E46 Gear Change Clunk
Discussion
Recently bought an 04/2004 E46 320Ci Sport and have noticed the following;
A clunk/thump when changing from 1st to 2nd gear. More noticeable when engaging 1st after having waited at traffic lights etc. The noise is less so when changing 2nd to 3rd. I appears to come from the rear, clutch is fine as is gear change and car drives without any problem.
I'm aware of rear sub frame issues on certain E46's but led to believe on earlier models than mine and the M3.
I had the car inspected at my local BMW Indy who found a little more play than usual on the propshaft.
Bought the car from local BMW dealer and taking it back tomorrow to see what they find!
A clunk/thump when changing from 1st to 2nd gear. More noticeable when engaging 1st after having waited at traffic lights etc. The noise is less so when changing 2nd to 3rd. I appears to come from the rear, clutch is fine as is gear change and car drives without any problem.
I'm aware of rear sub frame issues on certain E46's but led to believe on earlier models than mine and the M3.
I had the car inspected at my local BMW Indy who found a little more play than usual on the propshaft.
Bought the car from local BMW dealer and taking it back tomorrow to see what they find!
vsonix said:
does it clunk/crunch going into reverse as well? I have similar issue on my E36, suspect issue with prop shaft or diff mountings as I've had my sub-frame checked out when I bought the car, and it's all OK. I thought changing the shifter bearings would get rid of it, so I fitted a Z3 shifter kit and did all the bearings at the same time, but it didn't help.
One thing I'm noticing is it seems to be quite a bit worse when the car is facing downhill.
I have no problems engaging reverse or changing down. One thing I'm noticing is it seems to be quite a bit worse when the car is facing downhill.
Worst is when ready to move off, engaging 1st before releasing the handbrake - quite a loud clunk.
Dealer found nothing having checked the car over other than could be "clutch drag" Having looked that up symptoms of drag include difficulty engaging gears - I don't have that.
In light of nothing found I commented in that case they had no cure and the problem would not go away - the reply being yes and to monitor the situation and return if the problem worsens!
In light of nothing found I commented in that case they had no cure and the problem would not go away - the reply being yes and to monitor the situation and return if the problem worsens!
x 7usc said:
Yep i get the same thump when engaging 1st, also changed the shifter and bearing for a Z3M one and it still does it, not noticed the 1st to 2nd though TBH.
ETA also doing it after a brand new clutch
Think I'll just have to live with it for now and keep an eye (or rather ear) on it.ETA also doing it after a brand new clutch
The 1st to 2nd clunk is not so obvious. Perhaps it's just a "characteristic" of the car.
Would be interested to hear if many others have experienced it.
markc123 said:
I have just made up an adjustable clutch stop for mine. Removing some of the dead pedal travel from the stroke has been another thing that has improved my shift.
Next is fluid swap, inspect gbox / diff mounts and the guibo for me. Once I have ruled out all the possibilities which don't include the dual mass flywheel I'll just live with whatever clunk is left.
Have you checked your passenger side engine mount? A failure there could cause some thumps on shifting.worsens
And a random idea: if the clutch is not disengaging fully then it could be the cause - often get this on the bike when its cold. Check the auto adjuster is functional and that there is no air in the hydro system.
I doubt the dealer considered all of that.Next is fluid swap, inspect gbox / diff mounts and the guibo for me. Once I have ruled out all the possibilities which don't include the dual mass flywheel I'll just live with whatever clunk is left.
Have you checked your passenger side engine mount? A failure there could cause some thumps on shifting.worsens
And a random idea: if the clutch is not disengaging fully then it could be the cause - often get this on the bike when its cold. Check the auto adjuster is functional and that there is no air in the hydro system.
Edited by markc123 on Wednesday 13th June 11:31
If the issue worsens I can always return to them and give them a few things to consider.
Thanks for your help.
Message left on my 'phone today from the dealer asking how things are following my recent visit and if there is anything else they need to look at.
The obvious question would be is, in their opinion, the noise deemed as "normal" Suggest that they look at some of the possible causes mentioned by you good people here.Point out that the Indy noticed "play" on the propshaft?
At least I have another opportunity to see if a conclusion,either way, can be reached.
The obvious question would be is, in their opinion, the noise deemed as "normal" Suggest that they look at some of the possible causes mentioned by you good people here.Point out that the Indy noticed "play" on the propshaft?
At least I have another opportunity to see if a conclusion,either way, can be reached.
Thanks coombsfh.
The car is back with the dealers today and staying whilst they take a further look. Initial "diagnosis" being the clutch drag as mentioned previously - possibly removing the gearbox so at least they will be looking further into matters. Awaiting a telephone call to see what they find.
In the meanwhile making do with a very white 116ed courtesy car!
The car is back with the dealers today and staying whilst they take a further look. Initial "diagnosis" being the clutch drag as mentioned previously - possibly removing the gearbox so at least they will be looking further into matters. Awaiting a telephone call to see what they find.
In the meanwhile making do with a very white 116ed courtesy car!
Interesting indeed.
From the dealer - The flywheel was the issue so it and clutch replaced. I have a decent basic knowledge of mechanics but am at odds with their findings. Having looked up flywheel issues the symptoms don't appear to include any clunking noise as I have described.
More tomorrow after I pick up the car.
From the dealer - The flywheel was the issue so it and clutch replaced. I have a decent basic knowledge of mechanics but am at odds with their findings. Having looked up flywheel issues the symptoms don't appear to include any clunking noise as I have described.
More tomorrow after I pick up the car.
Picked up the car this morning.
