Engine knocking

e46e90 · 08-02-2006, 11:08 PM

I'm using Chevron 91 octane in my E90 325xi (5400 miles) and the engine is knocking when driving up hill. I also tried Chevron 89 and it still knocks. Both worked very well in my 2000 E46. Anyone have advice on gas brand?

Also, the front left tire does NOT have a balance weight. Anyone else missing one?

Thanks!

myfirstbimmer · 08-02-2006, 11:17 PM

Chveron 89? why are you using 89 to begin testing with. 89 will definitely give you knocks. I dont know why 91 will, b/c i run SHell 91 and it is going strong!

Tom

e46e90 · 08-02-2006, 11:21 PM

I have ONLY been using 91 octane. I tried 89 for ONE tank to see what happened. There was no difference in knocking.

Josh49 · 08-03-2006, 06:32 AM

Using 89 is going backwards!! The higher the octane level, the higher the resistance to auto-ignition (knock). Your next step should be 93. Running 93, never had a problem. Very surprised you're knocking with 91 though, that is what the e90 is spec'ed for...

PS. I'm guessing the e90 has a higher compression ratio than your e46, if you ran 89 in the e46 without problems. Maybe they weren't very aggressive with that engine?

F32Fleet · 08-03-2006, 07:01 AM

Don't be a cheap @ss (meaning it in a nice way). You're saving ~4% per fillup using Mid-grade which is negated by the lower gas mileage you'll be getting.

08-03-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Don't be a cheap @ss (meaning it in a nice way). You're saving ~4% per fillup using Mid-grade which is negated by the lower gas mileage you'll be getting.

yessssssssssss.. put in the 93!!

bobnaz · 08-03-2006, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46e90

I'm using Chevron 91 octane in my E90 325xi (5400 miles) and the engine is knocking when driving up hill. I also tried Chevron 89 and it still knocks. Both worked very well in my 2000 E46. Anyone have advice on gas brand?

Also, the front left tire does NOT have a balance weight. Anyone else missing one?

Thanks!

1. Don't drive uphill
2. Get a 330
Besides those wise a-s comments keep your octane up and make sure your tire pressures are up to par. If you still have knocking take your car in for service.

330m · 08-03-2006, 07:48 AM

The engine management should prevent knocking on ANY fuel, even the lowest grade approved for use by BMW. It has very sensitive knock detection systems to prevent it. If it is really detonation (knocking) and not some other noise then take it to the dealers as there must be a problem.

For best results though, Premium Car = Premium Fuel!

As for the balance weight, its fine not to have one if that is how it worked out. Is quite possible for a tyre to be naturally balanced. I've had no weight on a wheel a few times before. Have you looked carefully? some of my BMW weights are hidden behind the spokes.

RWRice · 08-03-2006, 09:23 AM

Take it to the dealer, there should be no knocking going on!!

epiphone3 · 08-03-2006, 09:43 AM

Have you been filling up at the same station always?

Reason I ask is because they may have a problem with their tanks and you may be getting gas with a high concentration of water. This will cause misfiring which could be interpretted as "rough running" or mistaken for knocking. Have you got a yellow "check engine" light coming on at all?

You may want to try filling up at another station, not necessarily a different brand.

I had my E90 323i in the states a bout a month and a half ago and I used Chevron 91 octane a few times and didn't have a single problem and it was damn hot outside (which helps engine knock happen).

Try a different station. Or, you can try emptying the tank with a syphon and refilling with gas from a different station.

Or you can go to the dealer... just know that if it is bad gas they will charge you for the repairs since the car did nothing wrong. However, if it is clear that you got bad gas, make sure the dealer gives you a sample and go to the gas station and tell them that you got bad gas from them. Bring your repair bill and proof of purchase.

e46e90 · 08-03-2006, 10:10 AM

Thanks, everyone. 91 octane is the highest level of octane I can get in gas in my city. 93 octane is not available. Thanks.

