Rear Differential Noise When turning at Low Speed

driftflo · 11-11-2012, 12:21 PM

the clutches will wear, but this is what they are intended for. any clutchdisc will wear... slowly...
as long as they scratch, they are still vital ;-)

Da M3nace · 11-11-2012, 09:49 PM

Had the noise at 30k miles. Went away on its own and hasn't come back. Now at 38k

AshyLarryMP · 11-12-2012, 12:54 AM

I had my clutches were replaced by the dealer at 15k miles and no more noise turning at low speeds.

driftflo · 11-12-2012, 02:13 AM

really?!
bmw doesnt offer spareparts for that unit... they dont even offer the complete vlsd unit... only a new rearend.

you definitely need a special tool to open the vlsd unit. it would really be interesting, where they got the clutches and the tools from as gkn doesnt provide this stuff either.

spyderco10 · 07-31-2013, 02:39 AM

Am I the only one who had the diff oil changed with the special diff oil, and the noise remains?

FVM3 · 07-31-2013, 02:52 AM

normal

SenorFunkyPants · 07-31-2013, 02:53 AM

It can take quite a few miles for the modified diff oil to work its way between the clutch plates in the diff....making tight figure of 8 turns in a parking lot can speed up the process.
For future searches on this issue:
My car has made a rubbing noise from the diff when cold on slow speed RH turns since new but I refused the offer from my SA of having the modifed oil...45K miles later it still does makes the same noise with no ill effect I can discern. On the plus side the diff locks up perfectly - smooth power slides in the wet and dry are super easy to perform.
AIUI the factory diff oil fill can be one of several diff oils and it does occur to me that that perhaps one of the factory fill oils is less able that others which would account for the rather random occurence of the the problem only affecting some cars.
The Castrol SAF-J diff oil has been around for a long time and is very popular with manufacturers so I'm wondering if the affected cars got some other inferior oil?

mdosu · 07-31-2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyderco10

Am I the only one who had the diff oil changed with the special diff oil, and the noise remains?

do the turns that is stated by the SIB when the modifier fluid is changed.

Also, I would check the receipt and look for the part number that's unqiue to the additive just to make sure they used that fluid.

spyderco10 · 07-31-2013, 07:06 PM

I did the turns as stated in the SIB, I checked the part # with the one on the receipt, they match up. So weird. The only thing I can think of is an independent shop did the diff oil change, and not the dealer. I may take it to the dealer and have them change it once and for all.

I also hear the scraping noise when driving in a straight line, downshifting, and engaging the clutch fast. At the point of engagement (clutch pedal released), it emits that scraping sound. This scraping sound is also present when in gear, under engine braking, usually more audible when the car's not warmed up yet. Same scraping noise can be heard when engaging clutch in reverse, in a straight line, even when car is completely warmed up.

I'm suspecting there is something more going on here than a noisy differential.

SenorFunkyPants · 08-01-2013, 02:38 AM

The diff oil with extra friction modifier will only "fix" the rubbing noise heard when making relatively tight slow turns usually when cold.
Your noise sounds more clutch/MT related....can you make a recording of it?

SilentAttack · 12-18-2013, 07:50 PM

Just heard this noise for the first time a few days ago n have duplicated the noise a few times since. I guess im gonna have to call the dealer. Is this a recall (free service) or is it something I will have to pay for?

tinman831 · 12-18-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentAttack

Just heard this noise for the first time a few days ago n have duplicated the noise a few times since. I guess im gonna have to call the dealer. Is this a recall (free service) or is it something I will have to pay for?

Not a recall. FIY, this is an issue that was pretty common with the E46 as well. Usually when people switched to a new diff fluid and had noise, the issue almost always went away when going back to OEM fluid with friction modifier.

SilentAttack · 12-19-2013, 11:10 PM

Ill call the dealer to see what it cost to change the fluid tomorrow.

Thanks

drjoe66 · 12-31-2013, 03:39 PM

Mine will go in on Thursday for this issue. My sound is a low whoooo whoooo. Is that what people call grinding noise?
Knowing how clueless my dealer usually is, I need as much information to take with me as possible.....

rpl77 · 12-31-2013, 03:55 PM

+1

my sound is a low, rumble/muffled type sound. definitely not grinding metal sound. let me know what you find out from your dealer

M5 to M3 · 12-06-2014, 07:40 PM

I've searched and haven't found anything close to my noise but this thread so I'm bumping it for some insight and help. My car I just bought from a dealer a few weeks ago
2011 Jet Black Comp Package 6sp with 25k miles.

When test driving it it sounded like we had a flat tire when we pulled out from dealer. Then after checking out the tires with the salesman they looked fine. So we drove off and as soon as we turned the corner on a turn we heard this thump thump thump noise and then thought something was rolling around in trunk. Well nothing in trunk. It comes and goes but can't consistently replicate it. I have 8months of warranty so I dont want to ignore if it's an issue. Any input would be appreciated

Thanks
Derek

soniczoom5 · 12-06-2014, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5 to M3

I've searched and haven't found anything close to my noise but this thread so I'm bumping it for some insight and help. My car I just bought from a dealer a few weeks ago
2011 Jet Black Comp Package 6sp with 25k miles.

