2010 E90 M3 6MT Trans / Diff Noise

[m3motorhead]

From Day 1, the drivetrain on this car has made noises that aren't in keeping with the refinement of the rest of the car. Here's what I've noticed: In neutral, at idle, when I engage the clutch, it makes a "whirring/rattling" noise. I hear this same noise when driving at speeds generally less than 50 mph. In addition, the diff makes a "whining" noise at between 40 mph and 50 mph in any gear. Lastly, there seems to be an unusually high amount of gear lash or "slop" in the drivetrain. For example, when I decelerate in 3rd gear and let the car slow down using engine braking, when the engine speed hits approx. 1200 rpm, the car bucks and gives a loud "clunk". Has anybody experienced similar issues and if so, what have you learned?

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by m3motorhead

From Day 1, the drivetrain on this car has made noises that aren't in keeping with the refinement of the rest of the car. Here's what I've noticed: In neutral, at idle, when I engage the clutch, it makes a "whirring/rattling" noise. I hear this same noise when driving at speeds generally less than 50 mph. In addition, the diff makes a "whining" noise at between 40 mph and 50 mph in any gear. Lastly, there seems to be an unusually high amount of gear lash or "slop" in the drivetrain. For example, when I decelerate in 3rd gear and let the car slow down using engine braking, when the engine speed hits approx. 1200 rpm, the car bucks and gives a loud "clunk". Has anybody experienced similar issues and if so, what have you learned?

Everything you have described is normal. This is hands down the best ///M 6MT I have ever owned. The noise in N is the lightwieght flywheel, the diff whining is normal as well. The car is refined but balanced with high-performance you will undoubtably trade some refinement as you call it in the tranny for durability. JMO. The engine braking down to 1200rpm resulting in bucking is user error. Don't you think leaving it in gear down to 1,200 rpm is a bit low?

[BlackLight]

a clutch.

If you had bought a DCT, none of this would have happened...

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by BlackLight

a clutch.

If you had bought a DCT, none of this would have happened...

You my friend are BEYOND help. Why are you trying to turn this into a 6MT vs. DCT arguement? How old are you anyway? Why don't you get back on your bicycle and go to your friends house to play XBOX. Adults are talking here!

[M3twins]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

Everything you have described is normal. This is hands down the best ///M 6MT I have ever owned. The noise in N is the lightwieght flywheel, the diff whining is normal as well. The car is refined but balanced with high-performance you will undoubtably trade some refinement as you call it in the tranny for durability. JMO. The engine braking down to 1200rpm resulting in bucking is user error. Don't you think leaving it in gear down to 1,200 rpm is a bit low?

+1. Sounds normal. The '08 E93 (6MT) ///M3 I previously owned did all of what you describe and I never experienced any problems. As Metak said, you have to get used to the various noises associated with a performance oriented transmission and adjust your driving to smooth things out..

[m3motorhead]

Thanks Metak and M3Twins. I've noticed that the gear lash issue can be controlled by "smoothing" things out a bit more and the noise issues probably only seem extreme to me because my other car is a 2003 E43 Sedan w/ the 3.0L and 5MT. That drivetrain is a lot quieter and more forgiving of a ham-fisted operator !!! I'll say this about the 6MT in the M3, man when you get on it, it shifts like a precision rifle-bolt. It is the most awesome thing I've ever driven.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by m3motorhead

when the engine speed hits approx. 1200 rpm, the car bucks and gives a loud "clunk".

This is due to the injectors kicking in, since they're shut down on deceleration, but fired up again near idle so engine doesn't stall. However, my car doesn't clunk when I coast to a stop, where I simply push the gear lever to N at idle speed without clutch. But I can feel a slight lurch right at the rpm you reported.

And yes, I also expected more 'refinement' on the drivetrain, but all noises you mentioned are normal indeed. They were present on all 4 M3s I drove. Hope you can sleep at night now . Just kidding man. Take care.

[tha_good_life]

sounds like the same kind of sounds i hear from my car.

[Nawaaz]

Yup, everything you described seems normal.

Enjoy your M!

