Thumping sound when turning hard right from a standstill

jamze132 · 11-28-2011, 11:35 AM

Just had my 1200 service and since then, it's been making a weird noise like a thump thump when turning hard right from a standstill. Going to go back to the dealer when I can make time, but anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

BMW Fanatic · 11-28-2011, 11:37 AM

Make a video and show us on here.

merritt1 · 11-28-2011, 01:48 PM

Mine is in for service right now for same issue. Supposedly a differential fluid change takes care of it. There's a recall for it by I don't recall the number.

M3PO · 11-28-2011, 02:28 PM

Mine does this too. Curious to see what you find out. It's a whomp-whomp kinda noise.

paradocs98 · 11-28-2011, 02:35 PM

95% chance it's the differential. My E60 M5 did this as well and it drove me nuts until I figured it out--I thought it was my tires rubbing on the plastic inner fender liner. As stated above, it's a known BMW service bulletin and should be taken care of with the updated diff oil.

Ateam · 11-28-2011, 03:05 PM

Does it do it when you are coming to a stop at slow speeds or accelerating from slow speeds? Or when you are coasting at slow speeds and then take your foot off the gas and coast? Mine has been doing that where it sounds like a thump thump or like a loose piece sliding back and forth as I stop and go.

Full out driving there is no issue. Checked my diff bolts and one was a tad loose so tightened it but did not help. Changed my diff fluid to the one with the additive but still have it.

I am in no rush but its kind of annoying. I just turn on my stereo always and it drives perfectly so I do not care. I think noisy diffs are common in all the M cars and it just varies from car to car how noisy it is and how in tune with the sound the driver is.

bsiciliano · 11-28-2011, 06:55 PM

I had this problem. Creaking sound on tight turns such as parking lot spiral. You need to ask the dealer for the "special" differential fluid. Search the forum/online and you will find the service bulletin. Print it out and bring it in. Took 45 minutes. They did it while I waited. Noise goes away in about 600 miles.

ES_TRADER · 11-28-2011, 07:26 PM

I don't understand how this doesn't come with the correct fluid right off the factory line. Was someone asleep and just pumped the wrong shit into the diff?

geneatals · 11-29-2011, 12:33 AM

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...16&postcount=8

Jdubya · 11-29-2011, 10:22 AM

Differential. Normal. There is a service bulletin to aid in the noise.

ObviousMan · 11-29-2011, 11:02 PM

Absolutely the diff. I had the same thing happen at a little over 2000 miles. Took it in, they changed to the better diff fluid, no problems since.

Ateam · 11-29-2011, 11:29 PM

I have to confirm that its the diff and the fluid will take care of it. I got mine changed not long ago and for awhile it was not making a difference but actually just today, after probably about 75 miles did the diff FINALLY quiet down nicely. I think the parts need to get completely lubricated with the new stuff which from my understanding is an additive that is a bit "thicker" and helps with providing more "cushioning" for lack of a better term, between parts.

So if you get the fluid changed, make sure you give it a chance to work! I thought mine did not fix my problem. Amazing the sounds a differential can make! Sounded like a bag of rocks sliding around back there

clar · 11-29-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ateam

I have to confirm that its the diff and the fluid will take care of it. I got mine changed not long ago and for awhile it was not making a difference but actually just today, after probably about 75 miles did the diff FINALLY quiet down nicely. I think the parts need to get completely lubricated with the new stuff which from my understanding is an additive that is a bit "thicker" and helps with providing more "cushioning" for lack of a better term, between parts.

So if you get the fluid changed, make sure you give it a chance to work! I thought mine did not fix my problem. Amazing the sounds a differential can make! Sounded like a bag of rocks sliding around back there

Good to hear this! I had the fluid changed twice, but to no avail. Let's hope it will quieten down with more mileage.

M3PO · 11-30-2011, 12:43 AM

Just had my fluid changed today. Hopefully that takes care of it!

jamze132 · 12-03-2011, 09:03 AM

Dealer had it for 2 days and said that something on the rear axle wasn't synced properly. Took them 5 min to fix it and the sound is gone. Not sure if this has anything to do with the rear dif. fix, but regardless, my car doesn't make the sound any longer.

gpitts · 12-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamze132

Dealer had it for 2 days and said that something on the rear axle wasn't synced properly. Took them 5 min to fix it and the sound is gone. Not sure if this has anything to do with the rear dif. fix, but regardless, my car doesn't make the sound any longer.

