HM,
Sorry to hear you still have an engine tick.
You would think with a new OEM filter and a new synthetic oil, things might improve. But, give it some time, like 1500KM, for the new oil & filter to settle into the car.
Previously my car was serviced at a local garage, with a no-name filter and a semi-synthetic 10W-40 oil. It had a minor tick on start-up, that quickly went away as the car warmed up. No Problem.
I decided to do the next oil change myself. I got a better filter, and a full synthetic name brand 5W-40 oil. Now I have a big tick that lasts a long time.
How could I improve everything and yet go backwards?
So I'm determined to work my way through this. I will keep the filter the same for the next few oil change intervals (OCI), but try two different oils. First a 15W-40 mineral oil, following the logic that if 5W-40 is worse (starting at 10W-40), then maybe 15W-40 will be better. I have no cold start issues where I live.
If that doesn't work, then 5W-30 synthetic is next on the list to try.
If that doesn't work, then a new filter brand.
I have about 4000 KM on my present oil, and I was planning to run it longer, but I might change it soon. I will consider it a short OCI cleaning cycle, and yes this synthetic has cleaned up the engine nicely (looking through the oil fill hole). Plus given how much a garage charges to do an oil change, I have still saved money.
So HM, give your new oil a chance, and if you still don't like it after some time, go back to the M1 5W-30 but with the new OEM filters.
BTW, I'm pretty sure it's an oil issue for me, because the tick changes with the oil grade and filter. However if your tick is always there and doesn't change with oil & filter, then maybe you have another issue, like an exhaust gasket.
Good luck to you !!