I have an engine noise that I can't figure out. The dealer wrote it off as lifter noise and said it was normal. Maybe it is.

I have a 2012 PanS. I drove a 6 cylinder and did not notice this sound but the dealer said my 8 cylinder is markedly different to make comparisons in this case.

It starts at about 2500rpm and continues almost to red line. The sound is similar to when you flutter your tongue while trying to whistle. Or, sort of like a cat purr. It is not particularly loud - not at all as loud as valve rattle on an old engine. It cannot be heard over even the quietest radio noise.

It is there every time - not intermittent and has been present from mile 1.

It's odd as the engine has such a nice sound up until 2500rpm and then I get this.

Oddly, it is not present while revving when stopped. It is also not present in SportPlus mode !? I only hear it with Normal or Sport mode.

I don't notice any peculiar performance problems. The engine seems strong in all ranges. But, it has been present from mile 1 so I don't have a good comparison.

Ideas, suggestions? Thanks

 

I don't here that, hope you don't have bad gas? (your car not you!)

 

That briefly crossed my mind too. But, not likely for every fill-up from mile 1 to its current ~10,000. Usually Chevron Premium but other brands occasionally.

 

only other thing especially at that RPM "may" be the variocam which is audible in Porsches and I think starts around the RPM

but I am a human mechanic not a car one

 

The variocam was another possible explanation by the dealer. They had several possible explanations: lifters, variocam, and injectors. Although, the mechanic said the variocam should only be audible briefly while it resets while my noise is noticeable from 2500 up to red line - although it takes some care to massage the gas pedal to avoid shifts (without smashing it). He couldn't hear the noise but admitted his hearing is shot. My sales guy did hear it.

It may well be a normal noise. I'd just like better confirmation than the scattered dealer answers.

For a couple months I tried arranging a test drive of another PanS there but they never had one available when I was.

 

sounds like a test drive of another car would be helpful

it is your car and you deserve to be happy. having said that, I have had similar things and at the end of the day if the dealer says you are fine drive it like ya stole it