M3 Noises (What's Normal/Not Normal)

Merlosso · 07-17-2011, 08:45 AM

This thread is a great idea, especially for people like me that are new to the E9x M3. May I make a suggestion/request? Would the OP be willing to update the original post and summarize what has been discussed? Something like this:

Exhaust

Exhaust leak sound on cold start - NORMAL

Interior Rattles

Passenger door - NOT NORMAL - see post 26 for more info

Engine bay

Sizzling sound after shut off - NORMAL - caused by the air conditioning condenser dripping

Maybe then this could be made a sticky.

drvai · 07-17-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

The "clunking" you get when shifting the DCT in neutral ( and almost certainly the MT when low speed declutching) is the result of torque reversal in the drivetrain. Basically there is a small amount of play in the propshaft, differential and driveshafts that is taken up when the engine is applying torque to the drivetrain...when you remove this torque (by declutching/shift into neutral) the drivetrain "unwinds" causing the clunking noise.

This is absolutely normal? Sounds "painful" and I though something was wrong. In my case, usually happens when declutching and turning (like when I'm parking)

PhillyNate · 07-17-2011, 09:38 AM

Every damn noise I've heard from this car sounds extremely purposeful and special. I've been around cars and mechanics my whole life and know when something sounds wrong. Nothing sounds wrong on my M3. Not yet anyway.

AMPowerJ · 07-17-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drjoe66

The entire car sounding like a 17 th century wooden ship.

Nice analogy. Reminds me of watching/listening to 'Master and Commander' on my home theater system.

SenorFunkyPants · 07-17-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drvai

This is absolutely normal? Sounds "painful" and I though something was wrong. In my case, usually happens when declutching and turning (like when I'm parking)

Its something that is hard to engineer out when you are using such heavy duty parts.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-17-2011, 10:45 AM

I don't hear any noises except for the wonderful symphony form my exhaust while shifting up and down shifting

llis · 08-11-2011, 10:38 PM

I had given up hope on the rattles. Every fix attempted only made them worse.

Then the right master mechanic happened to pull my car around to the service bay. He heard the rattles right away ... and fixed them! There is nothing like driving down the road, even hitting seams and bumps, and having no rattles! It's a new car! (Well, it really is pretty new, but the rattles were there from day one. Not any more!)

Don't give up hope. Find the right fix.

llis · 08-11-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

Nice analogy. Reminds me of watching/listening to 'Master and Commander' on my home theater system.

If your car sounds like the first 4 minutes of that film, you have some serious problems.

OM3N · 08-12-2011, 03:41 AM

- strange loud sound coming from the steering wheel, seems to be pronounced around idiots in traffic...

Edjay · 08-12-2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OM3N

- strange loud sound coming from the steering wheel, seems to be pronounced around idiots in traffic...

Thats a loose nut behind the wheel

Twinbo · 08-12-2011, 10:29 AM

I haven't received my car yet but when test driving both 6MT and the DCT I heard some clunking.

(Flame Suit On) - I think this is normal when you introduce stronger parts to cope with the power. This is the compromise between comfort and performance. There is no better example than my previous Mustang (07 GT Blown) where the rear end would make a ridiculous clunk sometimes when shifting from 1st to 2nd when cold (and when shiftign into neutral from 1st). This is normal for a car meant to handle burnouts, repeated clutch dumps etc. I think the M3's engineering is far superior so the clunks are less noticable but still present given that this car is meant to hit the track and perform reliably. I call it character

(Flame suit off)

aaranzabal · 08-17-2011, 10:48 AM

Bringing back a thread from a couple pages back... I have a 6MT, is it normal to hear any slight noise from the shifter at ANY point at all? Because in third gear I can hear some vibration in the gear box (yes hear, not just feel). Obviously it will vibrate some but I took it to BMW and they replaced some stuff (forgot what, it's on my form) but I still hear it. Maybe I'm just paranoid haha. I only hear it at an exact point once the car is warmed up.

goldminer · 08-17-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

My 6MT is really noisy. Anyone else? It just sounds so clunky. Like when you put the clutch in at low speeds, it makes a clunky sound. I know it's normal (E46 M3 did the same), but does it have to be so embarrassing? sometimes it makes people look over like there is something wrong with the car...