Can you let us know what your paperwork from the service writeup says? I had a very similar problem and they said it was my differential, changed the diff oil, etc. It is quieter now (1000+ miles later), but I still hear it when the oil is cold and some other set of parameters that I can't define well enough to reproduce the noise for the dealer.

If there is another cause, I'd like to hear about it just in case...

geneatals · 12-03-2011, 08:51 PM

just had my diff oil change for the grinding/thumping noise described with tight cornering, pronounced with initial driving (cold start). Too soon to tell if it works, but haven't noticed and it's only been 2 days. Would like to know what else was done to remedy the noise if the diff oil change doesn't not work...

gpitts · 12-03-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geneatals

just had my diff oil change for the grinding/thumping noise described with tight cornering, pronounced with initial driving (cold start). Too soon to tell if it works, but haven't noticed and it's only been 2 days. Would like to know what else was done to remedy the noise if the diff oil change doesn't not work...

My service advisor told me that he's seen BMW NA request another diff flush with the same "new" oil, while in other cases they have authorized the replacement of the differential. It seems to be situational on how well the diff oil flush/replacement works.

Mine was better when I picked it up from the dealer, although still "clunky" at times. It progressively got better, but I still hear it sometimes when the diff oil is cold.

rx8wanki · 12-07-2011, 01:11 PM

I have the same problem ,my dealer just did the oil change and the sound was extactly the same after it

.But now its getting better after I did 20-30 circles with the car

rdollie · 12-07-2011, 01:15 PM

Arrghh...I've got similar symptoms - a grinding noise turning obtuse right turns (more so when the car is still cold.) Looks like I'll be heading back to the dealer soon...

OerdingE93 · 12-08-2011, 01:33 AM

happens to me everytime i pull out of my driveway, i guess it's normal after reading this? haha

M3people · 12-08-2011, 09:27 AM

I just got mine e92 M3 and has the same problem. Just made an appointment with the dealer. My dealer had no clue what I was talking about, so I gave him the part number and asked him to replace the diff fluid. And thanks for sharing this bulletin.

