E90 330i Noisy Gearbox

[sabre_zn]

I read in a previous post that their was a guy that complained about a noisy gearbox when the clutch is released and the car is in neutral. When you engage the clutch the noise disappears. Does anyone have an answer as to what causes this noise, I hear people say that it is normal, not really a person who subscribes to the term "its normal". Need some answers as to why a R200k car makes this sort of noise, one can expect "funny" noises like this from a Chery or Tata, not a BMW.

Maybe I am just expecting too much?

 

[MikeR]

thrust bearing makes that noise as it rattles on the shaft, it can be conceived as normal once they wear a bit but it would be up to the experts if it needs replacing.

 

[sabre_zn]

Thanks for the input MikeR, so I gather once the thrust bearing is replaced the noise will stop?

 

[zaleonardz]

But you would be silly to do just a thrust bearing, as it labour is the same as a full clutch job.

While I agree with you, a 200k should not have those noises, have somebody check it out and confirm that it is the thurst bearing, if it is, monitor the noise if it changes/gets worse. If it does not, ride it out until you need a clutch job done.

What KM's do you have on the car ?

 

[sabre_zn]

The car has 78000km on the clock, the noise is noticeable from the inside, i am sure the noise will get worse as time goes on.

 

[akash]

78000km if on motorplan take it to BMW

 

[sabre_zn]

still on motorplan, will do..

 

[zaleonardz]

If it is under motorplan, have the clutch replaced.

Although, audible from the cabin does mean its quite bad...

 

[Philip Foglar]

As my signature says, I have an E90 330i manual which now has around 53k km on the clock. The gearbox is a tad notchy going from 1st to 2nd, apparently a common issue and I have also noticed this noise that you describe, but maybe not as noticeable. With the windows up I can't say I hear it, but with the driver's window down in the garage I can sometimes hear it and in particular when stopped near a wall on the driver's side so that the noise is reflected.

I have read that the release bearing in these cars is made up of some sort of (believe it or not) plastic or strong nylon material. Apparently sitting with your foot on the clutch pedal at the lights is a no-no (generally, but in particular for this car), even just resting your foot on the pedal is not advised. So as painful as it is I sit at the robots with the car in neutral and my foot off the clutch...

From what you are saying though, yours is quite noisy so I would take it to the agents! :thumbsup:

 

[sabre_zn]

Thanks for the advise, will definitely take it in to have it checked, suppose its my bad luck I have to inherit the poor drive style of the previous owner.

 

[Philip Foglar]

On the subject of noises, I gather your engine idles relatively quietly like mine? There is a known problem that can develop with the hydraulic lifters - load metallic ticking noise!! Under motorplan they would need to replace these lifters etc.

 

[sabre_zn]

for now it idles relatively silent, also notices that when the car idles in the morning, the noise is not there :thinking:
But never-the-less will have it checked before my Easter vacation :thumb:

 

[Philip Foglar]

For interest and reference - 328i (same as the 330i, just less power - same size too):

Noisy - been replaced under motorplan:

[video=youtube]

Normal - cylinder head recently replaced:

[video=youtube]

Keeping an eye (err, ear) on mine though, but seems to be normal...