Ticking/fluttering from engine bay/exhaust

[s18jsm]

There is a fluttering/ticking noise coming from my 1998 318is, it sound like its coming from the engine/front of the exhaust.

Any ideas?

[96_323]

A tiny small hole in the exhaust near the manifold would give a very deep sort of fluttering/popping noise. Get someone to put there hand over the exhuast tip at the back of the car and have a listen then, should be more evident with the exhaust trapped.