Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

M62tu 'diesel knock'

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Mon Mar 22, 2021 4:40 pm

Nope. I hadn't heard of it either.
For the last 3 years I've been thinking that my torque converter was knocking. After extensive research it would appear that it's not transmission related at all - it could very well be the vanos units making the noise. I've been to a bmw specialist today and they thought it was the vanos and I found a YouTube vid of the same engine making exactly the same noise.
The noise doesn't do any harm but when you know it's there it's annoying.
So does anyone know anyone who can replace the seals in my vanos units? Apparently that fixes the rattle..
Comments..

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Tue Mar 23, 2021 1:37 pm

https://youtu.be/qJJFnnakUuk
That’s the YouTube link (if it works) to the noise my engine is making.

User avatar
Alan Gunn
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 1343
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 10:32 pm
Location: Anglesey North Wales

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Alan Gunn » Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:59 am

That sounds just like mine but mine is a 3.0d.
I bet that has done your head in.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:17 pm

Yep. Although it’s not noticeable when driving. Only at idle. The wife went off in it earlier today and it sounded ok - actually quite mean as she drove off.
I’m determined to get it quiet though. I want a silent engine with a low burbling exhaust.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Sun Mar 28, 2021 9:20 am

So anyway as you are all enthralled by this thread I thought I would carry on...
I put some Wynn’s oil treatment which is like treacle and it has quietened it down. I’ve got 5w40 in so that’s ok too. Next on the list I’m looking at an 80 degree thermostat as a cooler running motor will definitely shut it up some more.
If these don’t meet my expectations then I may just go for it and attempt a Vanos seal repair kit myself as I’ve had a rather lumpy quote...
That’s if I don’t buy a Cayenne.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Sat Apr 10, 2021 11:02 pm

Due to the overwhelming interest I have decided to press on with this thread..
After doing more research I'm leaning towards doing the job myself. I think.
I took a little record of the live data screen from my scan tool..

https://youtube.com/shorts/1f60gpkWSlE

I don't know if that will work but if you look at my other videos you can find it.
Anyway, it shows the cam position moving about and the vanos 'duty factor' at 94%.
Is that correct? I have no idea.

User avatar
henrym3
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 1837
Joined: Wed May 25, 2016 11:07 pm
Location: Bournemouth

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by henrym3 » Mon Apr 12, 2021 8:08 pm

Well, I’ll show interest, In that if you do rebuild it yourself l hope there will be a detailed write up. Don’t remember the cam timing jumping about like that last time (fair while ago) I was playing with the diagnostics tool. I just recently did the solenoids on the m3 because of a lumpy idle and the cams are pretty steady at idle. So I would assume the x5 would be as well.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Mon Apr 12, 2021 10:29 pm

Thanks for that.
Yes it does show the cam timing jumping around. The thing is that the engine runs absolutely fine. Rock steady idle and no fault codes.
Ive been in touch with a company called Hack engineering down south of London and they rebuild vanos units for £288 a pair. All I need to do is find a decent timing jig set (not the cheapo stuff off ebay) and get them off.
If anyone has done anything like this then please speak up.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Tue May 04, 2021 11:07 pm

Alright then.. After extensive research I reckon its defo vanos noise. I've watched more videos on the subject than I can remember..
In a week it's booked in at Bartlett auto in Huntingdon for a proper diagnostic. They did my timing chain guides 4 or 5 years ago so they should know their stuff.
In the meantime I've been thinking - I did an oil / filter change less than a year ago and its maybe my imagination but the noise seems louder since then.
The old oil was Shell Helix 5w30 and I put in Mannol 5w40..
Could it be that the new oil was a lot cheaper (under half the price of more well known brands) for a reason? Is it possible that it has less viscosity at higher temperatures than the helix even though its a 40 rating and according to the label meets all the specifications?
Thoughts..