Josh49 · 08-03-2006, 10:15 AM

If you have a crappy load of gas, run it pretty low. Then put in some dry gas (available at any gas station) and a full tank of the 91 at a reputable gas station. If it still knocks after that, I'd bring it in..

qwerty · 08-18-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46e90

I'm using Chevron 91 octane in my E90 325xi (5400 miles) and the engine is knocking when driving up hill. I also tried Chevron 89 and it still knocks. Both worked very well in my 2000 E46. Anyone have advice on gas brand?

Also, the front left tire does NOT have a balance weight. Anyone else missing one?

Thanks!

e46e90,

I have the same problem. My engine knocks on uphill or during moderate acceration. I've been using octane 91 which is the highest octane in the Bay area. I tried chevron, shell, 76. They all knock.

Mine started knocking really bad after the emission recall service. It knocked on all driving condition: slow, moderate or hard acceration. It got better after 5K miles but still knocks. I get so pissed everytime I drive the car.

Have you taken the car to the dealer yet?
Have you done the emission recall?
Does anyone have clue why?
Also my engine whines when the engine is cold. Can these two be related?

Thanks.

ages944 · 08-18-2006, 10:29 PM

the car should not be knocking, even on 89 octane. If yours is knocking, then something's not working. Take it in to the dealership.

Chesmu · 08-18-2006, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTDREW

yessssssssssss.. put in the 93!!

93 octane is not available everywhere...for example Phx. In fact driving thru CO I noticed that at the top of the rockies the highest grade you can get is 89.
Besides, the O2/fuel mixer gauge thingie should prevent knocking. I owuld have it checked by your local BMW authorized facility.

bmwexecutive · 08-19-2006, 12:28 AM

#1 - Use Shell
#2 - ALWAYS use 91 Octane or Higher
#3 - Your tire is not suppose to have a balance weight to begin with. That would be your wheel. And it's there, it's just further back on the wheel.

parachute · 08-19-2006, 12:29 AM

whats engine knocking?

bmwexecutive · 08-19-2006, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parachute

whats engine knocking?

Got me.

qwerty · 08-19-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parachute

whats engine knocking?

knocking sounds like diesel engine. it is caused by premature combustion of gas.

bmwexecutive · 08-19-2006, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwerty

knocking sounds like diesel engine. it is caused by premature combustion of gas.

I think this is a valve problem. I remember reading about some other members on this board having the problem too but they got it fixed. They even posted an audio clip of the sound.

MIKEYMIKE · 08-19-2006, 05:20 PM

Guys...you can't get 93 in certain states. Here in Cali, 91 is usually the highest octane you can get.

To the Original Poster, stick with 91 or higher. I use Chevron and I haven't had a problem. Try switching over to another name brand gasoline like Shell or 76.

Chesmu · 08-19-2006, 05:27 PM

i'm a mobil/exxon kinda guy... i like killing alaskan fowl and fauna.

