Clutch bearings? E36 M3 Evo

[AKACrimson]

Once warm my car has been rattling like anything when in neutral, soon as the clutch is pushed in the rattle goes. I have googled around for this in the past and heard quite a few people say not to worry too much - probably just warn bearings.

As my car was at BMW for some other minor niggles I asked them to take a look at it.

They have advised that it's clutch bearing noise and requires a new clutch kit - at £777.54 (ouch!) this includes a staff discount my Dad gets (!) but presumably doesn't include labour costs.

Just a couple of questions; Has anyone else encountered this? Think I am OK to just not replace the clutch? And am I going to find a clutch kit much cheaper than this from an independent dealer?

Cheers for any advice!

[M3John]

Sounds to me that it's the thrust bearing if the noise goes once you've pressed the clutch.

They're probably quoting for a clutch because you have to go that far into the job anyway. To change the clutch once the thrust bearing is exposed would only be a matter of minutes. Your in the `well while i'm here` scenario now sadly.

[AKACrimson]

Thanks for the very speedy reply!

Turns out the £777 does include labour acctually. Still that's £777 I don't have

Think I'll leave it..... I can put up with a bit of rattling at least until I can afford it. If it is thurst bearings can't imagne it would do any damage?

[Pig Skill]

You may be able to get away with it for a bit longer bit it's only going to get worse and eventually fail / seize. £777 is a fair wedge of anyone's money. I guess that pri e does not include the DMF? At the mileage you have it may well need one. You will only know when it's inspected

[AKACrimson]

I barely do any miles in it so hopefully shouldn't be putting too much strain on the clutch. I'll see if I can raise some funds and get it done as soon as I can though.

The car is at 56k miles - not sure how long they are supposed to last on an E36 M3?

If it ceases/fails do you just buy a new clutch then or does it bugger the rest of the car?

And what's DMF? Sorry for all the questions

[E30M3SE]

Get a quote form an inde in your area, I'd be very suprised if they quoted as much as 'your' man dealer.

You could probably get the whole job done for circa £400. ( Assuming your flywheel is OK)

DMF= Dual Mass Flywheel

Edited by E30M3SE on Wednesday 11th April 14:22

[AKACrimson]

E30M3SE said:

Get a quote form an inde in your area, I'd be very suprised if they quoted as much as 'your' man dealer.

You could probably get the whole job done for circa £400. ( Assuming your flywheel is OK)

DMF= Dual Mass Flywheel

Edited by E30M3SE on Wednesday 11th April 14:22

Thanks for this. I will take a look around - the car actually came from Munich Legends so was tempted to get them to take a look. Imagine they are pretty expensive though! Anyone recommend a decent one in Hampshire?

[E30M3SE]

Have a look in this list

[AKACrimson]

E30M3SE said:

Have a look in this list

n1 thank you.

[duff]

Are you sure its not the layshaft bearing, a very common issue with these 'boxes?

[AKACrimson]

Finnally saved up and got clutch replaced, feels a lot better, much smoother and less hard work (was very heavy before)

Just taken the car for a spirtited drive though and now I am still getting the same problem! - Ie car rattles noisey with clutch out, push clutch in and sound goes away. It's only when the car is warm though.

Anyone have any ideas before I go back to the garage?

Honestly it's one thing after another lol

[M3John]

When you initially put the car in for repair did you make them aware of the noise. If so, the surely the onus is on the garage? Also if / when you do get in touch you could ask them if they changed the thrust bearing.
Don't suppose they put any old bits in a box for you?

[Pig Skill]

Did they replace the DMF? they are prone to rattling

[custardkid]

Single mass is the way forwards...

[AKACrimson]

Thanks for the responses guys. They didn't replace the DMF so I guess with a new clutch kit installed it must be that? The rattle is not too bad, just a bit annoying and noisy when in traffic etc. Are they supposed to be a bit noisy? Or think it's on it's way out?

[AKACrimson]

M3John said:

When you initially put the car in for repair did you make them aware of the noise. If so, the surely the onus is on the garage? Also if / when you do get in touch you could ask them if they changed the thrust bearing.
Don't suppose they put any old bits in a box for you?

It's a good point, the car was only there to investigate and fix the noise (so they def aware of that)...I have emailed them already and they want me to bring the car back in, problem is Im away for a week now but will try get it in there next week.

[duff]

As I've suggested before, it sounds like the layshaft bearing. It's not too bad when cold but once warm thereis a light grinding /rattle which goes when clutch pedal is depressed. Most do this, there is no repair and I'd just carry on using it, a secondhand box is likely to have the same issue.

[M3John]

AKACrimson said:

M3John said:

When you initially put the car in for repair did you make them aware of the noise. If so, the surely the onus is on the garage? Also if / when you do get in touch you could ask them if they changed the thrust bearing.
Don't suppose they put any old bits in a box for you?

It's a good point, the car was only there to investigate and fix the noise (so they def aware of that)...I have emailed them already and they want me to bring the car back in, problem is Im away for a week now but will try get it in there next week.

The main thing is that you've made the garage aware as soon as possible. I hope it get sorted and without too much fuss for you sir.

[AKACrimson]

duff said:

As I've suggested before, it sounds like the layshaft bearing. It's not too bad when cold but once warm thereis a light grinding /rattle which goes when clutch pedal is depressed. Most do this, there is no repair and I'd just carry on using it, a secondhand box is likely to have the same issue.

Thanks Duff - fingers crossed it's just this then.

And thanks again all, I do love the PH community, some very quick replies by some clearly knowledgeable people!

I'll try take the car in next week and let you know what they say - be intrested to see what the outcome is.

Would be nice to have my car for more than a week without something going wrong, the joy's of M3 ownership It's worth it for when it works though! (just about)

[BullyB]

Bit old now this thread...

How did you get on...?
I ask as my Evo is rattling now too until I push the clutch in