11-28-2011, 11:35 AM	#1
jamze132 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 228i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Thumping sound when turning hard right from a standstill Just had my 1200 service and since then, it's been making a weird noise like a thump thump when turning hard right from a standstill. Going to go back to the dealer when I can make time, but anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
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11-28-2011, 11:37 AM	#2
BMW Fanatic Banned 135 Rep 3,293 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (11)	Make a video and show us on here.
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11-28-2011, 01:48 PM	#3
merritt1 New Member 1 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2011 m3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pompano Beach, Fl iTrader: (0)	Mine is in for service right now for same issue. Supposedly a differential fluid change takes care of it. There's a recall for it by I don't recall the number.
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11-28-2011, 02:28 PM	#4
M3PO Colonel 84 Rep 2,792 Posts Drives: '08 IB E92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: OC iTrader: (7)	Mine does this too. Curious to see what you find out. It's a whomp-whomp kinda noise.
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11-28-2011, 02:35 PM	#5
paradocs98 Lieutenant Colonel 394 Rep 1,519 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: May 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	95% chance it's the differential. My E60 M5 did this as well and it drove me nuts until I figured it out--I thought it was my tires rubbing on the plastic inner fender liner. As stated above, it's a known BMW service bulletin and should be taken care of with the updated diff oil.
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11-28-2011, 03:05 PM	#6
Ateam Banned 88 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Does it do it when you are coming to a stop at slow speeds or accelerating from slow speeds? Or when you are coasting at slow speeds and then take your foot off the gas and coast? Mine has been doing that where it sounds like a thump thump or like a loose piece sliding back and forth as I stop and go. Full out driving there is no issue. Checked my diff bolts and one was a tad loose so tightened it but did not help. Changed my diff fluid to the one with the additive but still have it. I am in no rush but its kind of annoying. I just turn on my stereo always and it drives perfectly so I do not care. I think noisy diffs are common in all the M cars and it just varies from car to car how noisy it is and how in tune with the sound the driver is.
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11-28-2011, 06:55 PM	#7
bsiciliano Captain 51 Rep 698 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Convertible Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (4)	I had this problem. Creaking sound on tight turns such as parking lot spiral. You need to ask the dealer for the "special" differential fluid. Search the forum/online and you will find the service bulletin. Print it out and bring it in. Took 45 minutes. They did it while I waited. Noise goes away in about 600 miles. __________________ 2011 E93 - Space Gray - 6MT/Silver Novillo/ OE Tuning/Gruppe M Intake/ACS Springs/Vorsteiner CF Type I Rear Diffuser/Textured Matte Black Custom Powdercoated OEM 359s/Painted Reflectors/Matte Grille, Hood Vents and Side Markers/Arqray Race Exhaust/MS Pulley
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11-28-2011, 07:26 PM	#8
ES_TRADER Colonel 344 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	I don't understand how this doesn't come with the correct fluid right off the factory line. Was someone asleep and just pumped the wrong shit into the diff?
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11-29-2011, 12:33 AM	#9
geneatals Ninja 390 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2019 530e Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: So Cal (SFV) iTrader: (3)	http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...16&postcount=8 __________________ 2019 AW G30 530e l ZPP l ZMP l ZDH Retired: 2016 F80 M3, 2012 E90 M3, 2008 535i
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11-29-2011, 10:22 AM	#10
Jdubya Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 209 Posts Drives: 2014 550i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Differential. Normal. There is a service bulletin to aid in the noise.
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11-29-2011, 11:02 PM	#11
ObviousMan Enlisted Member 2 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Absolutely the diff. I had the same thing happen at a little over 2000 miles. Took it in, they changed to the better diff fluid, no problems since.
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11-29-2011, 11:29 PM	#12
Ateam Banned 88 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I have to confirm that its the diff and the fluid will take care of it. I got mine changed not long ago and for awhile it was not making a difference but actually just today, after probably about 75 miles did the diff FINALLY quiet down nicely. I think the parts need to get completely lubricated with the new stuff which from my understanding is an additive that is a bit "thicker" and helps with providing more "cushioning" for lack of a better term, between parts. So if you get the fluid changed, make sure you give it a chance to work! I thought mine did not fix my problem. Amazing the sounds a differential can make! Sounded like a bag of rocks sliding around back there
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11-30-2011, 12:43 AM	#14
M3PO Colonel 84 Rep 2,792 Posts Drives: '08 IB E92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: OC iTrader: (7)	Just had my fluid changed today. Hopefully that takes care of it!
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12-03-2011, 09:03 AM	#15
jamze132 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 228i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Dealer had it for 2 days and said that something on the rear axle wasn't synced properly. Took them 5 min to fix it and the sound is gone. Not sure if this has anything to do with the rear dif. fix, but regardless, my car doesn't make the sound any longer.
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12-03-2011, 08:51 PM	#17
geneatals Ninja 390 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2019 530e Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: So Cal (SFV) iTrader: (3)	just had my diff oil change for the grinding/thumping noise described with tight cornering, pronounced with initial driving (cold start). Too soon to tell if it works, but haven't noticed and it's only been 2 days. Would like to know what else was done to remedy the noise if the diff oil change doesn't not work... __________________ 2019 AW G30 530e l ZPP l ZMP l ZDH Retired: 2016 F80 M3, 2012 E90 M3, 2008 535i
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12-07-2011, 01:11 PM	#19
rx8wanki Private 171 Rep 78 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp Skyscraper Grey Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Germany , Stuttgart iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem ,my dealer just did the oil change and the sound was extactly the same after it .But now its getting better after I did 20-30 circles with the car
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12-07-2011, 01:15 PM	#20
rdollie Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 DCT Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Seattle area iTrader: (0)	Arrghh...I've got similar symptoms - a grinding noise turning obtuse right turns (more so when the car is still cold.) Looks like I'll be heading back to the dealer soon...
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12-08-2011, 01:33 AM	#21
OerdingE93 Lieutenant 59 Rep 459 Posts Drives: 2011 Mineral White E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: LA/OC iTrader: (3)	happens to me everytime i pull out of my driveway, i guess it's normal after reading this? haha
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12-08-2011, 09:27 AM	#22
M3people Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 253 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NYC/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	I just got mine e92 M3 and has the same problem. Just made an appointment with the dealer. My dealer had no clue what I was talking about, so I gave him the part number and asked him to replace the diff fluid. And thanks for sharing this bulletin.
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