M54B30

mjt

mjt

mjt

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31 Aug 2007
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I went to investigate an M54B30-powered BMW and the engine sounded quite tappety when I started it up.
After a 20 minute drive it wasn't as bad but it was still a bit noticable. Is this normal?

Are there any other known issues with the M54B30 which are obvious to spot?
VANOS issues, etc?
It's being sold from a main BMW dealer so if the engine explodes I suspect it shouldn't be too much trouble getting it sorted, but I'd rather not buy a ticking timebomb.

It's only done 45,000 miles from new (2001) with full BMWFSH and it's 'one lady owner', but they had 6 cars so I suspect it hasn't had a particularly hard life, but if it was used as a shopping car then I perhaps it's knackered something?
 
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M54's always sound a bit meh at idle. They make up for it under acceleration but its always annoyed me that the idle sound isn't as silky smooth as, say, a Lexus V6.
 
I've noticed this a lot with cars in the last 10 years, my ST engine doesn't sound great at idle either, I think most of it with the ST is the injectors (really "tappy") and the electric PAS pump.
 
MikeHiow said:
I've noticed this a lot with cars in the last 10 years, my ST engine doesn't sound great at idle either, I think most of it with the ST is the injectors (really "tappy") and the electric PAS pump.
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Dont get me started on the odd noise the new N53's make at idle..
 
Good to hear that it's normal. It's just that what sounded like the tappets was surprisingly loud (with the bonnet up).

It sounded pretty decent under acceleration, but an aftermarket exhaust will be on the cards if I go all the way..
It really is a brilliant engine though :cool:


FWIW, I also had a nosey around an R56 JCW and that really sounds like a bag of nails at idle.
 
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[TW]Fox;17401461 said:
Do I win a cookie if I guess right?

It's either a Z3, an E39 530i, an E60 530i, an E53 X5, an X3, a 330i, a 330Ci or a Z4.
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No cookie, but one of those is correct.

I probably won't get it for another few weeks though, by the time they sort it and I get insurance and a number plate :(
Couldn't even put a deposit down, as by the time we sorted out the paperwork, etc the new car showroom (which had the card reader) had shut and everybody had gone home :rolleyes:
 
Actually you said 2001 didnt you, so that narrows it down to Z3, X5, 530i, 330i or 330Ci.

You've got more sense than to buy a little 3 Series, the Z3 is a bit poser, the X5 is a jacked up 5 Series so...

Congratulations on buying the best car evar!1111
 
I'll give you a clue; it has two doors, two driven wheels and a roof which shouldn't come off unless you've had a rather nasty shunt.
 
Maybe. Patience, young Padawan.

There are some dings in the doors which need to be taken care of, along with some repsrayed bumpers and some stone chips/scratches which will be 'retouché'.
That, and it's missing a CD changer cartridge and some mats.
 
mjt said:
Maybe. Patience, young Padawan.
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It has to be, based on what you said :p

They do sound rather tappety at idle, that's normal ...it shouldn't make any rattling or clanking noises though, or anything like that ...just a slight tappety sound.
 
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