Fun creaky M3 video!

[Transfer]

Ok I hate these "what's that noise?" threads because there are a billion weird noises from our cars, but WHAT'S THAT NOISE? I wasn't sure if I should post in engine or suspension sub-topics because I don't know which is the issue so here I am. 2012 E92 M3 ZCP DCT with 38k miles, all stock except a stage 1 and DCT tune.

I've been hearing this creaky clicky ticking sound for a month or more and it really comes and goes, more pronouced when driving slow after driving hard. Recently more noticeable when reversing although not sure that means anything. Only present when in motion. Thought it was suspension (coil bind?) but it's independent of that as seen in video on flat smooth garage floor and turning wheel doesn't really affect it. Engine has increased NVH in cabin when this is occurring as well but that is independent of motion. I even had one moment where it felt like something was very briefly grabbing on slow off the line and then snapped free.

Overall the car drives great, pulls hard, no performance issues, but just does not sound right at times. I took it into my BMW SA and they couldn't replicate it but looked over all suspension and reported it's fine.

So seems like this is more a drivetrain issue (motor mounts? I dunno) but I'm stumped with my very limited knowledge. I'm going to send this video to my SA as well.

Thanks for any help!

[1MOREMOD]

Blinker fluid low, will do that.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Blinker fluid low, will do that.

well thank god I have this coupon!

[1MOREMOD]

Oh nice!

[kyrix1st]

M3 drivers don't need blinker fluid. Oh wait...

[m235boy]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Ok I hate these "what's that noise?" threads because there are a billion weird noises from our cars, but WHAT'S THAT NOISE? I wasn't sure if I should post in engine or suspension sub-topics because I don't know which is the issue so here I am. 2012 E92 M3 ZCP DCT with 38k miles, all stock except a stage 1 and DCT tune.

I've been hearing this creaky clicky ticking sound for a month or more and it really comes and goes, more pronouced when driving slow after driving hard. Recently more noticeable when reversing although not sure that means anything. Only present when in motion. Thought it was suspension (coil bind?) but it's independent of that as seen in video on flat smooth garage floor and turning wheel doesn't really affect it. Engine has increased NVH in cabin when this is occurring as well but that is independent of motion. I even had one moment where it felt like something was very briefly grabbing on slow off the line and then snapped free.

Overall the car drives great, pulls hard, no performance issues, but just does not sound right at times. I took it into my BMW SA and they couldn't replicate it but looked over all suspension and reported it's fine.

So seems like this is more a drivetrain issue (motor mounts? I dunno) but I'm stumped with my very limited knowledge. I'm going to send this video to my SA as well.

Thanks for any help!

Check behind the brake rotors for rocks, etc, hard to tell from the video if its the same sound but mine was making weird noises like that at slow speeds and it was crap behind the brake rotors and the dust shields, pushed them back away from the rotor a bit and it was completely gone

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by m235boy

Check behind the brake rotors for rocks, etc, hard to tell from the video if its the same sound but mine was making weird noises like that at slow speeds and it was crap behind the brake rotors and the dust shields, pushed them back away from the rotor a bit and it was completely gone

It doesn't sound like that IMO

[Transfer]

But I have NVH in cabin and there are clunks and pops at times and I don't have cowbell. Also, this morning I noticed sound more noticeable with accelerating and decelerating, like rocking of motor makes a difference. I think it's the motor mounts.

[m235boy]

Originally Posted by Transfer

But I have NVH in cabin and there are clunks and pops at times and I don't have cowbell. Also, this morning I noticed sound more noticeable with accelerating and decelerating, like rocking of motor makes a difference. I think it's the motor mounts.

Time to replace rod bearings and while you're in there change motor mounts

[Scrippy]

I suspect a leaky or faulty lifter. This is so fucking common that it frustrates me. I've gone to 4 dealers and PAID for service work (diagnose obvious noise) only for them to come up with nothing. I feel like if not a hydraulic lifter, valve stem seal and/or oil pressure issue in general (lacking of). Anyone who tells you rodbearings should walk into a wall with their arms at their sides.

[kerrit]

It does remind me of a valvetrain rattle. Hope it’s not though!

[Transfer]

It's weird it really comes and goes. Got a shop appointment next Tuesday to exercise that Carmax warranty!

[m235boy]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

I suspect a leaky or faulty lifter. This is so fucking common that it frustrates me. I've gone to 4 dealers and PAID for service work (diagnose obvious noise) only for them to come up with nothing. I feel like if not a hydraulic lifter, valve stem seal and/or oil pressure issue in general (lacking of). Anyone who tells you rodbearings should walk into a wall with their arms at their sides.

I didn't mean the noise was rob bearings, it was a joke

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by m235boy

I didn't mean the noise was rob bearings, it was a joke

No worries! The paranoia has to stop and only factual information needs to be spread or every post becomes.....RB

[Transfer]

Well turned out to be a 10 mm socket that someone dropped in the engine bay at some point and it wedged between engine and lower engine plate or something like that. Seriously.

During inspection they found my DCT was leaking quite significantly so $2000 fix on warranty ($150 deductible) and that's mopped up. I only paid $2300 for the Carmax warranty so yeehaw.

Eastside Bavarian did a great job fixing these issues but Carmax inspection for warranty approval took three days to sort out. I'm back on the road and car drives great again.