N20 injector clickety-clacks

Gamb1t · 01-22-2021, 05:24 PM

Ever since I started working from home, I have uninsured my other cars. Therefore driving my wife's X1 more and more especially in the winter. I've never liked these modern turbo-4 injector noises. But it has now gotten to the point where it is my central focus of this otherwise a competent BMW.

Is there anyway to quiet the noise? I am thinking heavier weight oil. Currently using 0W40. Would 5w40 help?
It is really driving me to the point of contemplating to replace the X1.

solidsleeper · 01-23-2021, 10:49 AM

What are you thinking of replacing the x1 with? I could be wrong, but I'm assuming most modern engines have direct injection or DI/PI combo so you'd probably still have the DI clickety clacks. Maybe some newer cars have better insulation on the engine covers to muffle the sounds. I think I remember seeing some forum member selling hood insulation and I'm assuming that would help reduce some noise too.

I have 0w-40 in my x1 n55 right now. I'll be replacing it with 5w-40 possibly tomorrow or next weekend and I'll let you know if it reduces any clicks or clacks.

Gamb1t · 01-23-2021, 03:23 PM

My wife wants an X3. The only X3 I will contemplate will have to be I6 turbo which means $$$. I don't think I can stand another 4-pot DI from BMW anymore. I'm leaning towards a CX5 GT as a replacement.

I've driven some 135i with N55 and they are not as annoying.

Apart from that I quite like the overall e84 X1 package.

solidsleeper · 01-24-2021, 10:06 PM

CX5 GT is definitely an appealing car. Trying searching for CX5 GT ticking noise and it probably clicks and clacks too (skyactive direct injection). Best to test drive to compare side by side.

The I6 turbo in the X3 is probably gonna click and clack too, unless you get aftermarket downpipes and intake to drown out the noise (but you'll still hear the ticking at idle). I think it's just the nature of the DI which I think every newish car has. An all electric car won't have any annoying click clack

I went from 0W-40 pennzoil platinum euro (only 1,500 miles on oil, not LL-01 BMW approved) to 5W-40 valvoline euro (LL-01 approved). I don't think I noticed any significant reduction in noise. I'll see if I'm able to notice anything different in the next few drives.

Gamb1t · 01-25-2021, 03:18 PM

I've driven a few DI engines. While all of them exhibit some form of injectors noise especially cold, they normally would settle down quietly once warmed up. The X1 N20 seems to be noisier than others.
I think this may have to do with the lack of underhood insulator. Someone used to sell this but not anymore.

e36addict · 01-25-2021, 04:45 PM

Changing oil viscosity won't affect injector noise. N20's are notoriously VERY loud. They sound awful. How about an upgrade to an N55 E84?

Gamb1t · 01-26-2021, 11:10 AM

I just couldn't stand the old-school 6hp in the 35i. It's still pretty noisy DI engine. So it's not an upgrade at all for me anyway else I would've picked it back in the day. No more n-series turbos.
In a few years, I wonder if the conditions are finally ripe for good EV choices.

01-22-2021, 05:24 PM	#1
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	N20 injector clickety-clacks Ever since I started working from home, I have uninsured my other cars. Therefore driving my wife's X1 more and more especially in the winter. I've never liked these modern turbo-4 injector noises. But it has now gotten to the point where it is my central focus of this otherwise a competent BMW. Is there anyway to quiet the noise? I am thinking heavier weight oil. Currently using 0W40. Would 5w40 help? It is really driving me to the point of contemplating to replace the X1.
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01-23-2021, 10:49 AM	#2
solidsleeper solidsleeper 29 Rep 121 Posts Drives: BMW X1 35i xDrive 2013 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: California iTrader: (-1)	What are you thinking of replacing the x1 with? I could be wrong, but I'm assuming most modern engines have direct injection or DI/PI combo so you'd probably still have the DI clickety clacks. Maybe some newer cars have better insulation on the engine covers to muffle the sounds. I think I remember seeing some forum member selling hood insulation and I'm assuming that would help reduce some noise too. I have 0w-40 in my x1 n55 right now. I'll be replacing it with 5w-40 possibly tomorrow or next weekend and I'll let you know if it reduces any clicks or clacks.
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01-23-2021, 03:23 PM	#3
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	My wife wants an X3. The only X3 I will contemplate will have to be I6 turbo which means $$$. I don't think I can stand another 4-pot DI from BMW anymore. I'm leaning towards a CX5 GT as a replacement. I've driven some 135i with N55 and they are not as annoying. Apart from that I quite like the overall e84 X1 package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-24-2021, 10:06 PM	#4
solidsleeper solidsleeper 29 Rep 121 Posts Drives: BMW X1 35i xDrive 2013 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: California iTrader: (-1)	CX5 GT is definitely an appealing car. Trying searching for CX5 GT ticking noise and it probably clicks and clacks too (skyactive direct injection). Best to test drive to compare side by side. The I6 turbo in the X3 is probably gonna click and clack too, unless you get aftermarket downpipes and intake to drown out the noise (but you'll still hear the ticking at idle). I think it's just the nature of the DI which I think every newish car has. An all electric car won't have any annoying click clack I went from 0W-40 pennzoil platinum euro (only 1,500 miles on oil, not LL-01 BMW approved) to 5W-40 valvoline euro (LL-01 approved). I don't think I noticed any significant reduction in noise. I'll see if I'm able to notice anything different in the next few drives.
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01-25-2021, 03:18 PM	#5
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	I've driven a few DI engines. While all of them exhibit some form of injectors noise especially cold, they normally would settle down quietly once warmed up. The X1 N20 seems to be noisier than others. I think this may have to do with the lack of underhood insulator. Someone used to sell this but not anymore.
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01-25-2021, 04:45 PM	#6
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	Changing oil viscosity won't affect injector noise. N20's are notoriously VERY loud. They sound awful. How about an upgrade to an N55 E84? __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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01-26-2021, 11:10 AM	#7
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	I just couldn't stand the old-school 6hp in the 35i. It's still pretty noisy DI engine. So it's not an upgrade at all for me anyway else I would've picked it back in the day. No more n-series turbos. In a few years, I wonder if the conditions are finally ripe for good EV choices.
	Appreciate 0 Quote