2003 BMW 330 Clutch or Transmission noise

EXTREMESCO

MEMBER
2003 BMW 330
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
85,000 MILES

I have a BMW 330i with the 5 speed manual. For the last 15000 miles there sounded like a knock from the rear of the engine. When I push the clutch in the noise went away. Lately the knocking chattering noise has gotten worse but it goes away sometimes. When I push the clutch in the noise either goes away or gets lower. I brought it to the BMW dealer and they said it is probally a chipped gear in the transmission. A new one costs $5000. My friend is a auto tech and he says it could be a release bearring or a clutch plate. The car shifts fine and never grinds. Would the chipped gear cause other problems. I am not sure.

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 3:37 AM

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,603 POSTS

Noise is not easily transmitted in cyberspace. I have repaired clutch issues that had produced noise, but I have never come across a chipped tooth in a transmission in a BMW ever, period. The car has no driveability issues so this will be like elective surgery. How long will you be willing to put up with this noise?

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 8:51 AM

EXTREMESCO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The noise is getting pretty bad. I was gong to replace the clutch set and hope for the best. It's the 5 speed trans. I know there was special tools for the 6 speed is the 5 speed the same or easier to replace.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 9:13 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,603 POSTS

The number of gears in the transmission does not factor in, they are all similar as far as clutch replacement. The need for a clutch alignment tool is there because of the nature of the self adjusting clutch, it has a holding plate in the disc that must not be removed until after the pressure plate is installed and tightened. Replace the pivot pin while you are in there, the kit does not include it.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 4:23 PM