[CombatWombat]

So after having my M3 for less than 1000 miles it's started developing a "chugging" noise that could be described as marbles rolling around in a can.

Car: 2006 M3 ZCP
Mileage: 36k
Oil change interval: 7500 miles
Track time: No (was planning on it)

Please watch this video and let me know what you think. I thought it was a ticking noise that was coming from the middle/back of the engine but after removing the spark plug cover it's obvious where the noise is coming from...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB5Tpb0DFt8

Am I screwed? I tried unplugging one coil at a time and they are all fully functional It's definitely an internal noise coming from the front of the engine.

[deadlysyns]

Is your car still under warranty?

[CombatWombat]

No. It expired in April of this year.

[calvinf1]

Check the loose bolts first.

[maveric23]

Originally Posted by CombatWombat

So after having my M3 for less than 1000 miles it's started developing a "chugging" noise that could be described as marbles rolling around in a can...

It wouldn't surprise me if the previous owner knew about the problem all along. Was your PPI clean?

I hope that it isn't serious. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

[CombatWombat]

Originally Posted by maveric23

It wouldn't surprise me if the previous owner knew about the problem all along. Was your PPI clean?

I hope that it isn't serious. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Yes it ran like a top when I first got it. I've been trolling around these forums for awhile so I paid special attention to the subframe and the VANOS before I bought it.

It's just bad luck I suppose.

You think it's bad enough to not drive it to the dealer? Since it's only 4 months out of warranty I think I'm going to take it in to see what they can offer. If they try to shaft me I'll start tearing into it myself

[maveric23]

Originally Posted by CombatWombat

You think it's bad enough to not drive it to the dealer?...

Obviously, the less you drive it the better. However, it should be OK to drive to the dealer, IMHO.

The only VANOS scenarios where you shouldn't drive it at all, IMHO, is if the VANOS oil pump drive prongs/tabs on the exhaust sprocket broke or the cam gear bolts weakened to the point where they all sheared. Unfortunately, you really won't know if these conditions exist for sure until these items are inspected.

It's worth trying to get BMW to goodwill the repair. However, don't hold your breath since you haven't owned the car for long and presumably don't have a strong relationship formed with the dealer. Be prepared to raise hell and possibly cause a scene if you want to get goodwilled!

[CombatWombat]

I have a fairly good relationship with them. They've serviced my E39 as well as my E90 in the past.

The more I think about this the more it pisses me off.

[xyd]

Oh wow. I would get those cam gear bolts checked out.

Honestly I wouldn't even start the car up again. If you need to drive it to a qualified mechanic, that might be the only thing I would do.

Don't risk the bolts damaging the whole system by starting it up again unless you absolutely have to. A $50 problem could easily turn into a $4000~ problem...

Good luck.

[excessive]

it does sound like Vanos noise to me. best to pop that valve cover and check for loose bolts ASAP