Metallic "clink" Sound - Forward and Reverse

[StudioWizard]

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.

 

[r3vmatch]

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:

• https://bmwrepairguide.com/sib/330408.pdf

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

• https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55471

• https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30050

• https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/z4-clunking-bumping-at-low-speeds.893948/

• https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=140384

• https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91598

 

[StudioWizard]

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

 

[Rockhopper]

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

 

[JordanSecure]

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
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=146371
Best of luck!

- Jordan

 

[warmasice]

I'd say it's the differential.

 

[StudioWizard]

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
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=146371
Best of luck!

- Jordan

That's brilliant! I check it out.

 

[StudioWizard]

I'd say it's the differential.