It sounds like the noise is timed to one of the cylinders. so if it is a bearing, hopefully it's just one of the conrod bearings. You can see them with the sump off but i stupidly didnt think to check while replacing the gasket. I know about lapping the bearings to fit the cap, but I wasn't...

I just meant a major leak. The gasket was a rubber one with several major cracks and it was solid to the point i thought it was abs plastic but no silicon in sight. Probably leaked out over a few days but not sure. Most of the electrics in the dash are a bit naff(on the to do list) but I don't...

I've already ordered a new set of big end bearings incase it was. Per your comment I'll tow it to the shed rather than drive it. Is there anything else it might be besides big end bearings? Any part of the timing chain that could make the noise?

It started tapping while I was on the motorway so I pulled onto the hard shoulder and as I slowed down the engine cut out and wouldn't turn over.

My s3 blew a sump gasket a while back and stalled due to lack of oil. Once I got a new gasket on there she turned over fine but there is a loud knocking noise. After being told it was probably the tappets, I drove her to the men's shed(men's mental health charity/social club) I attend. We...