This clunking is driving me crazy, help!!

Rango

Rango

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Dec 15, 2025
Points
13
Location
Oklahoma
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
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!
 
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.
 
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)
 
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.
 
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.
 
shera25 said:
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.
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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!
 
Nodzed said:
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)
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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.
 
I also have this awful sound/rattle/shaking when hitting the clutch when there is torque from the motor on the driveline . But only when shifting from 1. to 2. Gear. I have changed the Guibo, the center bearing and the rubber bushing that the diff. is hanging in. But it didn't change a thing regarding this sound. Can it be the rubber bushing in the rear sub frame? Or has anyone surgestions of what to try next ?
 
That is very similar to what I have. Definitely noticeable when shifting 1 to 2. I will be interested to see where this goes
 
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