Intermittent clunking noise at low speeds.

S

S233e

Member
 Scotland
Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My 2003 E85 3.0i has developed an intermittent clunking noise at low speeds. It happens even when I'm driving in a straight line, and my passenger said they could actually feel the clunk through the passenger-side footwell.

My first thought was suspension, so I had a good look underneath it. I checked all the front suspension and bushes, I then did the same at the rear. Nothing jumped out at me, and everything felt solid with no obvious play.

The thing that's really thrown me is that I drove down a hill and put the car into neutral, as soon as I did, the clunking disappeared. That makes me think it probably isn't the suspension and is more likely something that's only making the noise when the drivetrain is under load.

I'm now starting to wonder if it could be something propshaft or diff related, but before I start ripping the exhaust and heat shields off 😂 I thought I'd see if anyone has had the same issue.

Has anyone experienced anything similar on an E85 or got any ideas about what else I should be checking?

Thanks in advance.

P.S here's a picture of the culprit, because every forum post is better with a picture 😄. 5084.jpg
 
Do you get it when you start off in first or reverse? My old e85 used to clonk slightly and sometimes in 2nd - it was the guibo/donut on the propshaft - they perish - had it changed along with the centre bearing.
 
NS66 said:
Do you get it when you start off in first or reverse? My old e85 used to clonk slightly and sometimes in 2nd - it was the guibo/donut on the propshaft - they perish - had it changed along with the centre bearing.
Click to expand...

Yeah it does clunk when moving off in first / reverse, I don't suppose you remember roughly how much it cost to have the guibo and centre bearing replaced. I'm normally quite keen to give it a go myself but I'm not sure if it's a job that maybe requires a ramp instead of a couple of jack stands on the driveway.
 
There's also this, if there is nothing visible obviously wrong

J

Thread 'Greasing Differential Input Flange - Fix for Clanking Differential - E85'

The Problem

My 2004 BMW Z4 E85's differential clunks on acceleration, specifically in 1st 2nd, and 3rd gear, at low speeds. The clunk only happens when engaging or disengaging the accelerator. I lift my foot off the petal and *clunk* it disengages, and I put my foot back on *clunk* it engages.

The sound seems to come from the back of the car and is really starting to annoy me because it is audible from outside the car, and can be felt on the inside.

For more information on how this repair was researched & which options were considered please view this thread...
  • Like
 
S233e said:
Yeah it does clunk when moving off in first / reverse, I don't suppose you remember roughly how much it cost to have the guibo and centre bearing replaced. I'm normally quite keen to give it a go myself but I'm not sure if it's a job that maybe requires a ramp instead of a couple of jack stands on the driveway.
Click to expand...

It was about 5 years ago now but about £1k but that included a gearbox oil change as well - worthwhile whilst down there.
I couldnt imagine doing this on axle stands to be fair!!
 
TriggerFish said:
There's also this, if there is nothing visible obviously wrong

J

Thread 'Greasing Differential Input Flange - Fix for Clanking Differential - E85'

The Problem

My 2004 BMW Z4 E85's differential clunks on acceleration, specifically in 1st 2nd, and 3rd gear, at low speeds. The clunk only happens when engaging or disengaging the accelerator. I lift my foot off the petal and *clunk* it disengages, and I put my foot back on *clunk* it engages.

The sound seems to come from the back of the car and is really starting to annoy me because it is audible from outside the car, and can be felt on the inside.

For more information on how this repair was researched & which options were considered please view this thread...
  • Like
Click to expand...
NS66 said:
It was about 5 years ago now but about £1k but that included a gearbox oil change as well - worthwhile whilst down there.
I couldnt imagine doing this on axle stands to be fair!!
Click to expand...

Thanks guys, I think I may have a go over the next couple of weeks at replacing the donut / centre support bearing and will probably just drop the whole prop shaft so I can also grease the diff input flange as well whilst I'm in there.

I will let you know how it goes.
 
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