This is why your BMW ticks - BMW E46 Lifter Replacement DIY Part 1

Most older cars with hydraulic lifters will tick a little bit all the time. It's just the nature of an older car with varnished up lifters. But some cars will have a particularly bad lifter or two and from time to time you'll turn it on and hear a particularly loud ticking. Like from the driver seat loud. And it won't go away until you do a 15 minute freeway drive. That is what happens to my car every now and then and that is what I am going to fix in this video by basically replacing all of my lifters with brand new ones.
Hydraulic lifter (you need 24 of them, or in my case 3 sets of 8, I got mine on eBay):
11321748884
Valve cover gasket set:
11129070990
M54 Timing Tools Kit (you'll need this for reassembly):
amzn.to/3CaWURF
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:39 Removing engine covers
00:02:08 Removing the valve cover
00:07:08 I have a stud with stripped threads
00:08:20 Pulling air scoop and engine fan
00:09:16 Removing the VANOS
00:13:30 Put the engine at TDC on #1 (plus a quarter turn)
00:15:06 Remove camshaft timing gears
00:16:48 Remove upper timing guide & chain tensioner
00:17:36 Remove the exhaust cam sprocket
00:18:13 Removing the exhaust cam
00:25:54 Removing the intake cam
00:28:16 Going to get parts cleaned
00:30:12 To be continued...
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@absb2401]

I rarely comment on KZbin videos but you have honestly helped me and I’m sure so many others so much with these videos. You sir, have my utmost respect and gratitude. I’m so glad to see you are back in action and contributing selflessly to the e46 community after what must have been a very stressful time. Godspeed.

[@FullgasNoTraction]

Rare to find a "how to" that's good to watch with an evening beer, then be able to reuse it the next day with my morning shop towels! I recently used your oil filter housing gasket replacement video on my e46 Jason. 2000 miles later, All is still good under the hood! Thanks for a great channel!

[@banebanelyxxx]

Hey 50sKid, just want to say thank you so much for your videos and all your time and effort in being so thorough and helpful. For the first time in my life, I've actually been able to work on my own vehicle thanks to you and your help. Appreciate you!

[@petre-luciantoma3239]

Great to see the e46 is still alive and taken care of! After I saw the e90 videos, I thought its gone! Awesome channel man, I've been using it for years without leaving a comment!

[@catshaveearsonhead]

Great video as always! You have the perfect combination of being thorough whilst also being concise. Keep up the great work :)

[@TR4G]

Great contribution to the community! Must say, it’s been a minute since I checked the channel, you look great 💪

[@negritorican]

I guess my E46 will be making that ticking noise for the rest of the time I own it lol Way to much work for me. Excellent video though as always!

[@Buglife59]

😀4real

[@Zooteddoutt]

Thank you for the coherent and intelligible video. First time someone has actually explained everything they did with great angles and even better lighting.

[@persistencewins]

Awesome and very clear tutorial video. Congrats to you and keep it up!

[@VincentSalinasJr]

I'm currently pulling my cylinder head from my 05 325i for inspection after driving the car for around 40k miles after a 300 degree overheat, burning through coolant and oil for a while and finally have the time to get into it. Your M54 rebuild videos have been immensely helpful and I love all the details and tips and tricks that you have for pulling it without pulling the engine as I don't have access to a hoist. At the same time, I really, really like this type of video, very to the point, almost no extraneous verbal explanation, and just showing the teardown of the top end. It's a great summary. You're a legend.

[@2ootiehamilton662]

You definitely teaching me more about what I could exactly do to my E46

[@williambarrineau7153]

Wow man, you have a lost a lot of weight. Good to see you in great shape and keep it up! You look great!

[@recyclespinning9839]

Great to see somebody knows what he's doing and sharing. I love the look on the z4 but afraid to buy because of the lifter tick I read they have ...

[@fangio2005]

My friend , you are like a BMW GOD in Argentina, thanks for your videos and their quality!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@diegosolano9582]

Hell yeah the perfect video that I need to learn from. Thank sir 😤👌

[@eddiemac102]

Always loved your videos brother. Thank you.

[@flipfinish]

Great video as always. I have found that a can of liquimoly pro line engine flush before each oil change is good at preventing this issue. Once they tick, it is probably too late. Thanks for your videos!

[@javarithms]

I had a related issue. No ticking during cold start but it would misfire after 30 seconds (outside temp < 45 F) . I cleaned the lifters and it didn't fix the issue. I ended up replacing the intake cam tray along with all the lifters with used ones ($20) and that fixed the issue. So if you have misfire on cold start and have ruled out everything else, replace the cam tray(s) (check for scoring usually intake) and the lifters and hopefully, that should fix the issue. Jason, thank you! I couldn't have done the replacement without your excellent camshaft how-to videos.