When test driving it it sounded like we had a flat tire when we pulled out from dealer. Then after checking out the tires with the salesman they looked fine. So we drove off and as soon as we turned the corner on a turn we heard this thump thump thump noise and then thought something was rolling around in trunk. Well nothing in trunk. It comes and goes but can't consistently replicate it. I have 8months of warranty so I dont want to ignore if it's an issue. Any input would be appreciated

Thanks
Derek

the rear diff fluid issue should sound like tires rubbing against the inner wall; if your issue is thumping, its prob not rear diff fluid; i would get the suspension checked ASAP

Lunker325 · 12-07-2014, 08:39 AM

My car has this diff noise as well, but does it when at operating temp as well as when cold. I thought at first it was a rear tire rubbing, but after reading this thread it is definitely the diff. I'm going in for an oil change under warranty and will have them change the diff fluid while they are at it.

M5 to M3 · 12-08-2014, 10:53 AM

Suspension? Never thought it could be that. I will take it to the dealer asap. It's frustrating not being able to consistently replicate the noise but when it does make the noise its a very distinct hollow thump thump thump noise and not a metal or grinding noise.

Titanium Silver · 12-08-2014, 11:11 PM

This happened to me at one point. They changed out the diff fluid and it has been fine ever since.

mxa121 · 12-10-2014, 08:21 AM

Mine makes crunching noises at low speed turns, specifically to the right. I hate it.
I am out of warranty but the fluid was replaced just 5k miles ago. I may try and have the dealer replace it withe the "fix" fluid. I need to check the service order when I get home to see what they put in it.

modkrazy · 12-10-2014, 10:54 AM

This is a common LSD issue when it gets cold (steering rack occasionally gets groany too). There is a service bulletin to have your LSD fluid changed, or occasionally they'll do it as part of the rear axle service.

The bulletin points out it's important to make like 50 tight circles in each direction to let the new fluid thoroughly distribute.

