2003 BMW 316 Rattle on start up

2003 BMW 316
120,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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SPITFIRESTE
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In the mornings I am getting a rattle from underneath the car but when it is warm it stops unless I when I am driving it does it when under load.
It sounds like pinking in the old cars,
Can you help?
Steve
Jan 29, 2009 at 7:56 AM
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DAVE H
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check the heat shield is not loose .. have the catalytic convertor checked for damage and wear !
Jan 30, 2009 at 9:44 PM
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AUTOTROPOLIS12
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A rattling noise coming from the front of the engine (VANOS area) may be heard for a few seconds after start up. The VANOS adjusting units may cause a momentary rattling noise after the engine is started due to varying torque of the camshafts before sufficient VANOS adjustment oil pressure is built up. When the engine is switched off, oil bleeds out of the high-pressure chamber in the VANOS adjustment cylinder. This can cause the VANOS adjustment piston to move freely against the housing during engine start up causing the momentary rattling noise. This noise has no effect on engine power output or durability.
Mar 6, 2009 at 12:03 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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Dude, they did not put VANOS on the four cylinder motors.
Mar 6, 2009 at 1:50 AM
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