Clunk from centre console on startup

[Patrick Bateman]

Just noticed this the other night and again this morning, whenever I start the car there is a clunk sound that comes from the centre console.

Any ideas?

When I say centre console I mean the area around the handbrake/gearstick.

[E30M3SE]

What car is it?

[Patrick Bateman]

Oh yeah, that would help.

e46 320td

[TheEnd]

auto /manual?

[Patrick Bateman]

Manual.

The sound only ever occurs on starting up.

[E30M3SE]

Exhaust heat sheild is a possibility.

[Patrick Bateman]

Just the initial kick through the system causing it to jump?

The gearbox has been fine and you'd expect it to have an issue driving if it was to be the gears.

[E30M3SE]

Possibly, only way to check this sort of fault is to get it up in the air and start it up with someone underneath the ramp.

Could be a collapsed gearbox mount, not going to be prop shaft or anyhting drive related unless it occurs when you take up drive also.

[Patrick Bateman]

If it was a gearbox mount it wouldn't be too expensive to sort would it?

[E30M3SE]

Patrick Bateman said:

If it was a gearbox mount it wouldn't be too expensive to sort would it?

Would not have thought so, £40ish for each mount (there are 2 in total) plus the fitting.

Edited by E30M3SE on Saturday 13th March 15:38

[Patrick Bateman]

Just had my dad start the car while I looked under it and it looks to be the exhaust bracket, can see it jumping up and hitting the underside.

[E30M3SE]

Patrick Bateman said:

Just had my dad start the car while I looked under it and it looks to be the exhaust bracket, can see it jumping up and hitting the underside.

Easy fix then.