[@aulupinar]

You always encourage me up. Thank you for keep posting . All i need a off road parking spot…(of course some special tools 🤔)

[@manarshanableh9459]

Good job buddy. Nice video as always and good content 👌

[@Alteisen_]

As always:great job! Thx from Munich!

[@bigcln87]

Hi Jason great job and edit !!

[@Rusty-Shackleford69]

Another great video Jason! I need to purchase the e46 stand alone version of the timing kit I've seen you use so many times. Do you still recommend the particular one you own? Any thoughts during the rebuild would be appreciated. Be well! ✌

[@ViCKyN94]

great video as always, cheers from Malaysia

[@CaffienatedMothman]

Dude, your videos are invaluable for us DIY newbies but I'm really wondering if/when you're gonna add an M3 to your videos, or maybe a race build. There's other race channels, but I feel like you'd dominate. You're this generations Scotty Kilmer.

[@garydavo07]

Love your work

[@ravsinghrajput2105]

I was waiting for this video,,, Thank you so much sir..

[@Jackapoo1]

Outstanding video Sir👍

[@XPbIM3]

We had some observations related to BMW lifters. Those 33mm with smaller pad are very notorious to tick loud. But You can swap cam assemblies to old-style ones with 35mm(old m50) lifter and large pad - they are very heavy duty but the same time they are heavier.

[@timbrwolf1121]

Ayyyy just a hemi bro here to share in the lifter failure pain.

[@heliezerhernandez8987]

Man thank you so much you make life easier for thousands of people

[@fantaft2297]

My e46 320i can start idle nice after to 15 minutes it's turn engine off it self nd from there it's just cranking without start but after 2 hours can start again I did change petrol pump but still the some what cous the problem

[@Tubz1400]

Million thanks for the videos you’ve done..

[@stefanodone8218]

Thank you Jeson this video very good, please Part 2 . Greeting from Italy 👍👍🇮🇹🇮🇹❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Mike-cv7hv]

Thanks for the Video. I really enjoy all your BMW content. I bought a nice 2004 330ci with a 6 spd manual. Grey with black interior. I was told it needed an engine. I paid $1400. It had been sitting for 2 years and the battery was dead AF so I couldn't even start it. After a brand new battery, it roared to life with ticking lifters. I poured a little ATF in the crankcase while it was running. Warmed it up, held some revs and withing a few minutes, the tick was gone. Now I know this may be temporary and yes, im going to change the oil and refresh the whole cooling system but for now, I got a clean runner and an easy resto project.

[@dreyn1456]

Great job as always. Thank you.

[@grovestreetbarz9938]

You look great man! Keep it up!

[@RevMatchTrackDays]

I've been using a lot of your videos for my Spec E46 build, mostly the air intake and MS45 to MS43 wiring replacement. I wonder if I'll have to do this in the future...Hopefully not until at least next winter! Thanks!

[@takeapieandrun]

This seems like a lot but honestly I'm amazed a guy like me could theoretically open the engine and work on the internals.

[@travismaulden7170]

Very interested in your videos of this. I've had lifter tick on my track car for a long time, but have never addressed it.

[@xxfilthyralfxx9882]

I own a BMW only because of you . Thank you

[@MFKnowledgebeats]

Just subed great videos. New owner of a E46 and first bmw.

[@mmbirdtoys4633]

Excellent vid, thanks!

[@raslegion1542]

nice work man

[@josemario1606]

I didn't know I needed that tool until I saw it here. Holy crap, it's super useful (The "electric wrench")

[@ttinnovations3310]

He's Back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MillarLADM8]

Mine needs this done and been desperately waiting for you to make a video, I literally cannot follow a video properly unless it’s you doing the work hHa

[@s3vR3x]

I dont have to do this job but yet i still watched the entire thing

[@raykal6691]

You coincidentally always time my builds at the exact topic. Thanks

[@raykal6691]

My issues weird. Engine is quiet at cold start only starts ticking when warm and sound keeps that way. Was thinking spark plugs. Ignition coils when warm i don't know. If you have a place to check please please do help. Thanks

[@seanseverson5527]

I found when working on my E83 I'd just have these videos playing in the background on my ipad. It just made me feel like I had someone there with me that knew what they were doing... LOL

[@ciprianoravet]

OMG, you're a God send!

