Clutch clatter/rattle

[channy106]

Hello all,

Beemer and Zed newbie!!!

I've recently purchased my '06 3.0Si Roadster (nice!!!), I was wondering if that when the engine is turned off should it make a mechanical rattling noise? I believe it's called engine clatter. Although, when I put it in gear with the clutch down and then turn it off this noise isn't their.

Is this a clutch problem or is it purely to do with the power/torque of the engine?

It's still in warranty so if it is a mechanical fault then I'd want to take it in.

Does anyone know if this normal?

Cheers

 

[grdz4roadster]

I have a 2006 3.0i and I don't hear any mechanical rattle when I start or turn off the car. Since it's under warranty, you should take the Z in to have it checked out. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[begmeilboy]

could be exhaust fault.mine was replaced

 

[Curtis]

It is possible you could be getting a clutch rattle on shut down. It's quite a dramatic side effect of fitting a lightweight flywheel and aftermarket clutch but it can still create problems with OEM units. The clutch cover components such as the torque springs often move freely in their seats. During normal driving when acceleration/deceleration is linear these components are held at one side of their seat or the other and the smoothness is aided by the dual mass flywheel however when you shut down the engine the process is relatively lumpy and can cause them to rattle, the same problem arises when you have a misfire at idle for example.
When fitting lightweight flywheels the problem is more obvious because the lower rotational mass at idle reduces the momentum and therefore the smoothness of the crankshaft rotation between power strokes. This creates clutch "chatter". I'm assuming you have OEM units but the problem can still exist to some degree.

 

[channy106]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm going to post a vid clip later today. If you think that the flywheel is the cause can this be identified by the noise of the chatter. My Zed is OEM (to my knowledge).

I've spoke to a few BMW garages and all have said that this isn't normal on the Z4 or the 3.0si in particular.

It goes back in on Wednesday, I just needed a second opinion from drivers out there so that I can push to get it fixed than be fobbed off that it's normal.

Really appreciate your opinions, I just want my first BMW experience to be a good one. It's probably a case of new car hypochondria but better the car is OK than faulty I guess.

 

[inTgr8r]

Like Curtis said.. it's pretty normal if you are shutting down in neutral with clutch disengaged (out).
I don't really notice it much myself, because my habit is to shut down with clutch engaged (in).

 

[Hawkeye]

Like Curtis said.. it's pretty normal if you are shutting down in neutral with clutch disengaged (out).
I don't really notice it much myself, because my habit is to shut down with clutch engaged (in).

Me too, unless I forget that I haven't turned it off and then I shut it down BY letting the clutch out

But that only happened in my Civic cause I couldn't hear the damn engine.

 

[Incompatible]

I've had a mechanical "bag of rocks sound" on engine turn off ever since I got the car (07 3.0Si Coupe). I'll try the clutch in method and report back.

 

[Adam D]

Mine does it too I switch off in neutral.

 

[Incompatible]

I tried the clutch in method when turning the engine off this morning and it did make a noticeable difference. The "bag of rocks" sound is almost entirely gone. It would be interesting to listen to other forum member cars and compare sounds.

 

[channy106]

Hello all,

I've uploaded the video to YOUTUBE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIAMmlsleAc

When the engine is shut off do your cars make the same noise? Is this normal?

 

[Adam D]

Mine sounds similar but im inside when i hear it, maybe i will get a video to compare

Wouldn't worry about it, imagine its either then engine moving a heat shield or this clutch noise someone above explained.

 

[vachss]

My 3.0si has had a faint rattle since new. Only audible with the motor on, transmission in neutral and clutch out. When I press the clutch the noise disappears - leading me to suspect a noisy throwout bearing rattling a bit on the input shaft. This is an annoyance in a new car but nothing earth shattering. I imagine I'll ask about it at Inspection I, but I don't spend a lot of time worrying about it.

 

[Adam D]

Right I just did a video of my 2003 3.0.

http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m216/Adam_D200/Z4/?action=view&current=turnoff.flv

The big clicky noise it the key in the ignition lol, you can barely notice to short brrr.

 

[BimmerZealot]

It's commonly referred to as clutch chattered, easiest way to avoid the sound (yes it sounds like your car is falling apart and you can hear it outside too) is it push your clutch as you turn the key out. Clutch chatter will go away since the clutch is tight.

 

[Caddyshk]

Like Curtis said.. it's pretty normal if you are shutting down in neutral with clutch disengaged (out).
I don't really notice it much myself, because my habit is to shut down with clutch engaged (in).

WHS

 

[Zeefour]

Its normal, press in the clutch and you dont hear anything. if your not parking the car in a quiet garage you may not hear it...

 

[channy106]

Thanks all. Puts my mind at ease.

If it gets more pronounced then it must be a problem. If it's normal then I'm happy again.

Cheers

 

[Doddsy]

I’m about to replace the clutch kit and DM Flywheel because of this. Should I even bother?

 

[thecookie125]

I’m about to replace the clutch kit and DM Flywheel because of this. Should I even bother?

If it was happening in 2008 with cars that were only two years old I wouldn't worry, mine makes the same noise and it's an 08 with 74k on it, funnily enough so did my other halfs Mini Cooper S and that also had a DMF.