925/4 X
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$7.48


6/12/2013
Amazon
15305
Red Line 5W-30 Motor Oil- 1 gallon jug
2
$95.90


10/7/2013
Pelican Parts
16-11-1-184-084-M17
Seal for Suction Device and Fuel Tank Level Sensor (Rubber)
1
$17.50


10/7/2013
Pelican Parts
16-14-6-766-942-M82
Fuel Pump Assembly, with Fuel Level Sending Unit (Right Side),
1
$165.50


10/10/2013
Turner Motorsport
61368373700
Relay - White Green - Most BMWs
1
$15.95


10/10/2013
Turner Motorsport
PIAA-SILICONE-WIPER-20
PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade - 20 inch
1
$27.95


10/10/2013
Turner Motorsport
PIAA-SILICONE-WIPER-22
PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade - 22 inch
1
$27.95


12/3/2013
ECS Tuning
65105
18" M Double Spoke Style 135 Wheel
1
$363.98


12/3/2013
Amazon
HU 925/4 X
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$7.48


12/3/2013
Amazon
15305
Red Line 5W-30 Motor Oil- 1 gallon jug
2
$95.90


3/19/2014
ECS Tuning
18383
Oil Cap with gasket
1
$8.20


5/14/2014
Turner Motorsport
11361440142R
Vanos Unit with Solenoid - Rebuilt - M52tu/M54 - E46 E39 X5 X3 Z4 E60
1
$299.95


5/14/2014
Turner Motorsport
11361748745
Genuine BMW Engine Fit Bolt 11361748745
2
$3.90


5/14/2014
Turner Motorsport
17110419132
Genuine BMW Radiator Fitting 17110419132
1
$1.95


6/23/2014
Turner Motorsport
32301094703
Steering Shaft Universal Joint - E46 4/2001+
1
$47.95


6/24/2014
Turner Motorsport
11812283798
E36 M3, E46 M3, E9X M3, Z3, Z4 M Motor Mount (Upgrade for non-M E36/E46)
2
$115.90


6/24/2014
Turner Motorsport
11131437237
Oil Pan Gasket - E36 E46 E39 X3 X5 Z3 Z4
1
$28.75


6/24/2014
Turner Motorsport
11431740045
Engine 0-ring 11431740045
1
$2.95


6/26/2014
Amazon
HU 925/4 X
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$7.48


6/26/2014
Amazon
15305
Red Line 5W-30 Motor Oil- 1 gallon jug
2
$95.90


7/1/2014
Tire Rack
1140-4841
KONI Sport Struts and Shocks with H&R Sport Springs
1
$987.00


7/3/2014
Turner Motorsport
13541438759
Intake Boot - Lower - E46 330i, E46 325i M56
1
$15.95


7/3/2014
Turner Motorsport
13541438761
Intake Boot - Upper - E46 330i, E46 325i M56, Z3 3.0i
1
$31.95


7/3/2014
Turner Motorsport
E46MOUNTKIT
3-series Strut/Shock Mount Kit - E46 (not M3, not xi)
1
$334.64


8/6/2014
OEM Bimmer Parts
13627566983
BMW E46 3-Series Mass Air Meter OEM
1
$294.00


9/2/2014
OEM Bimmer Parts
11787523434
BMW E46 3-Series 02 Sensor
1
$121.00


9/2/2014
OEM Bimmer Parts
11787523435
BMW E46 3-Series 02 Sensor
1
$121.00


11/7/2014
Amazon
HU 925/4 X
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$7.48


11/7/2014
Amazon
15305
Red Line 5W-30 Motor Oil- 1 gallon jug
2
$95.90


11/24/2014
ECS Tuning
7028
Mann Oil Filter Kit
1
$5.79


11/24/2014
ECS Tuning
10318
5w-30 High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil
8
$54.56






As I previously mentioned, I inspected the DISA for proper function and replaced the DISA o-ring this weekend. Still getting the loud ticking that increases with RPM when accelerating past 4k RPM and on

Thank you!
Tony

[Aeternalis]

Sounds like rod knock to me unfortunately, but I can't be sure. I'm not super familiar with BMW motors, but my fiancée's Mazda 3 made a "clicking noise" (rod knock) that appeared as the revs increased due to oil starvation. Probably want to get it to a shop and at least have them listen to it with you.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[TDiesel]

Sounds like rod knock to me unfortunately, but I can't be sure. I'm not super familiar with BMW motors, but my fiancée's Mazda 3 made a "clicking noise" (rod knock) that appeared as the revs increased due to oil starvation. Probably want to get it to a shop and at least have them listen to it with you.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Rod knock.. Definitely something to consider since I believe I have a vacuum problem, possibly causing oil starvation. No idea where the leak roots from unfortunately, with all of the recent maintenance performed. I have been adding a quart of oil every 500-800 miles. Not sure why this spinning grinding tick occurs only in gear under engine load past 4k RPM but not in neutral when I rev past.

On a side note. If a member knows of any reputable Indy shops near the Pittsburgh PA area, please do inform me. I'm also willing to travel to a good mechanic, as I've had poor experiences with local shops.

Thanks for all input!

[BMWCurves]

I don't know of any reputable shops near there, but you should try bimmershops.com. It's supposed to be a good index of german/BMW-specialists.

[TDiesel]

Thanks BMWCurves, I appreciate the reference. Mechanics are always a last resort for me, if anyone else has an idea what could be causing this noise please let me know! I will try to capture a video of the sound today and post.