User avatar
Alan Gunn
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 1343
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 10:32 pm
Location: Anglesey North Wales

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Alan Gunn » Wed May 05, 2021 7:18 am

Wouldn't think it's the oil.
Have used Mannol oil many time myself over the years with no problem but in my diesel's.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Tue May 18, 2021 2:29 pm

Right.. I’ve had the report of diagnostic on the X5. Vanos units knocking. £2k plus to repair but not detrimental to engine so it’s up to me.
Not only that, they went over it with a fine tooth comb and found other issues that to be honest, my local garage should have found on the last mot.
Steering rack driver side gaitor has no clip on it so it pops off on full lock..
Apparently the rear subframe bushes are totally knackered. Not surprising really as they are original so 20yrs old.
The slight vibration I notice when accelerating is possibly the front driveshaft rubber joint which is worn out.
That I can do myself and the steering rack. I’ll have to look into the subframe bushes as I know a tool is required. I’ll have to have a think.

User avatar
X5Sport
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 18520
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: Planet X6......

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by X5Sport » Tue May 18, 2021 4:42 pm

Can you not get a servicing kit for the Vanos with new seals etc? Most of the charge is labour I believe. I was watching a programme (Mr. Brewer and his mate Ant) last night repairing an M3 which needed Vanos repairs, and it ‘seemed’ fairly straightforward to do on a straight 6, albeit a second set needed for a V8. The time consuming bit was getting everything out the way first. They used a seal kit that was about $300 as against $1,800 for a garage done job. All that had failed were worn out and therefore stiffened ‘O’-rings meaning a loss of hydraulic pressure to the Vanos system itself. It was just a Teflon “O’-ring that caused the main fault.

The V8 might need some form of locking tool for the cams of course (it would!!).
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Tue May 18, 2021 6:35 pm

Yes I've been considering that route. The cam timing tool is an issue. There are plenty of Chinese tools on ebay but apparently they are not accurate enough and you can potentially get codes when done. There is a tool online that is really accurate but it costs circa £400...
I dont know what to do at the moment and its playing on my mind.
1: leave it for now and just use it.
2: get it sorted by someone
3: have a go myself
4: go and buy a cayenne
What do you reckon? I like the X5 and the fact that you don't see many about makes me reluctant to sell it.

User avatar
henrym3
Snr Member
Snr Member
Posts: 1837
Joined: Wed May 25, 2016 11:07 pm
Location: Bournemouth

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by henrym3 » Wed May 19, 2021 1:03 pm

Most of this work seems pretty daunting when you read about it but once you get stuck in it’s generally well within your capability. At 20 yo if your rear subframe bushes are shot, chances are that the brake lines hidden above it are in pretty poor condition. From experience I started to do the bushes and ended up removing the subframe and having it blasted and powder coated. Don’t need the bush removal tool when the subframe is out just lots of swear words and a hacksaw, I refitted BSB bushes. Renewed the brake lines from just forward of rear wheel. Then you get carried away and paint the diff, driveshafts etc. BUT at the end of the day you know you don’t have to revisit that area ever again.
I think that the £400 for the vanos tools is worth it as with the parts your still going to be a 1/3 of the price of paying someone, and there’s always the satisfaction of doing it yourself, the ability to bump your gums down the pub, offer experienced advice. This is a one off job and I’m sure that you could sell the tools for £200.
As you say these vehicles are getting rare and one that is in good nick and running well is even rarer.
Just my 2p worth. As long as you have something else to bumble about in it eases the pressure to get it done.

Themoog2
Member
Member
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: M62tu 'diesel knock'

Post by Themoog2 » Wed May 19, 2021 6:17 pm

Ah.. the brake lines have already been replaced with copper so no probs there. I know what you mean about once you get stuck in it can lead to other things.
I know it’s 20 years old but after driving the courtesy car which was a new Peugeot 2008 mine felt like a chunk of granite in comparison.
I’m going to put new subframe bushes in soon then contemplate doing the vanos.
On a positive note, the car had no fault codes at all on the bmw diagnostic so it’s not all bad news...

Post Reply