11-11-2012, 12:21 PM	#67
driftflo Second Lieutenant 468 Rep 280 Posts Drives: M2 F87, M3 E92 & E46, C63, 911 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Europe iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 F87 [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 E92 [0.00] 2003 BMW M3 E46 [0.00] 2012 BMW M3 E92 [0.00] 2011 Merc C63 AMG [9.00]	the clutches will wear, but this is what they are intended for. any clutchdisc will wear... slowly... as long as they scratch, they are still vital ;-)
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11-11-2012, 09:49 PM	#68
Da M3nace Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 232 Posts Drives: 04 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Had the noise at 30k miles. Went away on its own and hasn't come back. Now at 38k
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11-12-2012, 12:54 AM	#69
AshyLarryMP Lieutenant 22 Rep 422 Posts Drives: 2011 MW E92 ZCP DCT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I had my clutches were replaced by the dealer at 15k miles and no more noise turning at low speeds.
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11-12-2012, 02:13 AM	#70
driftflo Second Lieutenant 468 Rep 280 Posts Drives: M2 F87, M3 E92 & E46, C63, 911 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Europe iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 F87 [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 E92 [0.00] 2003 BMW M3 E46 [0.00] 2012 BMW M3 E92 [0.00] 2011 Merc C63 AMG [9.00]	really?! bmw doesnt offer spareparts for that unit... they dont even offer the complete vlsd unit... only a new rearend. you definitely need a special tool to open the vlsd unit. it would really be interesting, where they got the clutches and the tools from as gkn doesnt provide this stuff either.
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07-31-2013, 02:39 AM	#71
spyderco10 Colonel 63 Rep 2,427 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	Am I the only one who had the diff oil changed with the special diff oil, and the noise remains? __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
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07-31-2013, 02:52 AM	#72
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	normal
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07-31-2013, 02:53 AM	#73
SenorFunkyPants Brigadier General 2511 Rep 4,381 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	It can take quite a few miles for the modified diff oil to work its way between the clutch plates in the diff....making tight figure of 8 turns in a parking lot can speed up the process. For future searches on this issue: My car has made a rubbing noise from the diff when cold on slow speed RH turns since new but I refused the offer from my SA of having the modifed oil...45K miles later it still does makes the same noise with no ill effect I can discern. On the plus side the diff locks up perfectly - smooth power slides in the wet and dry are super easy to perform. AIUI the factory diff oil fill can be one of several diff oils and it does occur to me that that perhaps one of the factory fill oils is less able that others which would account for the rather random occurence of the the problem only affecting some cars. The Castrol SAF-J diff oil has been around for a long time and is very popular with manufacturers so I'm wondering if the affected cars got some other inferior oil? Last edited by SenorFunkyPants; 07-31-2013 at 04:13 AM..
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07-31-2013, 07:06 PM	#75
spyderco10 Colonel 63 Rep 2,427 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	I did the turns as stated in the SIB, I checked the part # with the one on the receipt, they match up. So weird. The only thing I can think of is an independent shop did the diff oil change, and not the dealer. I may take it to the dealer and have them change it once and for all. I also hear the scraping noise when driving in a straight line, downshifting, and engaging the clutch fast. At the point of engagement (clutch pedal released), it emits that scraping sound. This scraping sound is also present when in gear, under engine braking, usually more audible when the car's not warmed up yet. Same scraping noise can be heard when engaging clutch in reverse, in a straight line, even when car is completely warmed up. I'm suspecting there is something more going on here than a noisy differential. __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
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08-01-2013, 02:38 AM	#76
SenorFunkyPants Brigadier General 2511 Rep 4,381 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The diff oil with extra friction modifier will only "fix" the rubbing noise heard when making relatively tight slow turns usually when cold. Your noise sounds more clutch/MT related....can you make a recording of it?
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12-18-2013, 07:50 PM	#77
SilentAttack Lieutenant Colonel 163 Rep 1,790 Posts Drives: 08 E90 Jerez Black 6MT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	Just heard this noise for the first time a few days ago n have duplicated the noise a few times since. I guess im gonna have to call the dealer. Is this a recall (free service) or is it something I will have to pay for? __________________ Stupid Photobucket
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12-19-2013, 11:10 PM	#79
SilentAttack Lieutenant Colonel 163 Rep 1,790 Posts Drives: 08 E90 Jerez Black 6MT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	Ill call the dealer to see what it cost to change the fluid tomorrow. Thanks __________________ Stupid Photobucket
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12-31-2013, 03:39 PM	#80
drjoe66 Captain 329 Rep 757 Posts Drives: 2021 M5 & 2019 X3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Carolinas iTrader: (0)	Mine will go in on Thursday for this issue. My sound is a low whoooo whoooo. Is that what people call grinding noise? Knowing how clueless my dealer usually is, I need as much information to take with me as possible..... __________________ 2019 X3 2021 M5 Comp On order: 2022 X3M40i
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12-31-2013, 03:55 PM	#81
rpl77 Lieutenant 26 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 AW Join Date: May 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (5)	+1 my sound is a low, rumble/muffled type sound. definitely not grinding metal sound. let me know what you find out from your dealer __________________ 2011 e92 M3, DCT, ZCP, AW with FR
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12-06-2014, 07:40 PM	#82
M5 to M3 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I've searched and haven't found anything close to my noise but this thread so I'm bumping it for some insight and help. My car I just bought from a dealer a few weeks ago 2011 Jet Black Comp Package 6sp with 25k miles. When test driving it it sounded like we had a flat tire when we pulled out from dealer. Then after checking out the tires with the salesman they looked fine. So we drove off and as soon as we turned the corner on a turn we heard this thump thump thump noise and then thought something was rolling around in trunk. Well nothing in trunk. It comes and goes but can't consistently replicate it. I have 8months of warranty so I dont want to ignore if it's an issue. Any input would be appreciated Thanks Derek
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12-07-2014, 08:39 AM	#84
Lunker325 First Lieutenant 94 Rep 398 Posts Drives: E70 X5M / 991.2 C4S Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Columbus OH iTrader: (4)	My car has this diff noise as well, but does it when at operating temp as well as when cold. I thought at first it was a rear tire rubbing, but after reading this thread it is definitely the diff. I'm going in for an oil change under warranty and will have them change the diff fluid while they are at it. __________________ '17 Porsche C4S Sapphire Blue Metallic / Bordeaux Red - Softronic tune - Soul Sport Cats - Soul Exhaust '13 E70 X5M Black Sapphire Metallic / Bamboo Beige - Full Dinan Suspension - Dinan Exhaust - BPM Sport Tune - xHP Flashtool Transmission Tune
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12-08-2014, 10:53 AM	#85
M5 to M3 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	Suspension? Never thought it could be that. I will take it to the dealer asap. It's frustrating not being able to consistently replicate the noise but when it does make the noise its a very distinct hollow thump thump thump noise and not a metal or grinding noise.
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12-08-2014, 11:11 PM	#86
Titanium Silver Four Star General 13 Rep 597 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	This happened to me at one point. They changed out the diff fluid and it has been fine ever since. __________________ E92 M3 \| Jet Black \| All OEM Everything E30 M3 \| Alpine White \| Mostly OEM
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12-10-2014, 08:21 AM	#87
mxa121 Major 226 Rep 1,064 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (3)	Mine makes crunching noises at low speed turns, specifically to the right. I hate it. I am out of warranty but the fluid was replaced just 5k miles ago. I may try and have the dealer replace it withe the "fix" fluid. I need to check the service order when I get home to see what they put in it.
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12-10-2014, 10:54 AM	#88
modkrazy Lieutenant Colonel 171 Rep 1,536 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: tx iTrader: (1)	This is a common LSD issue when it gets cold (steering rack occasionally gets groany too). There is a service bulletin to have your LSD fluid changed, or occasionally they'll do it as part of the rear axle service. The bulletin points out it's important to make like 50 tight circles in each direction to let the new fluid thoroughly distribute.
	Appreciate 0 Quote