Name That Tune

[Beemer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqU1mvjcuko

The image is terrible, but just listen to the sound.

Is it:

1. "valve adjustment blues"
2. "valve adjustment and rocker arm blues"
3. "major engine blues"

What do your ears tell you?

[Xenocide]

If you're due for a valve adjustment anyway, I'd just do that and examine all the pieces of the head while you're in there.

Maybe a better ear will come along, but it's tough to say for sure.

[pldlnr]

It's really hard to say with that audio, but I thought I was picking up a sound that was created at a faster rate than the sound of the valve train. That would indicate something in the bottom end to me.

Like I said, it was tough to pinpoint the sound. I agree that a careful inspection of the valvetrain is necessary. Look at the cam, rockers, valve stems, eccentrics, etc. Do a careful valve adjustment with the engine dead cold and go from there. Good luck.

[KillerPM]

Start with "valve adjustment blues".

Rocker Arm Blues dont make very much sound at all. Well they make sound, just for a very short period of time.

[1st 5er]

I agree.
Do 1.
Inspect 2.
Pray against 3.

I sure wouldn't be running high RPM until diagnosed.