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      11-22-2011, 03:03 PM   #1
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differential/subframe clunk when slowing down

I have had the recent pleasure of having my differential or subframe (that is the sound its coming from) start clunking at slow speeds when stopping or just stabbing the gas. Basically any change in torque forward or backward. I read about a ton of different bmws and 3 series of past having this and there is a mention of a service bulletin but nowhere to be found. Anyone know the bulletin or specific cause of this for this model?

On last model they replaced the flange on the drive shaft but that was for a 46.

I checked my diff bolts and while 1 was loose, it did not fix the problem after tightening. Otherwise car performs perfectly and no problems or sounds at speed.

Never launched, never had wheel hop and barely do any 1st gear pulls, so bulk of my "hard driving" are second gear pulls so I do not think too aggressive of a force has caused any of this.

I could care less about the sound but it soundsl ike something is actually loose when clunking around. Its not a transmission "slam" either.
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      11-22-2011, 03:28 PM   #2
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I thought the differential on the E9X was far superior to the E46 based on your comments in the other thread?

In all seriousness, I wouldn't diagnose this on the internet. My two M3s have had no similar issue so something must be up with your car. Sounds like a trip to the dealer.
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      11-22-2011, 03:52 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
I thought the differential on the E9X was far superior to the E46 based on your comments in the other thread?

In all seriousness, I wouldn't diagnose this on the internet. My two M3s have had no similar issue so something must be up with your car. Sounds like a trip to the dealer.
You must not have seen my post yesterday that I admitted I had to eat my words after having this problem just this weekend and doing more reading about the topic and found the diffs are the same Albeit more reinforced and larger cooling but mechanically the same-I confessed I ate my own shit on that one!

Set up dealer appointment-clunking is never a good thing
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      11-22-2011, 03:53 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ateam View Post
You must not have seen my post yesterday that I admitted I had to eat my words after having this problem just this weekend and doing more reading about the topic and found the diffs are the same Albeit more reinforced and larger cooling but mechanically the same-I confessed I ate my own shit on that one!

Set up dealer appointment-clunking is never a good thing
I didn't see the other post but I was just messing around and joking anyway. Keep us up to date after you take it to the dealership.
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      11-22-2011, 03:55 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
I thought the differential on the E9X was far superior to the E46 based on your comments in the other thread?

In all seriousness, I wouldn't diagnose this on the internet. My two M3s have had no similar issue so something must be up with your car. Sounds like a trip to the dealer.
What's awesome about the e9x diff is that it can lock the diff100%, I think, compared to the C63's 30%.

Last edited by -=Hot|Ice=-; 11-22-2011 at 04:23 PM..
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      11-22-2011, 04:00 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=- View Post
What's awesome about the e9x diff is that it can lock the 100%, I think, compared to the C63's 30%.
If true, that is impressive... even the Black Series only locks to something like 60% I believe.
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      11-22-2011, 05:58 PM   #7
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OP have a 6MT or DCT?

.
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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      11-22-2011, 06:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
If true, that is impressive... even the Black Series only locks to something like 60% I believe.
It's true, the Variable M Differential provides up to 100% locking.
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      11-22-2011, 06:07 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ateam View Post
I have had the recent pleasure of having my differential or subframe (that is the sound its coming from) start clunking at slow speeds when stopping or just stabbing the gas. Basically any change in torque forward or backward. I read about a ton of different bmws and 3 series of past having this and there is a mention of a service bulletin but nowhere to be found. Anyone know the bulletin or specific cause of this for this model?

On last model they replaced the flange on the drive shaft but that was for a 46.

I checked my diff bolts and while 1 was loose, it did not fix the problem after tightening. Otherwise car performs perfectly and no problems or sounds at speed.

Never launched, never had wheel hop and barely do any 1st gear pulls, so bulk of my "hard driving" are second gear pulls so I do not think too aggressive of a force has caused any of this.

I could care less about the sound but it soundsl ike something is actually loose when clunking around. Its not a transmission "slam" either.
My diff started making noises similar to what you are describing at about 3,000 miles. Took it back to the dealer and they changed the diff fluid to a different grade. No problems since then.

Absolutely take it in to get it checked out.
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      11-22-2011, 06:52 PM   #10
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cool thanks for the input
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      11-22-2011, 06:53 PM   #11
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oh yes-anyone have the SIB for the diff fluid change regarding noisy diff? I know they add an additive but you know dealers, they will be clueles unless spelled out for them!
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      11-22-2011, 09:29 PM   #12
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6MT or DCT?
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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      11-22-2011, 11:50 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ateam View Post
oh yes-anyone have the SIB for the diff fluid change regarding noisy diff? I know they add an additive but you know dealers, they will be clueles unless spelled out for them!
Attached...
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File Type: pdf SI B 33 01 02 - Differential Noise.pdf (79.8 KB, 1632 views)
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      11-23-2011, 01:51 PM   #14
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Thanks really appreciate it-I looked forever online!
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