E93 M3 Drivetrain Noise Help

[Airbatic]

Hello everyone. Looking to purchase an E93 M3 so I went to test drive and there is a clicking noise on initial acceleration and when the pedal is released. The car is a DCT, and aside from this noise, looks to be in beautiful shape. I was able to find a video on You Tube of the exact problem, unfortunately no one was able to discover the problem for the youtuber. I'm hoping one of you has heard this noise before. Thanks for the help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFb2bdCCBf8

[Munichm3]

I hear clunking, but I'm assuming that's not the car, sounds normal to me?

[Airbatic]

The noise is a high pitch clink. You hear it several times in the video, he accelerates and releases the gas to recreate the noise. I have been in several e9x m3's and I've never heard this before.

[Munichm3]

Originally Posted by Airbatic

The noise is a high pitch clink. You hear it several times in the video, he accelerates and releases the gas to recreate the noise. I have been in several e9x m3's and I've never heard this before.

I hear it, didn't think that was the car. Sounds like it's driveshaft play.

[Airbatic]

If it is the driveshaft, anyone have a clue what would be the cost to have it replaced? Thanks

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by Airbatic

If it is the driveshaft, anyone have a clue what would be the cost to have it replaced? Thanks

the part itself is about $1000, plus a few hours of labor I'd estimate about 3, maybe $1600 total from the dealership @ $200/hr?

[Airbatic]

Maybe I will skip on this car.... I wonder if this is a common E9X M3 problem and someone has found a solution?

[WingZeroX5]

Get under the car and see if it has any play or if the flex disc is worn

[Mvy]

Not sure if this is the same thing, but known issue on our cars is rear dif noises. Called "cow bell" sounds in other threads. There is a dif additive that has helped others. Try searching for cow bell.

[Airbatic]

I checked out the flex disc and it seemed fine. I tried moving the drive shaft and it felt solid. It could be the diff, I will have to investigate this symptom better. I had never heard of such a thing. Thanks for the help guys.

[doogee]

It's the U-Joint which isn't replaceable.

Need a new driveshaft, this seems to be somewhat common.

[Airbatic]

Thanks for all the replies. I can't believe a car with 80k KM needs a new driveshaft. Week design by BMW no doubt....

Can these things get rebuilt by a driveshaft specialized shop?

[bigwave]

My car sounds just like the youtube video. How long before a failure if it is the u joint?

[bigwave]

Bump.
My car sound exactly like the video. How long will it last before catastrophic failure? Will it just completely fail or just make noise everywhere I go??

Thanks

[monterey]

mine is identical too. people say replace the driveshaft. the dealer said its the clutch and its a normal noise.

[bigwave]

Monterey, If your car sounds like the youtube video and your dealer says "It's normal" time for a new dealer. I want to know if there will be a complete failure soon or do I have time?

[MahiC]

Had the same kind of clicking with load transfer, and found my diff bolt to be loose. Bout a new bolt and tightened her up and it fixed the issue. I will need to change bushings sooner than later. This could be your problem, however the clicking sounded a bit different.

[M_GODZILLA]

simple fix... your guibo is going out.
This bushing is locate between transmission and driveshaft.

Parts $160 ish
Labor $100 to $150 (not at dealer and depend on your out source BMW mechanic)

I highly recommend just order the parts online and have any mechanic to replace it for you.
To replace this bushing, you dont need any special tool from BMW, some BMW certified mechanic might over charge you to replace this bushing.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...c/26112282573/

A lot of E9x M3 owner thought is the driveshaft, transmission or links, is not, is a simple replacement with a new bushing. A lot of mechanic doesnt want you to know about this!! even dealership!!

[bigwave]

pinkgodzila, That is great news. I'll look into that a post results.
Thanks again.

[Munichm3]

There's an easy solution to fix that drivetrain noise on the e93... buy an e90

[Airbatic]

I finally did purchase this car. The noise is still there but I'm getting used to it.

If you have the exact noise from the YouTube, it's definitely a driveshaft u-joint problem, I've had the car checked at a place I trust. They told me the u-joint has plenty of meet left and that I should avoid changing unless the noise gets unbearable.

One day I will probably get the driveshaft rebuilt or replaced. Good luck and let us know how yours turns out.

[monterey]

Originally Posted by bigwave

Monterey, If your car sounds like the youtube video and your dealer says "It's normal" time for a new dealer. I want to know if there will be a complete failure soon or do I have time?

There was some bulletin out saying our drivetrain makes strange noises and will not be covered under warranty. I know there's something wrong, but I got bigger fish to fry.