2013 BMW x1 2.8Xdrive

[GuamX1]

My car I believe has the N20 4 cyl. engine. On start up it sounds like a diesel engine and get a little quieter as it warms up but still has a diesel like sound at idle. I use Castrol synthetic oil, if I use say Mobil 1 will it be less noisy? What are the causes of the timing chain issue with this engine can it be prevented?

Thanks,

[GTA_G20]

Originally Posted by GuamX1

My car I believe has the N20 4 cyl. engine. On start up it sounds like a diesel engine and get a little quieter as it warms up but still has a diesel like sound at idle. I use Castrol synthetic oil, if I use say Mobil 1 will it be less noisy? What are the causes of the timing chain issue with this engine can it be prevented?

Thanks,

I have the same car 2012. Noise on start up is usually the timing chain stretched and tensioner maxed out and unable to compensate or valve lifters losing oil pressure after it sits.

I don't wanna say oil brand will fix it as it might. But oil weight may quiet it down

[b1aze]

Are you sure you’re using LL grade oil? What is your oil change interval? Does this happen more as the miles on the oil change go up (meaning is it quieter after a fresh oil change)?

[Gamb1t]

The N20 like all DI engines have noisy valve lifters during cold start-up. Something to do with emissions. It does quiet down after it is warmed up. I think the X1 without a hood dampener amplifies the sound more so.
There are numerous threads on the n20 noise in various BMW forums. Oil type is seldom the fix. It's just the nature of this DI engine and it is not a nice noise either.

[wheela]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

The N20 like all DI engines have noisy valve lifters during cold start-up. Something to do with emissions. It does quiet down after it is warmed up. I think the X1 without a hood dampener amplifies the sound more so.
There are numerous threads on the n20 noise in various BMW forums. Oil type is seldom the fix. It's just the nature of this DI engine and it is not a nice noise either.

This. My wife's old 328 was the same way. I got so so used to that distinctive sound from hearing her's that I could tell from the sound when walking through a parking lot if a 328 was coming up from behind me.

[aloyouis]

The video attached below is my 2013 N20 on cold start up. 81k miles. I have been told it sounds just fine by a resident expert BMW mechanic. Oil used for last 50k is LiquiMoly, but I am switching to Penz Plat with next change based on input and ever changing BMW specs. The PP is LL.

[sqqkaka]

Probably lifter? My 11 E84 25i with N52 engine also sounds like a tractor when cold start

[Gamb1t]

I didn't know the e84 came with the inline-6 N52 engine. I have this engine in my 330i and it's quieter than modern DI engines.