M42 Ticking+oil Light

[ohthebaby]

So my problem first started about a week or so ago when I started to notice my oil light would come on when i turn the car on but it would go away after about 1-2 seconds. I didn't think much of it, nor do I know if it did that or not before, but its been doing that the entire week now. Oil levels are fine. Now for the passed three days on start up the engine has been ticking like a motherf&%#$r. It sounds like a diesel. When the car warms up and gets to proper operating temp. and I drive around the ticking seems to subside, but on initial start up it ticks like you wouldn't believe. I tried to look around for info, some guys post they just live with it, other suggest injectors or lifters. I will be changing injectors soon ,but as far as the lifters I assume that's great deal of work and someone who knows what they are doing would need to do that for me. If i cant eliminate the sound can I do anything to subside it. Also I changed the chain tensioner in the last 6mths and I run 10w40 non syn. in her. Any suggestions will help tyia guys.

update: took her for a drive tonight, seems the ticking is constant now even if she gets warmed up

[bmwm42]

oil pressure relief valve, its probably stuck open or you have loose bolts in your pan obstructing the flow of oil to the lifters

[bmwman91]

oil pressure relief valve, its probably stuck open or you have loose bolts in your pan obstructing the flow of oil to the lifters

+1

BMW released updated pressure bypass parts for the M42 that was less prone to failure. It might be the culprit, although it seems unlikely. Replacing it is a chore too.

I was having a similar issue last year but never figured out what it was since the timing chain crapped out lol. I had the updated oil pressure bypass installed too.

[KenC]

It's probably the relief valve. When you replace it try also running a quart of ATF for a little while. The detergents should clean out your lifters.

[Marauder42]

How positive are you about your oil level? My car had similar symptoms a few weeks back and my oil level seemed fine. I thought it was wierd so I checked the dip stick like 3 times in a row and the level changed. As stupid as this sounds, all I needed was a quart and the ticking disappeared. Hope your fix is as easy as mine.

[immajackuup]

How positive are you about your oil level? My car had similar symptoms a few weeks back and my oil level seemed fine. I thought it was wierd so I checked the dip stick like 3 times in a row and the level changed. As stupid as this sounds, all I needed was a quart and the ticking disappeared. Hope your fix is as easy as mine.

x2

[ohthebaby]

How positive are you about your oil level? My car had similar symptoms a few weeks back and my oil level seemed fine. I thought it was wierd so I checked the dip stick like 3 times in a row and the level changed. As stupid as this sounds, all I needed was a quart and the ticking disappeared. Hope your fix is as easy as mine.

will check it a few times today....ill let you know

[ohthebaby]

so i did check my oil level, and it was lower reading from yesterday, i filled up half a quart, and did the 3k rpm hold for few minutes recommended by another member and it seems to have quieted down a lot, so the root of my evil an oil leak?

another member on e30tech linked me to m42club thread , i will be changing my lower pan gasket and checking the bolts, will keep you guys posted.