[09mageec]

Thanks BMWCurves, I appreciate the reference. Mechanics are always a last resort for me, if anyone else has an idea what could be causing this noise please let me know! I will try to capture a video of the sound today and post.

A video with some good sound quality will most definitely help :thumbsup

[Aeternalis]

Rod knock.. Definitely something to consider since I believe I have a vacuum problem, possibly causing oil starvation. No idea where the leak roots from unfortunately, with all of the recent maintenance performed. I have been adding a quart of oil every 500-800 miles. Not sure why this spinning grinding tick occurs only in gear under engine load past 4k RPM but not in neutral when I rev past.

On a side note. If a member knows of any reputable Indy shops near the Pittsburgh PA area, please do inform me. I'm also willing to travel to a good mechanic, as I've had poor experiences with local shops.

Thanks for all input!
It's interesting you mention that the noise is only heard while the car is in gear and not apparent while revving in neutral. If it was a problem with the motor, it should appear consistently regardless of the engagement state of the transmission. Maybe it's something in your gearbox and not the motor after all.

[09mageec]

It's interesting you mention that the noise is only heard while the car is in gear and not apparent while revving in neutral. If it was a problem with the motor, it should appear consistently regardless of the engagement state of the transmission. Maybe it's something in your gearbox and not the motor after all.
+1

I thought this as well.. Hopefully the video help.

[Sockethead]

I don't think that is necessarily true. It could be that the engine only makes the noise under load. Revving the car in neutral doesn't put any load on it. perplexing problem as it could be a lot of different things.

[TDiesel]

Got around to filming the video, I wanted to take care of some routine maintenance to ensure it wasn't the root of my problem.
You can skip to 3:30, 4:15, and 4:50 to hear examples of the sound I'm concerned about.
For reference.. Throwing codes P0305 and pending P0133

https://youtu.be/ozWtQ45-BqI

Let me know what you think.. Thanks!

[TDiesel]

Nothing yet.. Going to take her to a mechanic when I get a day off. I'll post any updates. Cheers

[wsmeyer]

Just listened to the video. I think it's something in the top of the engine. Possibly broken valve spring or maybe just the timing chain slapping around.

[TDiesel]

Update:
I'm pretty determined to figure this out on my own. I've done hours of searching and the issues I'm having seem pretty unique and hopefully I can help someone out in the future. Here's a recap if you are just jumping in. My 2003 330i 6MT begins to lose power and make a strange noise past 4000 RPM (see previous posted video), in addition it begins to misfire heavily, nearly impossible to drive without stalling.

NEW:
Today after I had the vehicle hooked up to to Torque on a diagnostic test drive, it began to misfire worse than ever. Torque showed codes P0300, P0305, P306 (all three confirmed), and P0113 (pending). The noise it was making while idling sounded crazy, like a helicopter. I took out the phone and caught a quick video. While idling I began to smell a burnt clutch smell and noticed smoke was coming from under the car, as well as from the air intake/exhaust manifold as shown in the video.
https://youtu.be/zLjvTt1MBqM

As always any words are appreciated
Tony

[BMWCurves]

I'm really not sure what that sound is, but hopefully someone more knowledgeable can hop on this and assist you.

[ELCID86]

Wow. I don't like that one bit. I'd be very hesitant to drive it. Sounds pretty major... Wish I could help more.

[TDiesel]

UPDATE: FIXED

I'm very happy to say that I have solved this problem and I hope this helps anyone else experiencing similar symptoms.

The problem was the CATS, completely plugged up. I'd imagine the manifold on cylinders 4,5, and 6 was worse since it was throwing misfire codes on those cylinders. After installing Bimmerbrakes SS catless headers, all problems went away. My baby runs super smooth now. I should add that I also installed an oil catch can in place of the OEM CCV since it was giving me headaches. I believe my cats got so plugged due to a faulty CCV throwing oil into my intake.

Obviously I checked coils, plugs, fuel system, and vaccum leaks first. However, if you're at wits end and checked everything else, certainly check your cats. I tested by removing an O2 sensor, allowing the exhaust pressure to escape through the open hole. Confirmed when the car ran better with the O2 removed.

[fredo]

Congrats, man ! :thumbsup

[BMWCurves]

Congrats, man ! :thumbsup

+1

I'm surprised cats can get so clogged. What's the mileage on your car?

[Dave1027]

One odd thing that jumped out at me in your video was the amount of soot in your pipes. Seeing that did not surprise me that your cats were clogged. Look at the difference between your pipes and mine!

2655826559

[az3579]

One odd thing that jumped out at me in your video was the amount of soot in your pipes. Seeing that did not surprise me that your cats were clogged. Look at the difference between your pipes and mine!

2655826559
Or his just has never been cleaned. Mine looks like that too... I never clean inside there.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Dave1027]

I have never cleaned the inside of my pipes. It just burns clean and not burning any oil either.

[TDiesel]

Congrats, man ! :thumbsup

Thank you!


+1

I'm surprised cats can get so clogged. What's the mileage on your car?

Just hit 168k, running better than new now :thumbsup

[TDiesel]

Or his just has never been cleaned. Mine looks like that too... I never clean inside there.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

There's definitely something to be said about letting the CCV go. My car was burning a quart every 1k before I installed the OCC.

[Sockethead]

Just hit 168k, running better than new now :thumbsup

I bet! headers add a decent amount of torque... they made a pretty big difference on my car... and my cats were ok