[@thorsten_7354]

Had this problem before.. first it was only at coldstarts, so i changed them with new ones, then i had ticking ALL THE TIME.. real bummer. Then found a set on ebay with new cams, trays and lifters slightly modified, think the lifters were abit bigger in size. After that the noise dissapeared! Soo thankful for that 👍

[@RodriguezSteve]

was it expensive ( Labor )

[@thorsten_7354]

@@RodriguezSteve did it myself so think i payed about 250$ for the last parts

[@rasta86]

Ok so i just found your channel recently while doing a manual swap. And wow youve lost alot of weight. Congrats

[@user-bu1ir3us7v]

Hey brother amazing video and you lost lotta weight !!!!! Looking healthier and keep up w your content

[@user-gm1bb7yt9g]

Top video! What kind of bolt-machine do You use? The red one. / Pehr

[@al-maskari5463]

Thank you bro But if I don't fix that problem will it damage the engine?

[@slothmag]

Sold my E46 328Ci a couple months ago, miss it and all its troubles so much.

[@god5192]

hey 50s. just in the process of a engine rebuild and my lifters are difrent from the others. like i got 1 type for exhaust and another one for intake.

[@SavageBunny1]

I just used on a few M52/M54 a bottle of Seafoam, ran it gently, drove around for like 30 minutes, changed the oil, noise went away. Edit: yes Seafoam can go in the oil.

[@CMDRRustyDog]

So so glad you are doing this video ! I have 1 stuck lifter on my 330ci and sometimes it doesn't tick and sometimes it does. When it does it can be anywhere from 5s to 1 minute before it stops. Again, only on a cold start. Maybe it's not worth me tackling this job right now as it's not that bad, but if by watching your video, I have the confidence to do it, then I might try. The 'moving 1/4 past TDC' correction threw me a little. And I'm assuming you don't have to worry about losing the timing at this point because you can reset it upon assembly, is that right?

[@50sKid]

Correct

[@Eamador3]

Now we need a vid on how you lost so much weight! Well done 👍

[@50sKid]

Ah yes I do believe I need to make that vid

[@Codeman785]

So I want to install schrick solid lifters and camshaft with bigger lobes. Do you think this is a good idea to covert to solid lifters? They claim it allows faster rev and also prevents damage from high revs. Also I was planning on installing hastings piston rings because I'm sick and tired of burning so much oil. Do you have an input on piston rings? Should I buy a different set? Please give me some advice man, I've never tore down my m54 before. But it needs some maintenance and I might as well upgrade while I'm there.

[@ironnerd8336]

I haven't watched the whole video, but that is beast mode e46 teardown so far. None of it makes sense until you have done it 200 times to find that one damned vacuum leak. Thank you for all of the videos that instilled the confidence that I can keep the old girl running. Edit: I watched it all. Damned good video. I would do that in a heartbeat before I do a FSU again. My back can't stand upside down and stretched out in the passenger seat anymore. I'm old, and the car is too. Any young bucks wanna trade an FSU replacement for a DISA, CCV, and Vanos rebuild?

[@diegom.9762]

Haha I so would

[@Meridian-lk2fo]

Congrats on the weight loss

[@hughg.rection6284]

Great video, thank you for this. I'm also curious about the electric fan swap you mentioned. I have a 2002 330i with the 5spd auto from ZF, and I live in south Florida. During the summertime, it sounds like I'm driving around in a school bus because of the mechanical fan. I was seriously considering doing the electric swap, but a couple technicians from the dealership I used to work at told me I shouldn't, and the reason a mech fan is in there in the first place is because the ZF 5 spd auto needs the superior cooling power. Which trans do you have in your E46, and what are your thoughts on this?

[@50sKid]

The transmission has an oil cooler which is cooled by engine coolant, so you’d think that’d be keeping the trans cool, right? I dunno, I’ve driven in 110 degree weather and noticed no issues. I say go for it.

[@CHRISANDREOU4199]

My m54b30 doesn't tick, it tocks from exhaust cam side n02 ,any ideas? maybe a completely jammed tappet or worn carriage ,love your work man

[@WilliamBurdine]

I love how you have the "Weed Compartment" a place where you store your Oil LOL

[@romeoholder4453]

Hey 50skids, We have an bmw e53 that had it's engine rebuild recently, and notice there is a ticking noise that happens when the engine is warm. We used a regular castrol 10w-40 oil. Can this cause a problem? If so what oil would you recommend after an engine rebuild? Moreover, the vehicle was sitting for over 8yrs as in was involved in accident and water went inside it, so it was a lot of work with other things that were not working.

