drivetrain clunking noise [video]

gambitx28 · 11-22-2013, 11:07 AM

Had my driveshaft replaced yesterday. Clunking is gone. The drivetrain feels a lot tighter now, in a good way. Transitions from on-throttle to off or vice-versa aren't as jerky or abrupt as they were before.

eroc0808 · 11-28-2013, 08:44 AM

Had same problem. It is indeed the driveshaft. Driveshaft is approx $750 depending on what dealer you get it from. Install should not take any longer than 2 hours by experienced tech. So I'd say $1600 is a rip off. It is not very difficult to change.

808MGuy · 04-08-2014, 11:50 PM

That's exactly what my car sounds like. Only thing is I can't repeat it as much as you do. It comes and goes.

GT3 Tim · 04-09-2014, 10:35 AM

Huh..... Mine made this noise (or very similar) when it was "newer". I have not heard it in over 4 years.....

coloradoe92m3 · 04-09-2014, 11:11 AM

Its normal!!!! Read page 55 of M3 supplemental book!

808MGuy · 04-09-2014, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradoe92m3

Its normal!!!! Read page 55 of M3 supplemental book!

Don't think this is the normal clunking that was described. Read my response on my other post.

M3PO · 04-09-2014, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradoe92m3

Its normal!!!! Read page 55 of M3 supplemental book!

That's not normal at all.

spr · 10-13-2014, 03:49 PM

How did the driveshaft fail making this noise? I have the same problem and it is driving me crazy!!!

spr · 10-21-2014, 09:29 PM

Any update on what part failed? I see the Service Information bulletin SI B33 04 08 which talks about greasing the pinion flange. I have also read that it is possibly the center bearing. What is the real cause??? I would love to have this fixed it drives me crazy.

G4Driver · 10-21-2014, 10:38 PM

I'm having the same issue as well, and first noticed it yesterday after I developed a severe vibration in the steering wheel at speeds of 60-75 mph. The vibration would come and go with varying intensity, and for a couple minutes would even disappear. When pulling into my garage to investigate I noticed the clunking when I go over the step on the garage floor in the same load/no load situation on the drivetrain. There was also a slight burnt odor as well. Just upgraded new tires and rims, so not a balance issue. 12,000 miles on an '08, never tracked. From what I've read in other threads, my first guess was the center support bearing due to the nasty vibration. The car is not drivable. Getting a little worried this may be a $$$ fix. Any ideas if the dealer will be hesitant to replace the center support bearing / guibo / flex disc in lieu of a complete driveshaft assembly or will they be cool and just fix the bearing, supposing that that actually is the culprit? Where did they say the fail mode was on your driveshaft that necessitated an entire driveshaft replacement? Anyone else having a vibration issue as well? Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!!!

eroc0808 · 11-09-2014, 03:38 PM

I believe the ping noise on mine was being generated from the u-joint on the drive shaft which is not serviceable. Sure a driveshaft shop can knock out the factory one and modify the shaft to accept an aftermarket serviceable u-joint, but now you're dealing with cost of labor and parts to do so on top of labor to remove and reinstall entire driveshaft. A new shaft is $750 and replaces every component in the driveline and there is only labor to replace the driveshaft....not repair it also. It's a no brainer to me to just replace it for a few hundred more and get new giubo,center bearing,u-joint,and rear cv joint that all comes on driveshaft. On a side note, I now have 20k miles on my new replaced driveshaft and it is still perfectly quiet.

spr · 11-11-2014, 03:45 PM

Where did you buy it? Do you have a part number? I called Powertrain Industries at the behest of another member as they said they did theirs for $400. and they thought I was crazy. Thanks

335m · 02-03-2016, 02:14 PM

Has anyone had a real failure with this noise? My car is making the noise and I have seen some situations where replacing the driveshaft fixes it but I also saw that BMW posted this:

nyfg56 · 07-10-2016, 02:10 PM

I also am getting this noise. Just bought my M3 too

Had a PPI done at a reputable place and they gave me the all clear. Didn't hear it when I drove it at first. Made the 1,600 mile drive home and now I hear it almost every time I leave from a stop or come to a decel. Really hoping I don't need to replace the driveshaft...

deepfriedbutter · 07-10-2016, 08:28 PM

Pretty sure it'll need to be replaced if you want the sound to go away

nyfg56 · 07-10-2016, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepfriedbutter

Pretty sure it'll need to be replaced if you want the sound to go away

Will it cause any damage if I don't? Also hoping maybe it's a diff bolt or guibo possibly? Or that pinion people talked about? Or are people certain it's the driveshaft for that sound?

