E36 engine rattle

["Chris E. Geiselman" <CGeiselman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My 1992 E36 325i  has developed a strange rattle or vibration in the
engine. Most noticeable between 1800-2000 rpm. The noise seems to be comi=
ng
from right under the valve cover. The car has 57,000 miles and just had i=
ts
Inspection II done.

Someone mentioned they have traced a similar noise to a loose cover on th=
e
intake camshaft. They say attempts to correct the problem are seldom
successful even when the cover is replaced with a new one. Apparently thi=
s
is a plastic cover that just clips over the intake cam and works itself
loose. Before we pull the valve cover to take a look-see I'm wondering if=

others have had a similar experience and solved it.....or have another id=
ea
about what the problem might be.

Many Thanks,
Chris Geiselman (OH)
BMWCCA #101724



Chris,

I just went through something similiar on my 93 318is.  My rattle was at 2500
rpm.  I swore it was comming from right under the valve cover, but it turned out
to be a trough shaped silver colored heat shield for the spark plug wires.  It
is directly above the exhaust manifold sorta on and below the passenger side of
the valve cover.  It attaches to the cylinder head and one of the attaching tabs
was broken clean across.  It rattled like crazy at the correct RPM.  I don't
know if your 6 cylinder has the same thing, but worth a check.

Good luck,

Andy Bommersbach

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