[@Og-oodee]

Sup man quick question how u feel about aluminum pulluy and valve cover

[@Dremonster0415]

I am also replacing the lifters on my car I have a bmw z3 with the m52b28 process look identical to the m54 except for the dual vanos. Unfortunately I cannot afford to purchase the OEM INA lifters do you think some of those cheaper ebay brands will work fine to cure the ticking?

[@joshdominguez341]

On my 330ci I got it with 180k miles it had lifter tick but I just ran a heavier oil 5W40 since it’s an old engine now and the ticking went away

[@luihernandez2022]

My friend I have a question for you Could you programming the stearing wheel for 2015 bmw 328i

[@ingegneriafacile]

one question, when the engine is at TDC, the left and right first two cams should not be faced one each other?

[@320iguy]

quick question, i have my M54B30 apart, and i have some that are stiff and some that are "loose".. basically, none aren stuck, but they have restricted movement.... are they supposed to have long travel, or short?

[@thomass3559]

I have the same ticking noise when my e46 gets in the higer rpm...i thought it was my timing chain...so thats all replaced with quality new stuff...and now the rattle is still there....i dont have any noises on coldstarts idle etc it only rattles really loud when i get to the redline.....would this also be the lifter valve thats causing this?

[@123szamik]

Hello, 28:50 If you have vanos removed it might be a good time to look inside and check the bearings play and possibly replace the sealings. As I saw on your channel it's been about 6 years since you make video abou this.

[@ronb433]

You have saved me a lot of money but have a problem thought you wold know the answer I’m 74 and grew up helping my dad keep our car running we never had a new one anyway my 2005 BMW X3 had a crack on upper hose at bleed screw got a new hose so was pulling lightly on old hose and the hard plastic connector crumbled in my hands so I got a new radiator and I replaced it bled all bubbles out with heater on. Now when I drive over 9 miles my car starts smoking a lot saw your video of pcv and oil separator but being 74 don’t want to tackle it with plastic gears in valve I figure that is problem so called a mechanic and he said it was head gasket which I doubt spark plugs are not missing and idles perfect with rpm steady not moving so I want to know if it is head gasket or pvc what would you say

[@mr.cthulhu8809]

Hey I love your videos! They have helped a lot, but I’m stuck. So my superntine belt broke while I was driving and the pulley above the alternator came off so I replaced both my belts both the tensioner pulleys, water pump, expansion tank, the thermostat under it. Fan switch , temp sensor and my thermostat. But I’m pretty sure my system is bled but I’ll start my car amd it will get to temp and then wants to overheat still! Also I’m not getting heat in my cabin idk what it could be

[@philmedor13]

Did you bleed the cooling system?

[@HugoMechE]

Have you tried adding Seafoam to clean the engine? I heard about it in a thread, I'm thinking of trying it before I fully commit to replacements. Thanks again for the great series of videos.

[@Rusty-Shackleford69]

I wouldn't recommend seafoam for an e46. Jason does indepth high level technical training sans fix it in a can.

[@sylvainst-laurent3631]

Question about the plastic caps in the vanos that covers the cam screw. Does it really do anything ? The one on the exhaust cam is barely holding and I was thinking of deleting it.

[@ianmatterson5632]

HEY THEIR 50'S KID, can you please tell me how long does it take you to change the clutch plates on your e46 with the aid of power tools?

[@mmhlk2800]

I have an 2003 bmw 325i with eml light comes on when driver slow in 3rd gear but goes away when turn off and turns back on the car I scan it with an obd tool and it show tank vent, I replace the ventilation sensor and it still so the same thing any idea what can be causing the problem

[@ItWasMuddy]

Thank you Mr. Joe Rogan

[@ajl0426]

I switched from Moblie 1 Synthetic to Shell Rotella T6 in my 97 M3 S52 when I had some intake lifters bleed down from a lot of high rpm. I did all of the known procedures and added atf and marvels mystery oil and none of them were able to pump the lifters back up. All it took switching oils and after 60k miles, the engine has never had a noisy lifter again. I have another S52 engine I put in a '94 E36 body for a track car and I use Rotella T4 in it and it has never made lifter tick sounds after a track session. You only have to replace liftes when you replace lifter trays on high mileage high wear enigines.

[@Opiti72]

isn't a Diesel oil? I was about to try it but the diesel label...I own a e46 with 107K but now the lifters became noisy...

[@ajl0426]

@@Opiti72 yes it is. It will quiet them down and clean the engine too. change the oil filter after a few hundred miles.

