Being subject to recurring noise on your car tends to be frustrating, a car is so sophisticated that it is constantly difficult to find its origin and even more so to find the part that produces it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your BMW 3 Series, we will most likely be able to help you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to create this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on BMW 3 Series. This is why, firstly, we will see what are the reasons of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the origins of clicking noise on BMW 3 Series coming from your suspensions.
I notice a clicking noise on BMW 3 Series from my engine
Verify your high engine
If you notice a clicking noise on BMW 3 Series, and this sound is located at the top of the engine, it means that it comes from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two elements can be the triggers of these ticking noises on BMW 3 Series. Either the hydraulic pushers , in general it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will find out these clicking noises, generally when cold and go away when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their condition of wear that is at issue. In this situation, remember to change them.
Verify your low engine
If you have founded the zone of origin of the BMW 3 Series clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the triggers. In both circumstances, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two repairs are very complicated and most mechanics will advise you to replace the engine of your BMW 3 Series.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on BMW 3 Series is in connection with the combustion of your engine, there are three possible triggers of it. Verify the state of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is possible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine parts to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic reason, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are injured. In this case, do not hesitate to consult this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on BMW 3 Series.
I notice a clicking noise on BMW 3 Series in my direction
Verify the state of the gimbals
One of the most regular causes of a clicking noises in the direction of your BMW 3 Series is linked to the direction of the car. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can create a ticking type of sound when you approach the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will harm the cardan shaft very quickly and must be swapped rapidly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be swapped. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on BMW 3 Series, do not hesitate to consult this complete guide.
Verify the rest of your direction
Finally, when you know a clicking noise on your BMW 3 Series, it is possible that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the case, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.
I notice a clicking noise on BMW 3 Series coming from my suspensions
Verify the suspension
If you encounter a clicking noise on your BMW 3 Series once you pass a speed bump, it is very possible that your suspension block is the induce of the sound. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are outdated, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its role and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To check if this is the trouble that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, focus on the sound coming from your front axle when you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them soon as this may affect other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you notice a clicking noise on your BMW 3 Series at the suspension level, it is widely possible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a explanation. To check the state of the spring, place the automobile on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are similar on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also check between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it means that most likely your springs are worn, if you see a leak go a little further in the article to have the answer to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, make sure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should think about replacing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on BMW 3 Series than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
