E36 1st gear pull away sound - PLS HELP

[Just-ify]

Hi guys (again)

So by now you probably know that I bought my first ever BMW two weeks ago (a 316i with just over 100 000kms on it and FSH). I've been very happy with the car, it drives like a dream.

In the back of my mind however I've been waiting for the inevitable "start to fall apart" jinx that everyone was warning me about... "BMWs are great cars but I hope you have deep pockets to keep it running".

After my radiator replacement I wasn't too concerned, but now I'm hearing a strange sound when pulling away in 1st gear (sound file video link here -> [video=youtube]

).

I'm hoping this is something minor and easy to fix, cause I'm feeling the pangs of buyer's remorse :/ - which I'd like to just laugh off as being silly.

Can anyone offer an opinion on what could be at fault?

Tx a mill.

 

[Phoenix]

Not a great clip but sounds like a bearing possibly? i'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to transmissions but in my opinion bearing, possibly thrust bearing.

 

[Just-ify]

Phoenix> I'll do a series of 1st gear pull aways next time.

Strange though, its silent again, so definitely isnt a permanent sound at the moment.

Any idea what a thrust bearing entails? Rough pricing?

 

[Raybimmer]

Imho the thrust bearing should not make noise all the time , it should be heard when using clutch .
Listen to noise , when does it happen ? clutch in or out ? Only on pullaway and in 1st ? Not on decelleration ? Are you sure it is clutch related ?

 

[Just-ify]

Ray>

It is currently a random problem (comes and goes), but the way it happens is always the same.

Always happens on clutch release on pull away in first. The slower I release the clutch the longer the sound lasts. Once the car is in gear the sound stops.

Switching to other gears makes no abnormal sounds.

My driving style has remained constant...

I'm not suggesting its clutch related, but happens during the clutch sequence... maybe suspension?

 

[Alex@Madnessmotorsport]

Hi Bud, it does sound like your thrust bearing. You will only hear it in first gear when you take off cause there is no road noise etc. Mine is having the clutch and bearing replaced now for the same reason. Just started one day with a rattling Grrrr sound when pushing the cluth in and releasing. Take a look at the pics and you will see my bearing has completely split apart!

Not a cheap excercise either im afraid, depending on what you change

 

[Loom]

Your current issue asides I wouldn't have sleepless nights about buying an E36 that has done only 100k km. It's fairly easy to work on and you can get cheaper parts at Goldwagen. Our 316i has been in the family for 10 years and 173k km (now on 240k km) and except for a head gasket replacement at 134k km there has been no major issues.

 

[Just-ify]

So here's a bit of an update:

I went to some local workshops during lunch for some opinions.

The initial diagnosis from the one company was "I'm 99.9% sure its the clutch release bearing" that's making that noise. I'll cost you R 5200 (including a new clutch kit and spigot shaft bearing).

I was like... ooooo-k, thats only 1/4 of the value of the car!

I then took it to my regular mechanic who took a listen and immediately identified it as the rear right break mechanism. Apparently something to do with the alignment - a common problem. He did mention that my release bearing is making a sound, but its not serious yet. He quoted R3000 for the same job as the other company (to fix the release bearing).

Pays to shop around and to ask around it seems!