Another, "is this normal" thread

[BlackSaphr]

Hey guys,

tried searching before posting but nothing came up

first off the car is an 08 with 85,000km's, Loving the car and have been thinking about trading it in for a newer M with a warranty on it seeing as mine isn't covered any more and the "my engine blew" threads are getting me a bit worried

so ive noticed for a while now after a spirited drive ( bringing it close to redline and driving it like an M3) that in low gear at about 2000 rpm theres a funny sound, the best way i can describe it is similar to an exhaust leak with a slight metallic sound that sounds like its coming from the cats or bottom end. The noise stops at around 3.5 k rpm and its smooth after that.

I decided to do a bit of trial and error testing and put the car into 6th at around 30km/h and the noise was there till about 3.5-4k rpm. At idle and revving the car it sounds smooth its only under load and at low rpm's

Could this be any cause for concern? do any of you guys have a similar sound?

A dealer near me offered a trade for a 2007 Rs4 with 70,000km and 2 years of warranty on it for my car.... drove the Rs4 and didn't feel at all like my M, i think i wont be able to drive another car in this price range that has the complete package like the M3! the thing is im starting to consider the trade since i have to warranty on my car...

help me out guys don't make me go to the dark side lol

[luis_m3]

What is actually VERY normal is ppl making up noises... honestly, if you listen for "abnormal" noises on the M3, you WILL find them. But if you're absolutely sure that it may not be normal, just take it to the dealer and see what they say.
RS4? You're crazy!!! Just look for a newer M3 that is still under warranty... there IS plenty out there and I'm sure you can find a good deal.
Good luck and don't go to the dark side!

[BlackSaphr]

I'm usually not the type to freak out about the funny noises the car makes. I got used to alot of the noises and as long as the engine pulls strong and starts everyday I'm happy. Thing is with the stories of rod bearing failure amd engines going kaboom should I be concerned.

Thing is It is quite loud and acttually sounds like the exhaust is leaking with a slight metallic ring to it. I think I will bring the car in on monday and jack the car up this weekend and see what's going on under there

Come to think of it we should get a thread going where everyone that has experienced engine failure Lists any symptoms they were experiencing before, oil change interval, driving habits, previous maintenance etc..

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Sounds to me like your second or third gear is damaged, perhaps it is time for a new transmission or based up on the high milage time to trade in or up?

[JCtx]

I'd try to compare it to another M3 before you even bother with a dealer. Dropping the hammer at 2K rpm on an 8.4K redline qualifies as lugging the engine in my book, and you might be hearing the tranny/clutch protest. The fact noise goes away at 3.5K rpm without slipping immediately tells you it's NOT the tranny nor clutch. It's hard to diagnose a noise you didn't even record over the internet, but my money is that it's normal. Or at least not powertrain related. Something could be rubbing when engine is twisted with such a high load at low rpm . Try to drive another. Or better yet, DO NOT drive your car like that and problem solved . If you want to drive it aggressively, put it in the appropriate gear first . Good luck.

[FVM3]

dont trade it, visit the dealer and have it checked out

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by BlackSaphr

I'm usually not the type to freak out about the funny noises the car makes. I got used to alot of the noises and as long as the engine pulls strong and starts everyday I'm happy. Thing is with the stories of rod bearing failure amd engines going kaboom should I be concerned.

Thing is It is quite loud and acttually sounds like the exhaust is leaking with a slight metallic ring to it. I think I will bring the car in on monday and jack the car up this weekend and see what's going on under there

Come to think of it we should get a thread going where everyone that has experienced engine failure Lists any symptoms they were experiencing before, oil change interval, driving habits, previous maintenance etc..

Now you're freaking ME out!!! I like the idea of driving another M3, and if you still think there is something wrong with yours, then bring it to the dealer (just to be safe).
Mine makes noises all the time... I guess I just love every single one of them.

[ES_TRADER]

i used to hear so many odd sounds when the car was new...now i hear even more...but i stopped listening for them...makes the drive more enjoyable...the car can clunk creak or crack all it wants...as long as it starts, drives and goes when i want it to, i wont worry about it.

[BlackSaphr]

thanks for the replies! i tried the RS4 and it has nothing on the M3, steering feel was numb and i find it didn`t move and have a kick as much as the m3, as soon as i got back in my M3 i took an on ramp and punched the gas and had a smile from ear to ear!

ill try to get a video up of the noise, its only loudest when i push the car hard... i have a strange feeling it has something to do with the cats but i will bring the car in monday

[Templar]

Just take it to the dealer.

Most of the people here won't be able to tell you what it is with certainty over an internet video.

If you think something is wrong, take it to the dealer.