08-02-2006, 11:08 PM	#1
e46e90 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi, step, pp, cold Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Engine knocking I'm using Chevron 91 octane in my E90 325xi (5400 miles) and the engine is knocking when driving up hill. I also tried Chevron 89 and it still knocks. Both worked very well in my 2000 E46. Anyone have advice on gas brand? Also, the front left tire does NOT have a balance weight. Anyone else missing one? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-02-2006, 11:17 PM	#2
myfirstbimmer Private First Class 17 Rep 145 Posts Drives: E90 SG 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: T.O. iTrader: (0)	Chveron 89? why are you using 89 to begin testing with. 89 will definitely give you knocks. I dont know why 91 will, b/c i run SHell 91 and it is going strong! Tom __________________ 35% Formula 1 Ceramic Tints, //M E-Brake handle, //M Steering Wheel
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-02-2006, 11:21 PM	#3
e46e90 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi, step, pp, cold Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Primary gas is 91 octane I have ONLY been using 91 octane. I tried 89 for ONE tank to see what happened. There was no difference in knocking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 06:32 AM	#4
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Using 89 is going backwards!! The higher the octane level, the higher the resistance to auto-ignition (knock). Your next step should be 93. Running 93, never had a problem. Very surprised you're knocking with 91 though, that is what the e90 is spec'ed for... PS. I'm guessing the e90 has a higher compression ratio than your e46, if you ran 89 in the e46 without problems. Maybe they weren't very aggressive with that engine? __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 07:01 AM	#5
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3616 Rep 10,377 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Don't be a cheap @ss (meaning it in a nice way). You're saving ~4% per fillup using Mid-grade which is negated by the lower gas mileage you'll be getting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 07:48 AM	#8
330m First Lieutenant 6 Rep 364 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	The engine management should prevent knocking on ANY fuel, even the lowest grade approved for use by BMW. It has very sensitive knock detection systems to prevent it. If it is really detonation (knocking) and not some other noise then take it to the dealers as there must be a problem. For best results though, Premium Car = Premium Fuel! As for the balance weight, its fine not to have one if that is how it worked out. Is quite possible for a tyre to be naturally balanced. I've had no weight on a wheel a few times before. Have you looked carefully? some of my BMW weights are hidden behind the spokes. __________________ *330i M-sport* SG + black leather :rocks:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 09:23 AM	#9
RWRice New Member 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Riverside, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Take it to the dealer, there should be no knocking going on!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 09:43 AM	#10
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel 112 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Have you been filling up at the same station always? Reason I ask is because they may have a problem with their tanks and you may be getting gas with a high concentration of water. This will cause misfiring which could be interpretted as "rough running" or mistaken for knocking. Have you got a yellow "check engine" light coming on at all? You may want to try filling up at another station, not necessarily a different brand. I had my E90 323i in the states a bout a month and a half ago and I used Chevron 91 octane a few times and didn't have a single problem and it was damn hot outside (which helps engine knock happen). Try a different station. Or, you can try emptying the tank with a syphon and refilling with gas from a different station. Or you can go to the dealer... just know that if it is bad gas they will charge you for the repairs since the car did nothing wrong. However, if it is clear that you got bad gas, make sure the dealer gives you a sample and go to the gas station and tell them that you got bad gas from them. Bring your repair bill and proof of purchase.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 10:10 AM	#11
e46e90 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi, step, pp, cold Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Thanks, everyone. 91 octane is the highest level of octane I can get in gas in my city. 93 octane is not available. Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2006, 10:15 AM	#12
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	If you have a crappy load of gas, run it pretty low. Then put in some dry gas (available at any gas station) and a full tank of the 91 at a reputable gas station. If it still knocks after that, I'd bring it in.. __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-18-2006, 10:29 PM	#14
ages944 Captain 99 Rep 990 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs iTrader: (0)	the car should not be knocking, even on 89 octane. If yours is knocking, then something's not working. Take it in to the dealership. __________________ BMW : Sine qua non Mods: Blacklines \| Rear Seat Power Outlets \| Rear Fog Lights \| Ashtray Garage Door Opener
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2006, 12:28 AM	#16
bmwexecutive Banned 242 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	#1 - Use Shell #2 - ALWAYS use 91 Octane or Higher #3 - Your tire is not suppose to have a balance weight to begin with. That would be your wheel. And it's there, it's just further back on the wheel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2006, 12:29 AM	#17
parachute parachute 96 Rep 539 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: TN, USA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 335i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	whats engine knocking? __________________ 335i Coupe - LeMans Blue 325i Sedan - Mystic Blue (Retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2006, 05:20 PM	#21
MIKEYMIKE Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,516 Posts Drives: 330i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3)	Guys...you can't get 93 in certain states. Here in Cali, 91 is usually the highest octane you can get. To the Original Poster, stick with 91 or higher. I use Chevron and I haven't had a problem. Try switching over to another name brand gasoline like Shell or 76.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2006, 05:27 PM	#22
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	i'm a mobil/exxon kinda guy... i like killing alaskan fowl and fauna. __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
	Appreciate 0 Quote