Told by the dealer that fluid from the flywheel had leaked and also contaminated the clutch "causing the problem I had experienced". Both flywheel and clutch have been replaced. A technician and the head technician had both driven the car and reported it was "driving perfectly"
The work was covered by the AUC warranty. I asked out of interest how much it would have cost otherwise....... about £2000
Car washed and valeted off I go. Promising start, gear change seems quieter. Later..... first to second a clunk. Engage first from standstill loud clunk
My cynical side and your thoughts 4rephill meant I was not surprised. Maybe it is just one of those things that cannot be sorted and I'll just have to live with it ..... at least something was found (whether related or not)and I do now have a new clutch and flywheel. I haven't got the heart to go back and say, "You know that clunking noise I had?"
Told by the dealer that fluid from the flywheel had leaked and also contaminated the clutch "causing the problem I had experienced". Both flywheel and clutch have been replaced. A technician and the head technician had both driven the car and reported it was "driving perfectly"
The work was covered by the AUC warranty. I asked out of interest how much it would have cost otherwise....... about £2000
Car washed and valeted off I go. Promising start, gear change seems quieter. Later..... first to second a clunk. Engage first from standstill loud clunk
My cynical side and your thoughts 4rephill meant I was not surprised. Maybe it is just one of those things that cannot be sorted and I'll just have to live with it ..... at least something was found (whether related or not)and I do now have a new clutch and flywheel. I haven't got the heart to go back and say, "You know that clunking noise I had?"
I love the car and the noise won't spoil my overall enjoyment of it but it is something that I believe should not be there. I have the warranty and should really take advantage of it now rather than matters worsening (if they do) when it expires.
I will no doubt receive the courtesy call from the dealer asking if all is well. There would be no benefit saying yes all is fine and may as well see what they next suggest (if anything)
What vehicle do you have 4rephill by the way? Has the issue worsened over time or remained the same?
I will no doubt receive the courtesy call from the dealer asking if all is well. There would be no benefit saying yes all is fine and may as well see what they next suggest (if anything)
What vehicle do you have 4rephill by the way? Has the issue worsened over time or remained the same?
il-mostro said:
Hey there.
I have just bought an E46 Alpina with auto box, and mine clunks, especially in first and second gear. Does yours do it when you roll on and off the throttle at low speed? Mine does.
I just had mine insp2 serviced by a local indi, and he suggested the Diff mounts, as mentioned elsewhere in the thread. I have been quoted £250 to get this sorted.
I used to have an E46 330 ci auto, and that never clunked. Don't accept 'they all do that sir'. If you have a warranty, get them to check it.
God luck.
Mark
Mark,I have just bought an E46 Alpina with auto box, and mine clunks, especially in first and second gear. Does yours do it when you roll on and off the throttle at low speed? Mine does.
I just had mine insp2 serviced by a local indi, and he suggested the Diff mounts, as mentioned elsewhere in the thread. I have been quoted £250 to get this sorted.
I used to have an E46 330 ci auto, and that never clunked. Don't accept 'they all do that sir'. If you have a warranty, get them to check it.
God luck.
Mark
Firstly congratulations on acquiring an E46 Alpina.
I've been tempted on several occasions and hopefully one day will get my hands on one
With regards your clunk I'm not sure it is associated with mine. However, I previously owned an E39 535iA and occasionally on "spirited" acceleration in auto mode it would change up from second to third with quite a thump and a jerk.
I'd be interested to know if your problem is cured should you have the diff mounts changed.
As for the "they all do that sir" my update post below reveals a few interesting points.
Apologies for the delay in replying.
I returned to the dealer last week and spoke with the Head Technician. Yes he agreed that the noise was still present. No he did not think they could do anything else to sort it. He had hoped that the leaking flywheel was the cause but now that appears to have been a side issue. Evidently the drive shaft, donut and diff were checked as a matter of course when the clutch was replaced.
I asked him if the noise was a known issue to which he replied it was. Why was I not told that on my first visit? I suppose if you don't ask the pertinent questions!
He then went on to explain how the gearbox is spinning and under load a noise will be heard when engaging gear. He accepted not a noise to the degree I was experiencing. His only real explanation was "some do and some don't" Auto gearboxes are not affected he stated!
Using thicker gear oil would possible reduce the noise but would make changing gear more difficult from cold - so not a solution at all.
So all in all - It is a known issue. There is no known cure (as many already know)
I don't believe vehicles left the factory like that rather it is something that develops for whatever reason. My logical side says there is a cause for everything and there are effects as a result. If it is just the mechanicals "doing their thing" albeit not in every vehicle and in those effected in such a manner then there is a cause. Problem is no one knows what it is!
I returned to the dealer last week and spoke with the Head Technician. Yes he agreed that the noise was still present. No he did not think they could do anything else to sort it. He had hoped that the leaking flywheel was the cause but now that appears to have been a side issue. Evidently the drive shaft, donut and diff were checked as a matter of course when the clutch was replaced.
I asked him if the noise was a known issue to which he replied it was. Why was I not told that on my first visit? I suppose if you don't ask the pertinent questions!
He then went on to explain how the gearbox is spinning and under load a noise will be heard when engaging gear. He accepted not a noise to the degree I was experiencing. His only real explanation was "some do and some don't" Auto gearboxes are not affected he stated!
Using thicker gear oil would possible reduce the noise but would make changing gear more difficult from cold - so not a solution at all.
So all in all - It is a known issue. There is no known cure (as many already know)
I don't believe vehicles left the factory like that rather it is something that develops for whatever reason. My logical side says there is a cause for everything and there are effects as a result. If it is just the mechanicals "doing their thing" albeit not in every vehicle and in those effected in such a manner then there is a cause. Problem is no one knows what it is!
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