E93 M3 DCT Gremlins

[Ccambrid]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a 2013 E93 M3 DCT, and the car has been an absolute dream, except for a few things that are already starting to get on my nerves:

1. There's a slight and subtle squealing sound that I can hear sometimes when I'm idling, or coming to a stop at between 10-0mph. It's the loudest and lengthiest after I've driven the car a little hard, and when I turn the fan on (even at the lowest speed), the squeal more or less goes away, except for a quick chirp when coming to stop. I'm guessing it's some kind of idler pulley or belt, but any other insight would be helpful. Here is a video I took of the sound:

https://youtu.be/pCiuQ0sAX1I

2. Not all the time, but sometimes when I'm downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, there's a slight metal clunk sound at the audible peak of the rev match that unsettles me. The sound varies in intensity, and at no point is it exceedingly loud, but again, it's loud enough to be unsettling. The DCT works beautifully otherwise, so I hope this isn't going to grenade the whole thing.

3. My hood won't open! I tried to pull it the other day to investigate the idle chirp, and it just felt loose like there was no resistance. I'm not super worried about this one, but it feels a bit weird that I can't open it in case something catches fire in the engine bay

I've got an appointment next Wednesday to address everything but the DCT clunk, and I've got a four day weekend in between, so hoping to get a couple of these things fixed myself and go for a nice drive! I've also got a warranty on this thing through some third party provider that I don't really trust, so just trying get this thing to a point where I can have fun within limits and keep it mostly reliable

[gfisher99]

Definitely need to get the hood release fixed so you can change the oil at some point!

[Ccambrid]

Originally Posted by gfisher99

Definitely need to get the hood release fixed so you can change the oil at some point!

Figured they'd handle it on Wednesday, but I'm going to spend the evening tinkering! Buying this car has made me want to take on a side role as German mechanic.

[Siajoon]

Originally Posted by Ccambrid

Figured they'd handle it on Wednesday, but I'm going to spend the evening tinkering! Buying this car has made me want to take on a side role as German mechanic.

Yeah, although it'll give you some ups and downs just like any car really... once you smack 8400 rpms through 1st and 2nd you quickly realize she's worth all the headaches she puts you through

[da jemster]

1. Like you said, most likely a pulley or belt but item #3 is a roadblock to fix this item #1

2. Check the fluid level. If you can DIY: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746269. If you trust the maintenance history, verify the level; if you don't, replace the fluid.

3. ...seriously, I accidentally chopped off the lever off my E46 (lever vs. garage door). So now, I have to stick my finger deep into her just to release her (take this sentence for what it's worth ) So take a peek between the grill.

[da jemster]

Sorry...my mind was still wandering when I answered #3 after replying on this thread: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1612463

[Ccambrid]

Originally Posted by Siajoon

Yeah, although it'll give you some ups and downs just like any car really... once you smack 8400 rpms through 1st and 2nd you quickly realize she's worth all the headaches she puts you through

I love it so much, and to be honest, this car doesn't worry me half as much as my old N54 335i, or even my N55 335i. The N54 was a total nightmare when it wasn't working right.

[Ccambrid]

Originally Posted by da jemster

1. Like you said, most likely a pulley or belt but item #3 is a roadblock to fix this item #1

2. Check the fluid level. If you can DIY: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746269. If you trust the maintenance history, verify the level; if you don't, replace the fluid.

3. ...seriously, I accidentally chopped off the lever off my E46 (lever vs. garage door). So now, I have to stick my finger deep into her just to release her (take this sentence for what it's worth ) So take a peek between the grill.

This is super helpful! So, you guys don't think the dct noises are anything to worry about, assuming I change the fluid?

[Siajoon]

Originally Posted by Ccambrid

I love it so much, and to be honest, this car doesn't worry me half as much as my old N54 335i, or even my N55 335i. The N54 was a total nightmare when it wasn't working right.

you are preaching to the choir my friend. I came from a n54 135i and I couldn't begin to list the number of problems I had with it.. it was a total nightmare..

[da jemster]

Originally Posted by Siajoon

you are preaching to the choir my friend. I came from a n54 135i and I couldn't begin to list the number of problems I had with it.. it was a total nightmare..

A friend has the total opposite experience with his 135i. Been reliable, he's thrown a lot at it. Started with Dinan Stage II, then upgraded clutch, then ditched Dinan for JB. I believe he's ran 147 at Speed S3ctor. 143 with my fat ass in the car. "FST 135"

[Ccambrid]

Originally Posted by da jemster

A friend has the total opposite experience with his 135i. Been reliable, he's thrown a lot at it. Started with Dinan Stage II, then upgraded clutch, then ditched Dinan for JB. I believe he's ran 147 at Speed S3ctor. 143 with my fat ass in the car. "FST 135"

Good deal. When it worked and wasn't broken, it was total hammer haha.

[Gripster]

Welcome to E93 DCT ownership.

Get the DCT checked, but it's probably nothing to worry about. I don't recall hearing the specific issue you have, but do know that the DCT is much more 'mechanical' than other auto transmissions you may have had in the past. You will get used to its character in time.

I also found that this thread was great when I first got my car https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512258.