A mysterious sound coming from your car is every driver’s worst nightmare. The anxiety may even keep you off the road, as you don’t want to see any serious damage to your BMW.
This article is going to walk you through some of the common causes of that dreaded clicking sound, what to do when you hear it and the best place in Louisville to get the problem solved quickly and easily, the first time.
Possible Origins of the Sound
There are several different reasons your car may be clicking, so we’ve put together a list of the most common four causes of this noise in your BMW:
- Valves Need Adjustment: The valves in your engine have to move at very high speed and at very precise intervals in order for the combustion process to happen efficiently. These valves allow for the intake of fuel and air into the cylinders, and the distances between the valve opening and the cam have to be just right. As these parts wear down, they may start to make a sound as they shift.
- Low Oil Level: The oil in your vehicle is needed to cool and lubricate the many different moving parts in the engine. If the oil level is low, the valvetrain may create a clicking sound as it is not being lubricated enough. Low oil levels may be due to a leak in your engine, and if your car is overheating, it is likely that this is the cause.
- Rod Knock: Does the clicking seem to speed up when you ramp up the RPMs in your Mercedes? If so, the sound may be caused by the connecting rod knocking around. Rod knock is usually caused by a bad or worn down bearing to the connecting rod, which allows the rod to move around more than it should.
- Exhaust Manifold Leak: If the exhaust gases leak out of the exhaust manifold or a gasket, it will result in a ticking or knocking sound in your BMW. This problem is somewhat normal, but it should be fixed to ensure that harmful exhaust gases are properly expelled through the exhaust system.
There are several other potential causes of a knocking sound, and some of them are harmless. However, be sure to still check it out, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
What To Do If You Hear a Clicking Sound
As a driver, anything unfamiliar during your drive should be inspected. A knocking sound in your BMW could be a sign of a serious engine problem, such as a rod knock, which will require immediate and intensive repair work.
The first thing you should do is check your oil level, as this is the simplest fix and a very common one as well. If your BMW’s oil level is low, top it off and then inspect your engine for an oil leak.
If you determine that the clicking sound comes from issues with your car’s valvetrain, the problem may also be solved by getting your car to the appropriate oil level if the poor timing and distance is caused by a buildup of debris in the oil. If that doesn’t make the noise go away, you may need to adjust the rocker arms or install new shims.
We recommend that you visit a reputable BMW service center as soon as possible to prevent future damage to your vehicle. For those who are unable or unsure of how to go about any repairs, a good mechanic will be able to repair the issue if possible.
The Best BMW Service Center in Louisville
Your BMW needs to be treated with 
care during each and every repair, and that’s why Turning Wrenches in Louisville, Kentucky is the leading European auto expert in the area. Our experienced team of knowledgeable mechanics have the latest tools, knowledge, training, and determination to get the job done right and quickly.
At Turning Wrenches, we stand by our work, and that’s why we always offer a guarantee of a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on any service we do for you. Stop by our shop or give us a call to learn more or get your European vehicle in tip-top shape.
* Driving BMW X2 Car image creadit goes to: JJFarquitectos.