From digest.v6.n620 Mon May 5 06:21:20 1997
From: "Duane C" <trapdnce_at_erols.com>
Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 23:51:47 -0400
Subject: Lifter Tap : E36

> From: "Julie, Joe, Donna Kennedy-Yaeger" <Kennedy_Yaeger_at_msn.com>
> Date: Mon, 5 May 97 00:31:25 UT
> Subject: <E36> Lifter Noise
>
> After auto-crossing with the local Corvette Club and having 5 runs
> consecutively, I had the ultimate pleasure of hearing for the first time
the

> dreaded 'lifter noise' in my 325i's M50 motor. I have read the
> accounts of filling an extra quart prior to an event, but I do not think
that

> is a real 'solution'.
>
> The real solution (in my modest yet clearly insufficiently informed
> non-professional opinion) would be to install a oil baffle or improved
sump

> device to insure the elimination of oil starvation situations.
>
> Does anyone know of an OEM or after-market 'oil baffle' or similar device

> which could be fitted to a 1992 E36 325i ?

Joe,

I researched this a bit with my M3 as I, too, thought overfilling the sump was not the right approach. After talking to Korman, TC Kline, and Dinan on this subject the summary was that yes, you can spend $ 1,300.00 + for the deep sump setup off the M3 Lightweight and it MAY help. Korman said their track car still does it even with the modification so there are no guarantees. TC and Dinan say it will probably help some, but it may not 'cure' it entirely and it will most certainly VOID the warranty on my '95. Any of these suppliers will be more than happy to sell you the parts for the mods.

So now I simply overfill like everyone else. In my case it takes 1.5 qts to calm it down. Personally, I'd change to Synthetic Oil if I were you to get the added protection in case of some oil starvation. BTW, after you come off the auto-x course, idle it for five minutes to give the lifters time to pump back up.

Duane Collie
'95 M3
National Capital Chapter