I found that I could nearly eliminate this noise by carefully timing when the clutch goes in relative to when you roll out of the throttle. If the gears are loaded too much on deceleration or a mior amount of throttle still on it will clunk. With some practice you can make it pretty quiet.

boomerproject · 09-25-2011, 11:35 PM

[QUOTE=brava09;9301083]The cow bell noise when pebbles get stuck in the rear wheel brake shield.

OMFG.. This is the worst.. likely the most arresting sound I've ever heard come from any vehicle, ever.. My reaction was the kind where your mind goes into shock (wtf is that?) - disbelief (can't be my exhaust dragging, can it?) - then blank (deep breaths)..

I had this problem about a year ago. I still thank the lord it was only a friggan pebble! ... 'How do I spell relief? P-E-B-B-L-E'

BlackSaphr · 09-26-2011, 12:16 AM

Mine makes a chuffing sound Sounds sorta like a steam train In high gear, low rpm ( 2000-3200rpm) then it goes away. Funny thing is it's only when in gear, If I rev up the car in neutral under no load it's smooth as butter.

houstonT · 09-26-2011, 09:41 AM

Wow lots of complaints about rattles...thank the lord, I have NONE. Know I don't want to jinx myself but it sounds like one of the few....
Peter

abehwang · 09-26-2011, 09:46 AM

Wd-40 Everything!!!!

stefan · 09-26-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lve2xlr8

I was thinking it would be cool to have a thread that defined all the noises of the m3 and what is actually happening.

If you know of a noise and what it is (or if you don't) post here!

I think you just volunteered to keep your main/1st post updated with the feedback.

S65V8 · 11-05-2011, 06:41 AM

I too thought this car was noisy coming from a 335i and was wondering what was "normal" vs. of concern. This thread cleared it up and put my worries to rest. It is a noisy, mechanical beast, especially at start up. Someone once told me, think of a it like a Swiss Watch, and it's finely tuned mechanisms.

Darth One · 11-05-2011, 07:13 AM

that sizzling sound after shutoff is hilarious....actually, I'm not sure if it amuses me or infuriates me

are things really so tight down there (that's what she said) that the condensate drain has to be over some hot exhaust bits??

MisterM3 · 11-05-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

^^ Thanks for staying on top of the rattles Rich.

My 6MT is really noisy. Anyone else? It just sounds so clunky. Like when you put the clutch in at low speeds, it makes a clunky sound. I know it's normal (E46 M3 did the same), but does it have to be so embarrassing? sometimes it makes people look over like there is something wrong with the car...

i so agree. it is embarrassing. its like i dont know how to drive stick lol. other then that i dont have rattling noises like some other M's

lve2xlr8 · 11-05-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan

I think you just volunteered to keep your main/1st post updated with the feedback.

