E61 M5 - audible clunk outside the car during changes

[gazchap]

While parked up in a queue in a car park yesterday with my windows open, I noticed that when changing gear or mode when stationary (so going from 1st to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st, or going from S to D or D to S) that there was an audible clunk from somewhere.

Is that normal, or a sign of something failing with the gearbox/clutch? There's no other symptoms of clutch wear, although moving off does get a bit jerky sometimes when in slow moving traffic or frequent stop/starts (release bearing issue?)

[Contigo]

Definitely not normal mate! Did you not take it back to get it looked at?

[gazchap]

Contigo said:

Definitely not normal mate! Did you not take it back to get it looked at?

No, didn't fancy a 400 mile round trip. Will take it up to my local indy specialist for a diagnosis and then see what the crack is.

[Bigglez]

Hey Gaz,

Definitely not normal. I'd get it back to Safwat cars asap. Remember the emails I sent you from the prior owner - it might just be it needs the same thing done quickly, but the quicker you get it back - the more likelihood there is of help (if any) if the release bearing or god forbid clutch is on its way!

[gazchap]

Have dropped an e-mail to Safwat Cars now to see if I can take it back there to be looked at, or whether he'd mind awfully if I got my local specialist to diagnose.

[Cheburator mk2]

Release bearing getting hot and sticking on the intermediate shaft, so when you ask the hydraulics to push it to disengage the clutch, you get the clunk... Take it in S5 to the redline and go 1-2-3-4th gear... It will cure it...

[Bigglez]

Cheburator mk2 said:

It will cure it...

Or Kill it.

Hope all's well Cheb. Keep wondering if I'll come across you on the A2/A20 someday.

[gazchap]

Cheburator mk2 said:

Release bearing getting hot and sticking on the intermediate shaft, so when you ask the hydraulics to push it to disengage the clutch, you get the clunk... Take it in S5 to the redline and go 1-2-3-4th gear... It will cure it...

Someone (possibly you, sorry - can't remember!) did say on my last thread about the clunk that tapping the footbrake before setting off would stop it happening, and that seems to be the case.