Clunk when changing gears due to an insufficiently greased i

[123BillyB]

Hi Guys,

Going on a bit of a road trip to France to take in the Le Mans testing then tour the country a bit and have been making sure all the car maintenance is up to date (hence getting the roof motor replaced asap when it went a few weeks ago).

Only niggling point is that I hear this occasion clunk when changing from 1st to 2nd or 1st to Reverse and I have got to the root of the problem as it is due to an "Insufficiently greased input drive pinion".

I have had a quote of £200 from a local indy who has carried out this job for others but wanted a few opinions first.

BMW say that is it not something that will lead to damage but surly if something is insignificantly greased, it will lead to wear hence the part needing to be greased in the first instance?

So really I want to know if others have this issue or know of this issue and what your options are as if it will lead to damage, I will get it sorted asap but if not, I can leave it for a bit as the only thing it is then affecting is my sanity as I cringe everytime I hear the clunk.

Thanks,

Billy

 

[bcworkz]

It's a somewhat common problem. I'm inclined to believe leaving it without fresh grease is not a that damaging because the use of grease in this case is not for lubrication as much as to act as a cushion to attenuate the noise. OTOH, having parts banging together cannot be an ideal situation. I'd get it done.

 

[123BillyB]

Thanks... Didn't want to do about 1,200 miles in the next week with it niggling in the back of my mind.

Doesn't sound dangerous but will get it done when I get back just for the sake of not hearing it anymore driving me mad

Billy