E39 540 - Help needed

[ruudvansmith6]

Considering buying a '98 540 and test drove an example yesterday. When I started the car, which had alledgedly been stood for about 3 days, there was a tapping or rattle as revs were applied. At tickover there was no sound. The sound was similar to a tappets type noise, but (from inside the car) it seemed to be coming from the bottom end or underneath the car.

I am worried it might be the cat, but the noise disappeared when the car warmed up.

Is this type of noise when cold normal/common or does it indicate a more serious problem?

Any help would be gratfully received.

[liquidken]

Did you notice any rocking of the car when it was idling?

Its still a possibility that this car has a nikasil engine, as some car registered upto late 98 have shown this problem.

[agent006]

How many miles on the engine?

[Marshy]

I thought all M62 engines were alusil? I'm pretty sure every E39 V8 has the M62 engine.

I beleive it is fairly common for an engine that's been standing for a while (usually about a week though) to exhibit some ticking noise at startup due to the oil having drained from the head. It normally goes away as soon as the oil's got around again. Both my M60 engines did this.

[ruudvansmith6]

I also was led to beleive that all E39 had the non-nikasil engines.

The engine has 50,000 miles on the clock, with no noticeable rocking at idle.

[ScoobyZoom]

some of them did have that pesky problem i'm afraid. email me the reg number / last seven of the chassis i can check it out for you.

there is usually a slight tappetty noise though as when they stand the oil drains out of the gubbins in the engine... tends to go after 10minutes or so though

christ im technical

but you get ny drift

[Marshy]

Blimey Scoobs, that's a revelation.

Still just about on the same subject, I know my E34 had a new block (or engine?) at about 50k miles. Haven't found out any more than that though. If I give yout he chassis number, might you be able to see if there's any more info lurking around? Or is it likely to be to far back in the mists of time being an E34?

Cheers, --Chris.

[ScoobyZoom]

i very well might sir...

email me via profile and i will take a gander tomorrow

[silverback mike]

"Numbnuts" aka Dave is selling his 540. It is a smasher with full alpina styling in Glacier green.
No tappety problems with that one I can assure you as it nearly takes my face off everytime I am in it.

I think he is after £8995.

[ScoobyZoom]

and if anyone's is going to be looked after its his.

[numbnuts]

When i was looking for my 540 there were a few that sounded a bit noisey ,but nothing to worry about its just the hydraulic lifters getting rid of a little bit of air.Warmed up it will probably sound fine.