Bhdien · 07-11-2016, 05:03 PM

I have the same noise. I figured it is the the Guibo and Center bear that is causing all that.

nyfg56 · 07-11-2016, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhdien

I have the same noise. I figured it is the the Guibo and Center bear that is causing all that.

You ever replace them?

Bhdien · 07-12-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyfg56

You ever replace them?

I haven't got a chance to. I have the parts. Just need to find the time to replace them.

nyfg56 · 07-12-2016, 09:42 PM

Ended up needing to get a new driveshaft today

monterey · 11-26-2016, 10:45 PM

Is this noise only associated with 6 spd manual?

tlrid3r · 06-01-2017, 10:31 PM

So I tackled this noise this weekend. My car is a 2008 e92 M3 6SPD.

Its the rear CV joint that weakens and starts to make noise. Its serviceable, you can order it from ECS: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...g/26112282725/
comes off easy. Before installing it used retaining compound on the spline and noise it completely gone. Car is quite once again.

I did it in 3 hours and I'm a neat freak and cleaned everything. Re-installing the boot clamp was the hardest part.

11-22-2013, 11:07 AM	#23
gambitx28 shop smart, shop s-mart 8 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2015 640i GC Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cape Cod, MA iTrader: (0)	Had my driveshaft replaced yesterday. Clunking is gone. The drivetrain feels a lot tighter now, in a good way. Transitions from on-throttle to off or vice-versa aren't as jerky or abrupt as they were before. __________________ 2015 X5 xdrive35i 2008 E90 M3 2002 325Ci Convertible
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11-28-2013, 08:44 AM	#24
eroc0808 Private 10 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1)	Had same problem. It is indeed the driveshaft. Driveshaft is approx $750 depending on what dealer you get it from. Install should not take any longer than 2 hours by experienced tech. So I'd say $1600 is a rip off. It is not very difficult to change.
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04-08-2014, 11:50 PM	#25
808MGuy Colonel 219 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	That's exactly what my car sounds like. Only thing is I can't repeat it as much as you do. It comes and goes. __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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04-09-2014, 10:35 AM	#26
GT3 Tim Moderator 94 Rep 1,920 Posts Drives: 2014 MB E63S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0)	Huh..... Mine made this noise (or very similar) when it was "newer". I have not heard it in over 4 years..... __________________ Tim <--- apparently likes "3" cars 2014 E63S -- The Rocket 2014 F30 328i -- Kids car 2008 E90 M3 -- Sold 2004 GT3 -- Sold 1997 M3/4 -- Sold 1995 M3 -- Sold
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04-09-2014, 11:11 AM	#27
coloradoe92m3 Banned 30 Rep 496 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: u.s iTrader: (0)	Its normal!!!! Read page 55 of M3 supplemental book!
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10-13-2014, 03:49 PM	#30
spr Major 93 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: F80 M3; e92 ESS650+ M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	How did the driveshaft fail making this noise? I have the same problem and it is driving me crazy!!! __________________ F80 M3 HRE FF04 275/305.
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10-21-2014, 09:29 PM	#31
spr Major 93 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: F80 M3; e92 ESS650+ M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Any update on what part failed? I see the Service Information bulletin SI B33 04 08 which talks about greasing the pinion flange. I have also read that it is possibly the center bearing. What is the real cause??? I would love to have this fixed it drives me crazy. __________________ F80 M3 HRE FF04 275/305.
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10-21-2014, 10:38 PM	#32
G4Driver New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: West Palm Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	I'm having the same issue as well, and first noticed it yesterday after I developed a severe vibration in the steering wheel at speeds of 60-75 mph. The vibration would come and go with varying intensity, and for a couple minutes would even disappear. When pulling into my garage to investigate I noticed the clunking when I go over the step on the garage floor in the same load/no load situation on the drivetrain. There was also a slight burnt odor as well. Just upgraded new tires and rims, so not a balance issue. 12,000 miles on an '08, never tracked. From what I've read in other threads, my first guess was the center support bearing due to the nasty vibration. The car is not drivable. Getting a little worried this may be a $$$ fix. Any ideas if the dealer will be hesitant to replace the center support bearing / guibo / flex disc in lieu of a complete driveshaft assembly or will they be cool and just fix the bearing, supposing that that actually is the culprit? Where did they say the fail mode was on your driveshaft that necessitated an entire driveshaft replacement? Anyone else having a vibration issue as well? Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!!!
