Loud Ticking noise ... Relative to engine speed?

[shogun]

I had that last year. Changed a lot, finally it turned out to be a ignition wire plug which goes onto the spark plug. That had a haircrack and ticked onto metal.

[e34.535i.sport]

So... I had a listen with the bonnet up today but didn't have a screwdriver handy (I was in work!). The noise seemed less prevalent today but it seemed to be from the front of the engine i.e cylinder 1 or 2...

This is the plan when I get a chance to look at it properly...

1. Check spark plug boots and that plugs are in tight/not damaged
2. Take belt off and start it up... to check pulleys/ps pump not making the noise.
3. Errr... hopefully it'll be sorted by then!