[@Opiti72]

@@ajl0426 Thanks for your answer, I was about to replace the lifters...but I will give it a try, I will let you know if it works. Thanks for the info.

[@trutacgear]

I have a problem with my E36 it make noise on 1500/RPM I don't now where it comes form first I thought it is from a pomp or something lie that second I thought it is from a step up starter but it is not it I still can't figure it out ...My BMW is with LPG system ..! Do you have any answers ..

[@hoogiegarage3414]

Hello the 50s kid I have a really strange thing going on with my e46 I don’t think you’ve ever seen before I recently did a coolant refresh on my car and changed everything but yesterday when I went to bleed the car and check for leaks it is leaking heavily from under the exhaust manifold! Weird I posted a 3 part short clips on my channel can you please help me and tell me what you think?

[@Sp3NgL3R_MF]

Hello, i have problem with knocking inside my engine, when i go over 3k rpm knocking starts. I have E46 316i 77kw 105hp 1.9 from 2000 M43B19. In my E46 i dont have those hidraulic lifter. Can you please tell me what problem can it be? If you want i can provide you some video you can watch.

[@hectorrivera7626]

Hello I have a 1999 bmw 328I that have damaged 2 batteries and is draining the batteries. What may be causing this problem?

[@gman3725]

Interesting, I’ve noticed that after replacing my valve cover on my N52 because of CCV issues, I’ve noticed that the ticking on cold start is not very noticeable.

[@XLasergurke]

I'm just watching this video for fun. But what I always think about is, that I'm so happy to drive an e60 with the m54 engine. There is just so much more space available, when working on the engine 😁

[@eclipsetrekker]

What do you think about the amazon chinese lifters for around $130 for 24? Any other ones are about $400.

[@herrerafoto]

Hey Jason, did you re-painted your car? Looks great!

[@50sKid]

Nah same same

[@LS-lt4os]

Hye 50s kids what machine shop are you going to? Looking for a reputable shop around southern CALI. Thanks to your excellent videos, I got my engine all apart and ready to start on my rebuilt process.

[@50sKid]

I recommend Martin Davidson’s machine shop

[@LS-lt4os]

@@50sKid thank you sir.

[@hazlotumismomisacortez9283]

So, do you think i can run the car with that ticking noise for a little while?

[@lexuskid98]

I don’t understand why I have this sound now I just got this sound. I didn’t until I switched to 5w40 and that’s what people were recommending to do. I’m using penzoil and I used it before aswell and I used 5w30 before and was completely fine and now I have this loud tick.

[@FreePalestine1948]

Mine goes away about 3-4 seconds after cold start. I notice it causes a rough idle when cold as well.

[@angelisone]

My *taping/ticking/rattling sound coming from my 1986 ATG M7's (modified from 735i) worn 1 top lobes (18:38) of Camshaft. Do you know where I can buy one that is not going to cost me an arm & a leg? And a kit of gaskets & seals? It has not run since 9/11. So it has a sentimental valve because my uncle's lost his wife & three children in the World Trade Center. I lost my aunt & cousins over 21 years ago. My uncle wanted to show me how to fix things but after 9/11 = faded to black/garaged. *2000 a note from my uncle, Col of the SAS, that we will fix & replace the Camshaft taped on the engine. The M7 has less 25K original miles. I was a young little girl at that time. Any help & suggestions would be appreciated.

[@sakissyard]

Please tell me about the stripped bolt. Something you mention about bigger-sized 🔩 on that side? So aren't all head cover bolts the same length size?

[@50sKid]

There is a dual sided stud screwed into the head which the valve cover bolt then screws into. The end that screws into the head is an M7x1.0mm thread and the other end is an M6x1.0mm thread. The timesert kit I had on hand is for M6x1.00mm, so it's the wrong side and I need to get the M7.

[@Dicer328]

3:20 the way to get that hose off of there is to pinch it at 90 degrees to the clips and they will be forced outward.

[@50sKid]

I know but when the plastic hardens it's hard to do it that way, so I go right for the catches

[@mariorodriguez6604]

My bmw E46 325i 2002 make that noise after high speed and revs around 3500-4500 rpm and I add 1qt oil the sound disappear. What could it be? Oil is 10w30. My ambient temp is around 30- 35 Celsius.

[@jimcraig6523]

Rather than go to this extent to "cure " lifter noise which is invariably caused by sludge or varnish build up in the hydraulic tappet as suggested by condition of camshaft caps, I have found that the use of a detergent such as Oil Syn Release run for 2,000 miles followed by an oil change with 5% ZX1 provides a long term solution. Have used this on numerous occasions and never failed to "cure" the problem.