I'll get on that as soon as I fix all these rattles

07-17-2011, 08:45 AM	#45
Merlosso Banned 24 Rep 495 Posts Drives: Results Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Germantown, MD iTrader: (2)	This thread is a great idea, especially for people like me that are new to the E9x M3. May I make a suggestion/request? Would the OP be willing to update the original post and summarize what has been discussed? Something like this: Exhaust Exhaust leak sound on cold start - NORMAL Interior Rattles Passenger door - NOT NORMAL - see post 26 for more info Engine bay Sizzling sound after shut off - NORMAL - caused by the air conditioning condenser dripping Maybe then this could be made a sticky.
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07-17-2011, 09:38 AM	#47
PhillyNate ENTHUSIAST 135 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 Porsche Cayman [0.00]	Every damn noise I've heard from this car sounds extremely purposeful and special. I've been around cars and mechanics my whole life and know when something sounds wrong. Nothing sounds wrong on my M3. Not yet anyway. __________________ "what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson 2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt 2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15) 2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14) 2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11)
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07-17-2011, 10:45 AM	#50
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	I don't hear any noises except for the wonderful symphony form my exhaust while shifting up and down shifting __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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08-11-2011, 10:38 PM	#51
llis octane chick 79 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: ex-M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 ZCP [10.00] 2003 BMW M5 [0.00]	I had given up hope on the rattles. Every fix attempted only made them worse. Then the right master mechanic happened to pull my car around to the service bay. He heard the rattles right away ... and fixed them! There is nothing like driving down the road, even hitting seams and bumps, and having no rattles! It's a new car! (Well, it really is pretty new, but the rattles were there from day one. Not any more!) Don't give up hope. Find the right fix.
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08-12-2011, 03:41 AM	#53
OM3N Private First Class 38 Rep 111 Posts Drives: AW '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Trondheim, Norway iTrader: (0)	- strange loud sound coming from the steering wheel, seems to be pronounced around idiots in traffic... __________________ Prev:'02 E46 M3 SMG - '08 E92 6sp M3 - '09 E92 DCT M3 - '12 991 C2S- '16 F80 M3 - '19 M140X - Current: '20 X5 45e
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08-12-2011, 10:29 AM	#55
Twinbo First Lieutenant 14 Rep 382 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I haven't received my car yet but when test driving both 6MT and the DCT I heard some clunking. (Flame Suit On) - I think this is normal when you introduce stronger parts to cope with the power. This is the compromise between comfort and performance. There is no better example than my previous Mustang (07 GT Blown) where the rear end would make a ridiculous clunk sometimes when shifting from 1st to 2nd when cold (and when shiftign into neutral from 1st). This is normal for a car meant to handle burnouts, repeated clutch dumps etc. I think the M3's engineering is far superior so the clunks are less noticable but still present given that this car is meant to hit the track and perform reliably. I call it character (Flame suit off)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-17-2011, 10:48 AM	#56
aaranzabal Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 253 Posts Drives: M2 Comp + E90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (4)	Bringing back a thread from a couple pages back... I have a 6MT, is it normal to hear any slight noise from the shifter at ANY point at all? Because in third gear I can hear some vibration in the gear box (yes hear, not just feel). Obviously it will vibrate some but I took it to BMW and they replaced some stuff (forgot what, it's on my form) but I still hear it. Maybe I'm just paranoid haha. I only hear it at an exact point once the car is warmed up.
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09-25-2011, 11:35 PM	#58
boomerproject Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 08 M3 E90 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=brava09;9301083]The cow bell noise when pebbles get stuck in the rear wheel brake shield. OMFG.. This is the worst.. likely the most arresting sound I've ever heard come from any vehicle, ever.. My reaction was the kind where your mind goes into shock (wtf is that?) - disbelief (can't be my exhaust dragging, can it?) - then blank (deep breaths).. I had this problem about a year ago. I still thank the lord it was only a friggan pebble! ... 'How do I spell relief? P-E-B-B-L-E'
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09-26-2011, 12:16 AM	#59
BlackSaphr Private 0 Rep 65 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: MTL iTrader: (0)	Mine makes a chuffing sound Sounds sorta like a steam train In high gear, low rpm ( 2000-3200rpm) then it goes away. Funny thing is it's only when in gear, If I rev up the car in neutral under no load it's smooth as butter.
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09-26-2011, 09:41 AM	#60
houstonT Second Lieutenant 146 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2024 M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Wow lots of complaints about rattles...thank the lord, I have NONE. Know I don't want to jinx myself but it sounds like one of the few.... Peter __________________ 2024 BMW M3 CS -- 2021 STO UGR TT -- 2019 McLaren Senna -- 2021 McLaren 765LT -- 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo -- 2006 Ford GT -- 2022 Lamborghini Urus
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09-26-2011, 09:46 AM	#61
abehwang Captain 36 Rep 547 Posts Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Wd-40 Everything!!!! __________________ 2008 E90 M3: Alpine White/ Fox Red Novillo/ Brushed Aluminum \| 6MT \| Premium \| Cold Weather \| Technology \| EPS \| PDC \| Ipod/USB \| Fuelly :: Adelei's Gas Mileage
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11-05-2011, 06:41 AM	#63
S65V8 _ 808 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (10)	I too thought this car was noisy coming from a 335i and was wondering what was "normal" vs. of concern. This thread cleared it up and put my worries to rest. It is a noisy, mechanical beast, especially at start up. Someone once told me, think of a it like a Swiss Watch, and it's finely tuned mechanisms.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2011, 07:13 AM	#64
Darth One drunk poster 6613 Rep 3,649 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	that sizzling sound after shutoff is hilarious....actually, I'm not sure if it amuses me or infuriates me are things really so tight down there (that's what she said) that the condensate drain has to be over some hot exhaust bits??
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