clinking noise from drivetrain when changing directions

[John H]

Guys --

Was hoping someone might help me diagnose a problem.

The car is a '95 M3 with a '97 Euro M3 drivetrain as far back as the drive shaft (diff is stock). Mileage on car is 90k, drivetrain is 47k.

I'm getting a "clink clink" rather delicate, metallic pitch noise when engaging the clutch to start moving, or from going from reverse to forward or vice versa. It seems to be a drive train problem as the noise only occurs when engaging the clutch.

I've taken it to my mechanic (Steve at Rennwerks in Mountain View, CA) and he's heard the noise and was thinking it was a CV joint or the "spindle in the driveshaft" -- not exactly sure what he meant by this last part -- I'm thinking the support bearing in the center of the driveshaft?

Anyways, I've never in my life heard of the CV joints going on an E36 (even though the Bentley has all those stern warnings about stressing them if you detatch the rear shocks to change RTABs for example)... so I thought I might see if you guys have any bright ideas....

Driveshaft support bearing? Diff mounts (I'm thinking no)? Front sub frame cracks (again unlikely)? CV joints? Gremlins? I don't really want to take the drive shaft out of the car without being at least somewhat suspicious that part may be to blame.

There's a UUC Stage II fly /clutch in there if that's relevant.

Any tips for diagnosing?

Best,
John

[John H]

(bump)

[ASCH MAN]

Have you checked the diff bolts, there is a thread going on right now that is talking about them. Seems like something easy to check out and replace if it is the problem, assuming they have not snapped yet.

[ArcticFox]

Typically this sound is made from U-Joints or CV joints. I would had the d-shaft checked as well as the support bearing (which I doubt it is). My money is on one of the U-Joints. However, it COULD be the rear CV joints too...but you would usually only hear that sound when turning......Tim

[John H]

Artic Fox --

It sounds like you're on to something. I remember the mechanic saying U-joints as well, but pardon my ignorance, where are these joints? Is this the joints at other end of the half axles or are the joints somewhere else entirely?

Are U-joints wear parts, or did they most likely fail from some abuse I subjected them to?

Thanks for the help!

- John

ps. Audioman, I think my mechanic would have noticed a broken diff bolt, and I thought the noises would be a lot more extreme... but it's certainly a possibility. I'll be sure that he or I check it out.

[John H]

to answer my own question... it looks like this is this is part of the drive shaft, either next to the guibo or at the rear. Still not sure, but a little Internet research does seem to imply they fail (and that center support bearings don't usually fail).

Also, apparently BMW recommends replacing the driveshaft as a unit to eliminate the possibility of vibrations. And, there's a whole bunch of self-locking nuts that get replaced. And exhaust gaskets (since the cats need to come out). Time to give Pacific BMW a call...

- John

[tempestv8]

Hi John,

I don't drive an M3 but I have had exactly the same symptoms as yours with my e39 530i Touring. (I think in the USA you only get the 525i or the 540i).

I ignored the problem for 2 (yes TWO!) years and the clinking got more and more obvious, to the point where it would clink a little when I accelerate and clink again when I deccelerate.

I got the entire driveshaft replaced just today, and it's totally quiet again.

I've been told by the BMW independent specialist workshop that they've now seen 5 different e39s with this problem, and its due to wear and tear along the driveshaft. It's not the guibo that causes this noise. A worn guibo merely causes horrid vibrations.

It cost a packet (USD$2250 for parts plus labour) for this repair, but the clink is completely gone, so I'm happy.

If I were you, I'd wait a lot longer before replacing it, unless it's really bothering you. For the record, my vehicle now has 170,000 kms on it.

Cheers,

Lawrance Lee
'03 530i Touring auto
Melbourne, Australia

[Balthazarr]

Pretty sure this is what I have and had for a few months.
I can usually mitigate or eliminate it with clutch/throttle control.

[savage217]

Its the driveshaft for the people who responded in this time period. Mine would make the same metal clunking sound and ever since I replaced my driveshaft it is non existant.

[tempestv8]

LOL! I just noticed that the original question was posted in 2003!

I wonder if John still owns the M3 now! Hehe!

[Balthazarr]

I knew the year bc I always check the date.
I haven't JohnH around for a while so I was surprised.

No less relevant bc of age and it's good that people actually search instead of creating
numerous threads on the same subject.

[ccaarmerciill]

Hate to relive an old thread, but my car makes the same metallic clinking noises from the rear. Rtab's were replaced and pockets reinforced, diff bolt is fine, rsm's new, guibo was replaced, and driveshaft "rebuilt/ reconditioned" by the po in receipts whatever that means. I do get a slight vibration on acceleration at slow speeds, so maybe the driveshaft itself is bad, I was leaning towards my differential... Looks like I have some investigating to do.