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11-09-2014, 03:38 PM	#33
eroc0808 Private 10 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1)	I believe the ping noise on mine was being generated from the u-joint on the drive shaft which is not serviceable. Sure a driveshaft shop can knock out the factory one and modify the shaft to accept an aftermarket serviceable u-joint, but now you're dealing with cost of labor and parts to do so on top of labor to remove and reinstall entire driveshaft. A new shaft is $750 and replaces every component in the driveline and there is only labor to replace the driveshaft....not repair it also. It's a no brainer to me to just replace it for a few hundred more and get new giubo,center bearing,u-joint,and rear cv joint that all comes on driveshaft. On a side note, I now have 20k miles on my new replaced driveshaft and it is still perfectly quiet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2014, 03:45 PM	#34
spr Major 93 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: F80 M3; e92 ESS650+ M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Where did you buy it? Do you have a part number? I called Powertrain Industries at the behest of another member as they said they did theirs for $400. and they thought I was crazy. Thanks __________________ F80 M3 HRE FF04 275/305.
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02-03-2016, 02:14 PM	#35
335m Major 123 Rep 1,166 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Austin Texas iTrader: (1)	Has anyone had a real failure with this noise? My car is making the noise and I have seen some situations where replacing the driveshaft fixes it but I also saw that BMW posted this: __________________ 2008 e92 M3: Gintani Sport w/ Topspeed Catless X-Pipe, KW-V3
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07-10-2016, 02:10 PM	#36
nyfg56 Captain 100 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 AW/Fox Red 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Albany NY iTrader: (2)	I also am getting this noise. Just bought my M3 too Had a PPI done at a reputable place and they gave me the all clear. Didn't hear it when I drove it at first. Made the 1,600 mile drive home and now I hear it almost every time I leave from a stop or come to a decel. Really hoping I don't need to replace the driveshaft...
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07-10-2016, 08:28 PM	#37
deepfriedbutter Private First Class 38 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 08 e90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i [0.00] 1994 LS1 FD RX7 [0.00]	Pretty sure it'll need to be replaced if you want the sound to go away
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07-11-2016, 05:03 PM	#39
Bhdien Private First Class 23 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW M3 Sedan Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Wichita iTrader: (4)	I have the same noise. I figured it is the the Guibo and Center bear that is causing all that.
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07-12-2016, 09:42 PM	#42
nyfg56 Captain 100 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 AW/Fox Red 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Albany NY iTrader: (2)	Ended up needing to get a new driveshaft today
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11-26-2016, 10:45 PM	#43
monterey Major 339 Rep 1,239 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Is this noise only associated with 6 spd manual?
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06-01-2017, 10:31 PM	#44
tlrid3r just another M3 514 Rep 1,150 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Jose, ca iTrader: (6)	So I tackled this noise this weekend. My car is a 2008 e92 M3 6SPD. Its the rear CV joint that weakens and starts to make noise. Its serviceable, you can order it from ECS: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...g/26112282725/ comes off easy. Before installing it used retaining compound on the spline and noise it completely gone. Car is quite once again. I did it in 3 hours and I'm a neat freak and cleaned everything. Re-installing the boot clamp was the hardest part. __________________ ///M3... Don't want more power, Just want it to turn sharper one step closer each time. -Ohlins TTX Raceline, PolePostions seats, Akrapovic EVO, ARC-8, 1/2 Cage, Seat Delete, Stoptech BBK, solid Subframe and diff bushing, spherical bearing on everything.
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