Clunking noise when shifting - e36

[MissUh]

Hey guys, I have a '95 325is and whenever I shift, there's a clunking noise that comes from the rear of the car.

It doesn't do it when I downshift, and it doesn't do it if I shift super slowly and wait a few seconds until I press on the gas.

Any ideas??? (New to BMW) - Thanks in advance!

[CMG]

Check all bushings and mounts

[BimmerBreaker]

Transmission mounts and Guibo - look there first.

[284Shooter]

Bet you broke the front differential bolt.

[MissUh]

Bet you broke the front differential bolt.

I just bought this car about a week ago. So, I'm still checking everything out, and I'll include that in something I check next. Thanks for the info

Transmission mounts and Guibo - look there first.

Checking this stuff out today, thanks for the info!

I'll let you guys know what I find.

[kaivonp]

Clunking sounds related to acceleration are often due to worn subframe bushings. It's not an easy job to replace them, but it might be necessary given the age of your car.
Also, on these cars the chassis sheet metal that the subframe mounts to is a known weakness. It's a good idea to check on that before the metal tears. If you plan on aggressive driving, consider welding in reinforcement plates. BMW created plates specifically for the e36 & e46 to address exactly this problem.

[bmwdirtracer]

Guibo (driveshaft flex disc)
Center support bearing, u-joint/driveshaft
Differential mounts
Subframe mounts (or subframe tearing out of bodyshell)
Transmission mounts
Rear suspension ball joints and bushings
Rear springs and shocks (unlikely)
Differential gears/innards (unlikely)

Have a good BMW tech look at, pry on, or squeeze all these items. Something is worn out and sloppy.

[jackdesert]

My E36 started making the same clunking sound after a drift session. I was able to recreate the sound by raising the back of the car on jack stands, putting the transmission in gear, then pushing down hard and aggressive on the rear edge of the rear tire with my foot. (Car has a welded diff.) I could visibly see the front of the differential raising, then slamming down against its support.

The bolt was only one week old, and it turns out it was fine, just needed to be tightened.

[TonyPorter]

I have the same problem. I have brand new m3 guibo, m3 drive shaft, rebuilt m3 diff, all new poly subframe bushings, new trailing arm ball joints, new rtab bushings. Everything in the rear end was replaced 2 weeks ago and I still can’t find the problem 🤦🏼*♂️

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I also made sure my diff bolt is tight

[shogun]

did you pre-load the center bearing? https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...center+bearing

[E36 Em Tree]

Loose driveshaft? U-joint, center bearing, guibo? Just start from your shifter/shifterboot and then work your way down. Shifter selector rod, transmission mounts/engine mounts, giubo, etc. Or start from what ever is easiest to access based on your experience and then work from there

[tjm3]

I have the same problem. I have brand new m3 guibo, m3 drive shaft, rebuilt m3 diff, all new poly subframe bushings, new trailing arm ball joints, new rtab bushings. Everything in the rear end was replaced 2 weeks ago and I still can’t find the problem 🤦🏼*♂️

- - - Updated - - -

I also made sure my diff bolt is tight

Year and mileage?