Can you describe it?

Is it more apparent when the engine is warm, or from cold start?

Have you determined whether it's from the top/bottom/front/back/left/right of the engine?

 

I had a ticking from my old E87 BMW 116i 2009, it started off as a small ticking but then became louder as the weeks went past,

Turns out it was the timing chain tensioner, cheap and easy to replace, might be worth seeing if that is all good hope the 1er is okay

I should say that i found out when the car started leaking oil out of it and had to pay to get it towed

 

I had a ticking from my old E87 BMW 116i 2009, it started off as a small ticking but then became louder as the weeks went past,

Turns out it was the timing chain tensioner, cheap and easy to replace, might be worth seeing if that is all good hope the 1er is okay

I should say that i found out when the car started leaking oil out of it and had to pay to get it towed

I think I might have the same problem today for the first time my engine oil light came on even though through the on-board check it said it was fine, how much did to replace?
Also im not sure exactly where the sound is coming from but its always there so from cold start.

 

I would sell it quick! Likely to be the cam chains. All the vehicles between 2007 and 2011 have a dodgy sprocket on them. I fell into the same trap not knowing. Just cost me £1287. Bmw gave me a gesture of good will even though this a known manufacturing defect and they have been on watch dog for it they would only pay 100 percent parts but only 30 percent labour. Hence £1287! Still has the engine management light on on it
Nothing but trouble

 

I would sell it quick! Likely to be the cam chains. All the vehicles between 2007 and 2011 have a dodgy sprocket on them. I fell into the same trap not knowing. Just cost me £1287. Bmw gave me a gesture of good will even though this a known manufacturing defect and they have been on watch dog for it they would only pay 100 percent parts but only 30 percent labour. Hence £1287! Still has the engine management light on on it
Nothing but trouble

sell it ??? I just bought it im going to get it checked out soon, this better not be the case.

 

Was it purchased privately or from a garage?

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I had a ticking from my old E87 BMW 116i 2009, it started off as a small ticking but then became louder as the weeks went past,

Turns out it was the timing chain tensioner, cheap and easy to replace, might be worth seeing if that is all good hope the 1er is okay

I should say that i found out when the car started leaking oil out of it and had to pay to get it towed

I think I might have the same problem today for the first time my engine oil light came on even though through the on-board check it said it was fine, how much did to replace?
Also im not sure exactly where the sound is coming from but its always there so from cold start.

It was only like £120 or something to replace, got it done at a non-bmw garage though, because it was quite obvious what was wrong.

I believe it was only the diesels that had the actual timing chain issue, the petrols had a tensioner issue (i think, don't quote me on that)

Anyway... if your looking at the engine from standing in front of the car, your left side closest to you on the engine block, quite low down there will be a nut looking thing, check that this isn't leaking oil, you'll know where it is if it is leaking, if not, might be worth looking on google images to see where it is, hope this helps