Z4 Roadster (E85) Weird helicopter-like noise from sides and bottom of engine

Ok guys, after having heard the real loud "lifter knock" from what others have posted in various other places, here are links to a couple of videos I took of my engine. You will have to put on your headset to hear this background helicopter-like noise.

I am at a complete loss. Made an appointment at local BMW dealership but afraid they will tell me there's no problem (but there is!!). Clearly, the knock is not as profoundly loud as some others have shared. However, it's absolutely annoying and should not be there.

This is a 2006 BMW Z4 3.0i fully loaded sport package. Fuel is exclusively Shell V-Power. Here are the links.

http://s684.beta.photobucket.com/use...a23e2.mp4.html

http://s684.beta.photobucket.com/use...b79ef.mp4.html

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

torque converter tends to make the chopper sound (had that issue on mine a year ago and a few other vehicles over time - however i'm just saying.... have it checked at a good indy like right away - listened your video - could not make any experienced opinion other than - go and have the car looked over like real soon before it really costs you big time (mine was a 1500 USD repair at a very good independent - whereas the stealer FIELDS wanted three and half times (for the same issue)

Thank you very much, excellent advice. I'll be sure to let the shop know tomorrow and won't take a no for an answer. My $4000 extended warranty should cover the cost of this repair. *Just to be on the side of caution though - where would the function of a torque converter apply in a manual 6-speed transmission? I thought those were used in automatic transmissions only. Thanks again.

You might want to check this out.

Hmmm that does sound almost exactly like mine! Another great piece of advice, I'll be sure to keep this in mind today. Thanks.

Well, you are not going to believe this - I know I couldn't.

Apparently the rattling sound coming from my engine is not DISA valve, it's also not the hydraulic lifters.

It's a Dual Flywheel Clutch. My understanding is that Z4 uses (or used?) these dual flywheel clutches to mitigate the jerking from abrupt gear shifting. So, the spring inside the two wheels, as well as the wheels touching each other, is what makes the rattling noise. Nothing can be done about that (according to the dealer), even if the flywheel is replaced. When I asked whether a brand new Z4 would have been making this noise back in 2006, the service tech said "probably, yes".

I think I'll be looking for a different bimmer in a few months. I can't stand this rattle.

You are right - I didn't believe it. But a quick search turn up http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...lywheel+clutch

Apparently a common problem for Z4s and E46 models.

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that when you first start out, there is no noise and the longer you drive, the louder it gets. The noise goes away when the clutch is depressed. It happens only at idle. If these are your symptoms, there are things you can do to help reduce the noise. The easiest is to change your transmission fluid. UUC claims that by switching fluid will help. A copy of their recommendations is here.

http://www.nexternal.com/uuc/articles/reduce_rattle.htm

If someone has swapped in a lightweight flywheel, this will make the noise extremely loud. I don't know the Z4 platform well so take all this with a that bit of knowledge. As well as I could hear from the video, I have the same noise from my car but I have a light weight flywheel with a solid hub clutch. I need to drop my transmission and install a sprung hub clutch to help reduce my rattle. It is embarrassing at a stop light when people give you that "look" but when the car revs fast and they are in your rear view mirror, the look is gone.

Wertles - absolutely correct! You described my problem perfectly.

Thanks for your input all. Will keep on bimmin'.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and I can offer some other insight into this for you.

..Or switch to an auto Z4

YUCK?!!?!