This clunking is driving me crazy, help!!

[Rango]

On my 2000 z3 2.8 5 speed I have a deep metallic clunk (sometimes multiple) when I shift from 1-3 and it seems like it’s coming from my trans or the back of the car I know it’s getting up there in age being 25 years old with 108k miles but I don’t know whether to assume it’s the diff bushing or the guibo as I don’t have a lift to properly see under the car, thanks!

 

[shera25]

On these cars it’s pretty common for that kind of clunk to be driveline-related rather than the gearbox itself. Worn guibo, center support bearing, or diff bushings are usually the first things to check, especially at that age and mileage. If you can’t get it on a lift yet, keep an ear out for whether it’s worse on on/off throttle, which can help narrow it down. Hopefully someone else can chime in with what fixed theirs.

 

[Nodzed]

Other than the obvious bushes etc, lift the boot carpet and check the diff hanger spot welds haven't let go. Another odd one, check the rear anti roll bar brackets, they are only spot welded on, if one lets go you will get a clunking. (happened to me)

 

[Grumps]

Diff slap. My 2.8 used to do it. If you drive smoothly through the gears you will likely find it won't do it.

 

[Nodzed]

If you drive smoothly through the gears you will likely find it won't do it.

Well that's no fun!

 

[Z Victor 1]

Yup, my 2.8 had it at 30k miles!! To be honest every BMW I've had , especially the 1990 s to 2009 models had poor gear changes from first to second in particular. Changes from third upwards are ok.

 

[Grumps]

Well that's no fun!

Following you in September that is abundantly clear

 

[Rango]

On these cars it’s pretty common for that kind of clunk to be driveline-related rather than the gearbox itself. Worn guibo, center support bearing, or diff bushings are usually the first things to check, especially at that age and mileage. If you can’t get it on a lift yet, keep an ear out for whether it’s worse on on/off throttle, which can help narrow it down. Hopefully someone else can chime in with what fixed theirs.

I hear it primarily once I put the clutch in when I shift so no throttle If that helps narrow it down and I don’t typically hear it just cruising unless I hit a bad bump in the road and it’s not rhythmic at all so I don’t think it would be my csb, thank you for all the help!

 

[Rango]

Other than the obvious bushes etc, lift the boot carpet and check the diff hanger spot welds haven't let go. Another odd one, check the rear anti roll bar brackets, they are only spot welded on, if one lets go you will get a clunking. (happened to me)

When I got the car less than 10k miles ago those welds in the trunk appeared to be all in tact and the ones that hold the diff on under the car on the subframe almost appear to be perfectly fine as well.