Lifters....valve clatter on M30 motors?

Post your E12 technical questions and comments here. Please, no off-topic posts.

Moderators: Mike W., Pierre

Post Reply
canada karl
Posts: 1058
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:50 pm

Lifters....valve clatter on M30 motors?

Post by canada karl »

Is the M30 known for this? It's not excessive but I think there is one particular valve that might have an issue. I tried listening with a stethoscope but could not pin point which one it is? Any thoughts?
1976 530i. BMW 59 Triumph TR3A(rolling resto). 67 Triumph TR4A(salvageable). 86 900S Winter car
User avatar
Mike W.
Posts: 2790
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Re: Lifters....valve clatter on M30 motors?

Post by Mike W. »

Sure, just adjust the valves.

And there are no lifters, just rockers.
Mike W.



1980 528i, 3.5 euro, 5 speed conversion
1981 528i, 3.6, Recaros and more. Project
1998 328is, quick and efficient, but not satisfying
2000 528iit, Vacation mobile/wife's grocery getter
canada karl
Posts: 1058
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:50 pm

Re: Lifters....valve clatter on M30 motors?

Post by canada karl »

I already adjusted the rockers. Didn't seem to help much.
1976 530i. BMW 59 Triumph TR3A(rolling resto). 67 Triumph TR4A(salvageable). 86 900S Winter car
User avatar
Mike W.
Posts: 2790
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Re: Lifters....valve clatter on M30 motors?

Post by Mike W. »

They're not silent engines, but you've been around them for a while now and know what they sound like. Try readjusting them, I know one time I did valves and got one just on the start of the ramp when I adjusted it. Was .016 or something but made way too much noise.
Mike W.



1980 528i, 3.5 euro, 5 speed conversion
1981 528i, 3.6, Recaros and more. Project
1998 328is, quick and efficient, but not satisfying
2000 528iit, Vacation mobile/wife's grocery getter
Post Reply