engine rattle

[bmwperson]

I have this weird problem, the engine rattles, I have an appoitment to see my mechanic on monday, the appears to be comming from where the timing chain is, any ideas what that might be and if its safe to drive the car like this?

 

[hardcore209]

It may be that the vanos is worn out. Does it rattle/grumble at idle? if so, then its definately the vanos.

 

[bmwperson]

yeah, it rattles when its in idle, when im driving i dont really know if i can hear it... how much would it be to fix it? and is that possible i have only 60k on the car...

 

[bmwperson]

PS what are the neggative effects of driving with a rattling vanos? I used the car for a little bit and just wondering...

 

[bmwperson]

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RE&Category_Code=E36VAN

I guess this has to be it.

 

[CTBMW]

Quick ? - what is vanos ???

 

[bmwperson]

variable camshaft timing control system

 

[manuel]

mel...http://bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2905

 

[bmwperson]

came out to be Timing Belt Tensioner, $100 total($60 part + $40 labor ).

 

[CTBMW]

I had never heard of Vanos before!
Maybe you DO learn something every day.
Thanks for thread/info.
I don't know how many sites you guys go to, but I've deleted all but this one.!!
Great support
Great people

Thanks again everyone!
-Mel