Idling noise - gearbox concerns

T

tjlazer

Active member
 Richmond
Hello all, I appreciate there have already been some threads on gearbox issues but I'm trying to determine whether my ZMR is "normal" or needs some attention. Basically I have noticed some noise or chatter from around the gearbox when the engine is idling or when I slip into neutral and the engine is turning over.

The noise disappears if I engage the clutch but will reappear as soon as I engage gear. I tend to hear this upto around 30 and then it seems other noises take over but I'm convinced it is there is still there in 3rd gear. Can't really hear if it is beyond this point. Anyway I did a run from Leicester back into London earlier so no question of anything being cold or anything and I still notice this noise as I slip in and out of gear in traffic.

The gears make a noticeable clunk when I slot in 1/2 from neutral which I take it is fairly standard but this noise from near the 'box is bothering me a bit. It's a kind of turning/metal noise. Should I ask the dealer to check it over or does anyone else have experience of this? The car has just turned 3 with 22k miles but is relatively new to me and under the standard BMW warranty.

cheers
 
I've had my car for less than 3 months and I had the same concerns. A couple of very kind members of this forum took me out in their Ms and I've got to say they were all the same as you describe. BMW said they are all like that but that's what I expected.

Nearly 3 months on and I still can't believe that those grinding noises are not going to turn into a worn box in 50000 miles but then again - what do I know.

I hated the gear change but now that I have learned how to drive the car it is very rewarding to get from 1st to 6th without fluffing a gear. Call me a glutton for punishment but I've grown to quite like it.

You really need to drive in a couple of more cars yourself before you will be happy that your car is OK but I found all the Z4Ms I've been in have been the same.
 
That's my thinking, I'm going to try another car this weekend if I get a chance but it's reassuring I'm not alone in this issue! I'm getting pretty good with the shifts even if my fuel consumption is suffering as I push on towards the redline just to hear the noise the car makes. My girlfriend is asking to have a go though and I can't say I'm too keen, I've seen her skills in an automatic... :o
 
Sounds like the clutch release bearing to me. Nothing to worry about.....

This part is not under load when the clutch is engaged (in neutral or in gear with out foot on clutch pedal) and can produce some noises...

Once you disengage the clutch (put foot on clutch pedal) the release bearing takes up the load of the spring and cannot move about hence the noise stops.
 
I'm sure it isn't the CRB but it's difficult to diagnose without hearing it and even taking it apart to take a look. Mine is the same as a car with 900 miles and another with 25K miles so I really can't see that it would be CRB. If I understand Tjlazer correctly he can hear the noise up to 30mph so I assume the clutch is released at that point with no load on the CRB.

I quite like the difficulty of driving this car smoothly. I also asked for a hair shirt for Christmas and set up a dripping pipe over my bed so I get a regular drip of cold water on my forehead in the middle of the night.
 
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