engine flush

I used to use Wynn's engine flush years ago and never had any problems with it or as a result of using it.  However, I stopped using it when I was advised not to by BMW technicians as they said using engine flush can cause bits etc to move around and cause blockages affecting oil flow.

If you are going to use it, like I said I always used to use Wynn's and never had any problems with it.  'Forte' is also another very popular brand that is widely used in the motor trade.

All depends what the ticking is BROXI,

It could be the hydraulic tappets as Neil suggest, as they are a known area of wear for the 40's, it could also be the sound made by the injectors.

I would try a bottle of injector cleaner firstly and if you don't notice any difference then look to the tappets. If it's just a light ticking then I would suggest you have a while yet before they start causing problems as it is a considerable expense to replace the whole valve train.

If wishing to use a flush, I have always used Wynn's and as long as the oil change intervals aren't too long and filter changes are regular and good quality there shouldn't be any significant material that could block the oilways, that's the idea of the flush, it's to 'wash' everything into the filter and remove the 'gum' that oil can create. 

Rob

Paddy - the oil viscosities amongst the E36 spark ignition engines are the same in the BMW handbook.

The 0w40 Fully Synthetic (Mobil 1, Castrol RS) would be fine to use and personally I'd recommend it over the 0w30.  During winter I run Castrol RS or Mobil 1 0w40 and in summer the 5w40 mentioned below (on a E36 328)

However, you can also get fully synthetic 5w40 which is cheaper but also very good.  I'd recommend 'Millers Oils' (most motor factors and accessory shops such as A1 motorstores) or 'Fuchs' (euro car parts) for this.

Nice one Paddy