Driveshaft "tink" noise: Would like some feedback

[IamFODI]

2008 E90 M3, 6MT, 100% stock. Coming up on 91k miles.

Been reading up on the "tink" sound attributed to a worn/failing driveshaft. I started noticing this sound in my car a couple of months ago and it's been slowly getting worse, though it still isn't as bad as what I've seen in videos. It seems to happen at random intervals, though the intervals are getting shorter.

I'm not yet noticing any odd vibration that's clearly attributable to the driveshaft.

Very rarely, when taking off in 1st (6MT), I get something that feels like clutch judder. Not sure if that's normal.

In the next couple of days, I'm planning to open things up and look for obvious lateral play in the driveshaft, as well as loose bolts and missing grease.

Questions, most important first:

1. Am I correct that I have time to address this as long as there's no other obvious issue? That's my read of deansbimmer's comments but I wanted to make sure.

2. I'd love to do an M Factory CF driveshaft at some point, but the stories of bushing flex causing rubbing and destruction of the driveshaft have me scared. I do intend to install solid rear subframe and new OE (or similar) trans mounts and diff bushings, but was hoping to wait for a while as mine seem okay for now. Should I wait to consider a CF driveshaft until I'm ready to do those other bushings?

3. Anyone have any experience with third-party remanufactured driveshafts they'd like to share? Was looking at Driveshaft Specialist of Texas but open to other options.

TIA!

[wfdeacon88]

I have the exact same questions.. I have the cowbell noise.. it's been lingering for about 10K miles. Not that loud, just noticable. (not interested in CF option though).

[Timujin]

I have a DS from Texas waiting to be installed in a week or two. The price was not bad and they got it out quick.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by Timujin

I have a DS from Texas waiting to be installed in a week or two. The price was not bad and they got it out quick.

Nice, this is the rebuilt one I assume. Post a review when this is installed if you can! Curious how much the cost to install also.

[pbonsalb]

I doubt you have anything to worry about. My DS tinked or clunked at times. I bought one of the original mfactory CF one piece shafts and it tinks and clunks sometimes also. I had already installed 75D poly subframe bushings and 95A diff bushings, but I think there is enough clearance so rubbing is not really possible.

To install, drop x pipe, remove heat shield, undo guibo and diff connections, undo center support, pull down a little in center to flex the shaft, move guibo so it’s off center and allowing the shaft to pull away from trans and diff. Worst case you must unbolt diff but not axles so you can wiggle it a little back or to the side in the subframe. This step might be more necessary to install a new CF one piece DS because it cannot flex to install or remove. Should take a good shop under 2 hours but it will charge 3 since small jobs aren’t really worth the time. DIY instead.

[Timujin]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

Nice, this is the rebuilt one I assume. Post a review when this is installed if you can! Curious how much the cost to install also.

This is a new unit not rebuilt. Cost <$700 shipped.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I doubt you have anything to worry about. My DS tinked or clunked at times. I bought one of the original mfactory CF one piece shafts and it tinks and clunks sometimes also. I had already installed 75D poly subframe bushings and 95A diff bushings, but I think there is enough clearance so rubbing is not really possible.

To install, drop x pipe, remove heat shield, undo guibo and diff connections, undo center support, pull down a little in center to flex the shaft, move guibo so it’s off center and allowing the shaft to pull away from trans and diff. Worst case you must unbolt diff but not axles so you can wiggle it a little back or to the side in the subframe. This step might be more necessary to install a new CF one piece DS because it cannot flex to install or remove. Should take a good shop under 2 hours but it will charge 3 since small jobs aren’t really worth the time. DIY instead.

Diff needs to be unbolted and lowered a bit. Ds needs to be hung in the tunnel with zip ties, attach to the gearbox then attach the diff to it. I have 2500miles on my mfactory ds without an issue.

My driveline does also clunk, it has gotten worse going into gear with the mfactory ds and Akg diff bushings but I can Live with it.

[IamFODI]

Really appreciate the feedback so far. Still interested in any other thoughts people might have, mainly about my first question.

Between a pilgrimage to the Tail of the Dragon and my normal driving, I've put like 4k miles on the car since I made this thread. The noise has definitely gotten worse -- slightly louder and much more frequent. I want to believe it's nothing more than an annoyance, but it sure is unsettling...

I've read that lubing the joints can sometimes reduce or eliminate this noise. I also wonder if just re-torquing the fasteners on the driveshaft might help. Any thoughts on either of those points?

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by IamFODI

Really appreciate the feedback so far. Still interested in any other thoughts people might have, mainly about my first question.

Between a pilgrimage to the Tail of the Dragon and my normal driving, I've put like 4k miles on the car since I made this thread. The noise has definitely gotten worse -- slightly louder and much more frequent. I want to believe it's nothing more than an annoyance, but it sure is unsettling...

I've read that lubing the joints can sometimes reduce or eliminate this noise. I also wonder if just re-torquing the fasteners on the driveshaft might help. Any thoughts on either of those points?

Bump for the same exact question...

[Idfkman]

Originally Posted by Timujin

I have a DS from Texas waiting to be installed in a week or two. The price was not bad and they got it out quick.

How has the rebuilt DS held up? Considering one of these myself.