rear diff help??

jayeAC · Mon, Oct-04-2010, 09:36:28 PM

hi guys
i was under my 2003 m3 today there has been a little clunking noise when i put it in reverse and noticed that both output shafts are leaking......also the driver side has alot off up and down play in it

im new to m3s so some advice would be superb

thanks
jaye

jayeAC · Tue, Oct-05-2010, 03:51:17 PM

also is it wise to still drive it??...........iv set the smg to gay mode and it doesnt clunk as much.

nschmdbrg · Mon, Oct-11-2010, 11:30:02 PM

I had similar symptoms in my 540i. A day later (on my way to the repair shop), the differential locked up and I threw an axle... sounded like the rear end exploded. Hence I had to tow the car.... I would get this inspected asap. Has the differential fluid been changed lately? Also, the guibo (rubber bushing in the driveshaft) is prone to wear and tear, and can make a clunking noise also..

rhumbline · Fri, Oct-29-2010, 07:16:53 PM

The M-Diff is notorious for sounding like a '68 Chevy pickup with 200K hard miles on it, i.e., clunking in (especially lower) gears. Seems like they must have measured gear lash at the factory with a wooden yard stick. However, as low rent as it sounds, it is "normal," if annoying.

Leaking side axle seals are not exactly normal, but not uncommon once you've get up in mileage a bit. If not too serious, I would get repaired at your next major service. If it really is leaking noticeably, you might want to double check your diff oil level to be safe and get it dealt with rather soon.

Not sure about the up/down play -- like the actual diff output shaft moving up and down relative to the axle bore? That could be something much more serious. Some radial play is normal, i.e., twisting the axle and having some play, but not actual up and down movement.

Mon, Oct-04-2010, 09:36:28 PM	#1
jayeAC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 10 Reputation: 0	rear diff help?? hi guys i was under my 2003 m3 today there has been a little clunking noise when i put it in reverse and noticed that both output shafts are leaking......also the driver side has alot off up and down play in it im new to m3s so some advice would be superb thanks jaye Last edited by jayeAC; Mon, Oct-04-2010 at 10:01:40 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Tue, Oct-05-2010, 03:51:17 PM	#2
jayeAC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 10 Reputation: 0	also is it wise to still drive it??...........iv set the smg to gay mode and it doesnt clunk as much.

Mon, Oct-11-2010, 11:30:02 PM	#3
nschmdbrg Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 68 Reputation: 0 Location: Marietta	I had similar symptoms in my 540i. A day later (on my way to the repair shop), the differential locked up and I threw an axle... sounded like the rear end exploded. Hence I had to tow the car.... I would get this inspected asap. Has the differential fluid been changed lately? Also, the guibo (rubber bushing in the driveshaft) is prone to wear and tear, and can make a clunking noise also..

Fri, Oct-29-2010, 07:16:53 PM	#4
rhumbline Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 634 In the garage: '82 Yamaha Superjet '00 VOLVO S70 '01 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Alexandria	The M-Diff is notorious for sounding like a '68 Chevy pickup with 200K hard miles on it, i.e., clunking in (especially lower) gears. Seems like they must have measured gear lash at the factory with a wooden yard stick. However, as low rent as it sounds, it is "normal," if annoying. Leaking side axle seals are not exactly normal, but not uncommon once you've get up in mileage a bit. If not too serious, I would get repaired at your next major service. If it really is leaking noticeably, you might want to double check your diff oil level to be safe and get it dealt with rather soon. Not sure about the up/down play -- like the actual diff output shaft moving up and down relative to the axle bore? That could be something much more serious. Some radial play is normal, i.e., twisting the axle and having some play, but not actual up and down movement.