Total Quartz Energy 9000 0w30 (BMW N52), noisy hot

[wolfestone]

I switched to Total Quartz energy 9000 0w30 for the third oil change (10k miles) on my BMW, previously used the BMW 5w30 oil.

I'm noticing that the valvetrain is a bit noisy when hot. The ambient temperature has risen over the last couple of weeks to the low 90's (FL). It sounds fine when cold. I believe this engine (N52) did have some ticking issues caused by air in the lifters, but as far as I'm aware mine is newer than those affected.

From what I could tell, this oil is almost identical in viscosity @100c to the BMW 5w30 oil.

The valvetrain noise is a bit concerning, it's not terrible but I'm almost positive it's noisier than it was. I hear a more pronounced ticking sound, at a frequency that suggests it's just one or two cylinders which are louder than the rest.

I was planning on a UOA after this change in 5k miles, but now I'm wondering if I should just change it out for something else to be on the safe side.

Am I just being paranoid here?

 

[d00df00d]

Get a good UOA (e.g. from Dyson Analysis) at 5k if you're really concerned. Unless it comes back horrible, run the same oil for another 5k and see if the noise persists. If it's still making you uneasy at that point, go ahead and change it.

 

[190E26FTW]

I am wondering if the oil is too thin at that temp in FL. Do you drive really hard?

Can your BMW run Mobil 1 OW40?

 

[wolfestone]

I wouldn't say I beat on the car but I do drive it fairly hard.

The rear diff is quite low ratio so at fast freeway speeds it's turning about 3k rpm. I've noticed my gas mileage has gone up since switching to the 0w30, but I don't care about that as much as engine protection.

 

[tonycarguy]

The N52's ticking noise is caused by very short trips in colder weather (under 50F), and I believe no oil will solve it if your car is one of those that's affected by it. I think late 2009 models fixed the problem.

 

[wolfestone]

I don't think this is the service bulletin ticking noise. It sounds like the valvetrain above cylinder 5 or 6 on the intake side is a bit noisier.