E46 Rear end noises and manual gearbox

[Andyboy]

I have just purchased a 2002 Manual M3 with 58000 miles, when cornering at very low speed around a roundabout a noise similar to a rubbing tyre comes from the rear end somewhere. The noise only occurs when you are going 180 degrees around a roundabout opposed to just turning 90 degrees, and only at speeds of 5-8 mph. Its quite a strange noise and difficult to explain, though it is quite loud and a kind of rubbery rubbing noise. Any ideas or suggestions?

Also while I'm here could any manual owners tell me if there is a little bit of movement in the gear stick when in neutral? I have about 20mm in all directions, and its just feels a bit sloppy, do any parts/ linkages wear with time? The car is under warranty so I want to get some opinions before I go to the garage.

Thanks
Andrew

[falkster]

If its your gearbox then Ive got one you could have!

[Euro Spec]

Regarding the noise, it is quite probable that your diff oil needs changing.

[Spartikus]

This is a BMW documented problem. Mine was fixed by a dealer. They have to put some special additive into the diff.

[lazzag]

I have the same problem, it whent a little quiter when I changed the back tires, I had the bonnet saftey switch replaced and asked my local dealer to check it out they took it for a road test and said it was ok, yep the first island I came to( 300yds from the dealer)I did a 180 turn and was still there.

[Eviltwin]

We used to have an 02 E46 M3 convertible, and it did exactly the same thing, had the diff oil changed and it seemed to cure it.Don't know about the gear stick as ours was an SMG. Wish we still had the car, awesome bit of kit, made a mistake in selling it locally, so get to see it most weeks