Being subject to constant noise on your car tends to be frustrating, a car is so complex that it is generally difficult to determine its origin and even more so to find the part that produces it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your BMW 4 Series, we will most likely be able to support you. Indeed, our editorial staff decided to create this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on BMW 4 Series. This is why, firstly, we will look at what are the causes 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 4 Series coming from your suspensions.
I listen to a clicking noise on BMW 4 Series from my engine
Examine your high engine
If you listen to a clicking noise on BMW 4 Series, and this noise is based at the top of the engine, it means that it comes from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two elements can be the causes of these ticking noises on BMW 4 Series. Either the hydraulic pushers , in general it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will hear these clicking noises, often 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.
Examine your low engine
If you have determined the spot of origin of the BMW 4 Series clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the causes. In both cases, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two maintenance are very complex and most mechanics will suggest you to replace the engine of your BMW 4 Series.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on BMW 4 Series is related to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible reasons of it. Examine the condition of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is plausible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine components 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 read this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on BMW 4 Series.
I listen to a clicking noise on BMW 4 Series in my direction
Examine the condition of the gimbals
One of the most regular reasons of a clicking noises in the direction of your BMW 4 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 generate a ticking type of sound when you get closer to the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will damage the cardan shaft very quickly and must be changed in a short time, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be changed. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on BMW 4 Series, do not hesitate to consult this complete guide.
Examine the rest of your direction
Finally, when you find out a clicking noise on your BMW 4 Series, it is plausible 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 listen to a clicking noise on BMW 4 Series coming from my suspensions
Examine the suspension
If you encounter a clicking noise on your BMW 4 Series when you pass a speed bump, it is highly plausible that your suspension block is the reason of the noise. Indeed, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are dead, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its function and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To verify if this is the problem that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, listen to the noise coming from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them soon as this may damage other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you detect a clicking noise on your BMW 4 Series at the suspension level, it is highly plausible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a reason. To verify the state of the spring, place the car on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are equivalent on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also verify between the front and rear, if there is a gap too large it suggests that that most likely your springs are worn, if you observe a leak go a little further in the article to have the solution to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, be 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 consider swapping it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on BMW 4 Series than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
