Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 1476614)

It was explained to me right before they cranked the NEW one on the show-room floor for me at the dealership. I begged them not to, literally, because I know how new cars smell. They did it anyway. Loud as hell when the guy revved it, and blasted new-car baking off exhaust odor throughout the entire BMW dealership. I was astounded that they would do that for someone who had point-blank told them they would NOT buy the car.

Anyway, I forgot the entire reasoning behind it, but it's normal and okay, however, it does cause quite a few calls/visits to the service dept. they claim. The best way to describe it is think of a push-rod V8 with all 16 rockers being loose a few turns.

Originally Posted by Pharmacist (Post 1476619)

Is it due to hydraulic lifters? I had an old intrepid that came with hydraulic lifters. It was normal to get a tapping sound from the valvetrain for a few seconds after starting up, until the oil pressure built up enough in the lifters to harden them up.