[markjord]

I also was disappointed with the noises. I fixed my diff groan with an oil change but the clutch / gearbox noises really are worrying until you accept that they are "normal". Mine is really noticeable when manoeuvring at low speeds; as I reverse up my drive and then move to first there feels to be a lag in the drivetrain - as if everything is not connected very tightly. Feels like it's about to snap - not what I expectd from a car of this quality. It's the only thing that lets it down. With hindsight I think I would have prefered the DCT but couldn't afford one (I bought a used 2007).

[saeedg48]

Sounds normal. But to me it sounds like all of what's going on in my car x5.. So maybe get new diff fluids and trans' fluid and see if that solves the problem. Test drive another M3 and make sure; hey, is this just going on in my car or what".. You know get more of a feel for it before you get dissapointed.
Good luck.

[M3Bliss]

Originally Posted by markjord

I also was disappointed with the noises. I fixed my diff groan with an oil change but the clutch / gearbox noises really are worrying until you accept that they are "normal". Mine is really noticeable when manoeuvring at low speeds; as I reverse up my drive and then move to first there feels to be a lag in the drivetrain - as if everything is not connected very tightly. Feels like it's about to snap - not what I expectd from a car of this quality. It's the only thing that lets it down. With hindsight I think I would have prefered the DCT but couldn't afford one (I bought a used 2007).

Ha Ha I think each box has its own issues. I know that every time I'm driving around town and experience that momentary lag I wish I would have purchased the 6 speed but then when I'm rolling through some turns and cracking off lightning fast shifts I pat myself on the back for good judgment. I guess the grass is always greener. Enjoy your car.

[drft92]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

Everything you have described is normal. This is hands down the best ///M 6MT I have ever owned. The noise in N is the lightwieght flywheel, the diff whining is normal as well. The car is refined but balanced with high-performance you will undoubtably trade some refinement as you call it in the tranny for durability. JMO. The engine braking down to 1200rpm resulting in bucking is user error. Don't you think leaving it in gear down to 1,200 rpm is a bit low?

+1...Buy an exhaust and all of those noises will be absent, just the beautiful sound of 8 firing pistons.

[808E90]

Originally Posted by BlackLight

a clutch.

If you had bought a DCT, none of this would have happened...

[Krozi]

It's the beast. Drive it like it was supposed to and NONE of those clunky shenanigans will be present. What would you say if the car clunked and made weird sounds when you really get on it? The car is so much more solid when your beating the snot out of it.

[photogS]

Seems to be pretty normal. Don't bring the engine down to 1200 rpm - engage a clutch or downshift a little earlier.

This however:

Originally Posted by m3motorhead

I'll say this about the 6MT in the M3, man when you get on it, it shifts like a precision rifle-bolt. It is the most awesome thing I've ever driven.

Hmm, really? I think shifter/clutch is the worst part about the car. I've been driving manual my whole life and this is one of the worst manuals in the sporty car I've ever experienced. I think it's a disgrace really
If you want to experience awesome shifter try Honda S2000 or at least Mazda MX5/Miata

I learned to regret getting a 6 speed, and I've always been a die hard manual fan. Sorry for the rant

ETA: Thinking about it, I don't get differential noise (at least I don't hear it) at any speed. This doesn't sound normal. Maybe you should have that checked? Did you perform 1200 mile service yet? It may be due to the fact that the differential is being broken in and it may fade with time, but if it's loud enough to hear it at 40-50mph I'd be worried

[andret]

I have searched the forum for this as I have had the same problem. The problem is when trying to drive smoothly at slow speeds, such as carparks and intersections, it requires extra effort to keep it smooth.

The transition from being on and off throttle is quite harsh, but now I understand this is due to the light flywheel and high engine compression.

What I dislike most is the 1200rpm kick when slowing down off throttle. I like to slow down to very low revs as the V8 handles it well. But the 1200rpm kick is quite annoying. Is this really necessary? Could this be disabled?

[lve2xlr8]

I have dct and I get differential whine from 35-45mph, figure this is normal..

[thatg]

Back from the dead, was snooping around and notice I have this as well, around 40mph is when i usually notice a sort of drone from the drive train, pretty annoying as im usually at that speed when driving local roads. Lol also have a steering wheel shake around 80mph on the highway so every speed has its own sort of characteristic