E46 B3 3.3 - Advice on two issues

[Rav]

Hi Friends.

Many of you know that I have an E46 shape B3 3.3. I love the car!
Two issues i need your help with please..

1. On acceleration, i.e. going up a hill, i get a tappet type sound from the engine. I recall that the service schedule suggests something like a valve clearance adjustment on major service ? Could this be the issue?

2. Gear selector light - mine is temperamental. It flickers and sometimes doesn't work at all. I had a quick look from the gear lever side, but is it likely to be under the car?

Also, just a nod to @Charles - I am now filling with premium 95 octane fuel as have noted better mpg and of course passing power!

Otherwise - what a car, i still love this thing.

[Charles]

1. On acceleration, i.e. going up a hill, i get a tappet type sound from the engine. I recall that the service schedule suggests something like a valve clearance adjustment on major service ? Could this be the issue?

It depends on a number of factors (and my experiences):
- it could be due to oil starvation to the top of the engine (extremely unlikely)
- or it cold be cold oil (sometimes sounds louder when the engine is cold)
- or it could be valve clearance (never had to do that in 20 years and almost 400k miles)
- or it could be what you are describing is "pinking" which is due to incorrect fuel/air mix (or a failing HG but the 3.3 is virtually bulletproof in that department)

2. Gear selector light - mine is temperamental. It flickers and sometimes doesn't work at all. I had a quick look from the gear lever side, but is it likely to be under the car?

Is this the dashboard display or the lights on the centre console alongside the gear lever?

If it is the latter, it's relatively easy to lift the wood surrounds and check for a loose connection

Also, just a nod to @Charles - I am now filling with premium 95 octane fuel as have noted better mpg and of course passing power!

Hopefully you are using 98 RON which is the super unleaded E5 fuel, rather than the watered down 95 RON E10 stuff ...

[Rav]

Thanks Charles.

On the second point - yes it is the little led indicator next to the gear lever. It flickers - I will take a look today.

I meant 99 RON E5, apologies. The car is so much more powerful.

The sounds is like what my dad used to describe as pinking on his hillman avenger.

[hashluck]

The gear cog display problem could be a failing gear position sensor - common E46 fault and an easy fix.

The noise you describe does sound a bit like pinking. Worth a sniff test to check head gasket all well as well.