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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

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StudioWizard
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by StudioWizard » Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:41 pm

When I start up my car, put in drive, there's a metallic clink or click sound that happens. If I've already been driving, then put it in reverse, the same sound happens. So, some kind of load shift is happening. It only happens once each time, though. So, if I put it drive, it happens, but never happens again while going forward. Same is true for reverse.

I've seen a couple of threads about it, but no definitive answers.

My mechanic says it's likely either the brakes or suspension shifting very slightly and not to worry about it. I'd like to get to the bottom of it, though.
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r3vmatch
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by r3vmatch » Sun Jun 22, 2025 1:07 am

Hey Studiowizard,

Did you ever get to the bottom of your "rear end clink" ? I have the same issue on my 3.0si / ~70K miles / 6MT . One Euro specialist said all BMWs do this but I'm not convinced.

There was a TSB from BMW that suggested re-greasing the diff input flange:

And here are a few other forum postings on diff "clunks" ; not sure if the re-greasing will help with a "clink":

StudioWizard
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by StudioWizard » Sun Jun 22, 2025 6:05 am

Thanks, r3vmatch. That's super helpful!
My mechanic said it's just the brakes repositioning when shifting load from forward and reverse. I'll show him the TSB and see what he says. I'm sure it's NOT the brakes! LOL
Current
2005 Z4 2.5i

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2018 Chevy Volt
2004 Acura RSX Type S
1989 Acura Intergra RS
1982 Ford Escort
1968 VW Bus

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Rockhopper
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by Rockhopper » Sun Jun 22, 2025 7:49 am

You often find the pads moving slightly in the callipers which makes a noise like that. Some makes of pads are worse that others.

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JordanSecure
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by JordanSecure » Sun Jun 22, 2025 3:57 pm

StudioWizard wrote: Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:41 pm When I start up my car, put in drive, there's a metallic clink or click sound that happens. If I've already been driving, then put it in reverse, the same sound happens. So, some kind of load shift is happening. It only happens once each time, though. So, if I put it drive, it happens, but never happens again while going forward. Same is true for reverse.

I've seen a couple of threads about it, but no definitive answers.

My mechanic says it's likely either the brakes or suspension shifting very slightly and not to worry about it. I'd like to get to the bottom of it, though.
I had the same issue when I first purchased my BMW Z4, when switching directions (forward or reverse), or letting off the accelerator a little too quickly, there would be a metallic clunk/clink from the rear end of the vehicle.

In my case, I greased the differential input flange (a metal plate that apparently has some play when changing direction), and I have not heard the sound again.
I made a write-up about how I did my repair, if you would like to take a look
viewtopic.php?t=146371
Best of luck!

- Jordan

warmasice
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by warmasice » Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:32 pm

I'd say it's the differential.
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StudioWizard
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by StudioWizard » Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:07 pm

JordanSecure wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 3:57 pm In my case, I greased the differential input flange (a metal plate that apparently has some play when changing direction), and I have not heard the sound again.
I made a write-up about how I did my repair, if you would like to take a look
viewtopic.php?t=146371
Best of luck!

- Jordan
That's brilliant! I check it out.
Current
2005 Z4 2.5i

Previous
2018 Chevy Volt
2004 Acura RSX Type S
1989 Acura Intergra RS
1982 Ford Escort
1968 VW Bus

StudioWizard
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Posts: 478
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2023 5:19 pm
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Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

Post by StudioWizard » Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:07 pm

warmasice wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:32 pm I'd say it's the differential.
:thumbsup:
Current
2005 Z4 2.5i

Previous
2018 Chevy Volt
2004 Acura RSX Type S
1989 Acura Intergra RS
1982 Ford Escort
1968 VW Bus

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