Shifting Noise!.. Trouble?

[93 325i]

i have been noticing a "thud" when i am changing gears. It isn't when the clutch is engaged/disengaged, it is when I physically move the shifter into gear..I have noticed it going into 1st, 2nd, & reverse from a stand still... Also it doesnt make the noise everytime..maybe 1/3rd of the time it will thud..do i have a major problem on the horizon or what?

i have done searches and have seen subframe failure or that it is a normal noise and not to be concerned. Why would it be the subframe from just changing gears at a stand still?? Figure any kind of frame issues would be congruent with movement..but im just a rookie here..Anyone had this happen?? I need

[Autotechnica]

Read this, I just replied to it

link

[93 325i]

So differential carrier mounts.. IE rear subframe..son of a.. I just bought this car a few weeks ago and got a pretty good deal. $3800 w/ 125k..the deal just got a bit worse tho..figured there was something wrong that would pop up within a few weeks, but i guess it could be worse eh? *knock on wood*

Thanx for clarifying tho..very appreciative

BTW- sweet carbon fiber hood

[Autotechnica]

Thanks,

Anyways, for the price you paid for the car, that extra $400+ repair bill isn't too bad. Just make sure you find a good welder and a shop with experience. You want to have those plates professionally welded into there.

I had this very same problem on my previous '92 E36. I had it fixed and the car was never better. I have recently swapped it for a '94.

good luck!

Bry

[93 325i]

I noticed 94+ have the reinforced plates welded in already..I was just happy to get VANOS and didnt even know to look for sub-frame problem..Im gonna get in the air and take a look for myself and look for the cracked mounts..If i hold off on repair am i in any immediate danger of serious problems??

[97alpineM3]

Any movement in your rear subframe can lead to other components being worn even more... I've had two of my friends go through the same ordeal wth their cars... differential mounts were lose... trailing arm bushings were shot .... whether you know it or not.. there is a lot of movement that goes on the rear of the car... there is a fine line between to much movement.. and not enough... with a rip in your subframe.. that will cause more then enough movement.. to demolish many other components.... best bet.. if you have to drive on it for a while before you can fix it... then just drive carefully... .. dont exercise your cars RPM... just be chill... you should do only minimal damage.. but I would honestly say to not drive it at all.. and just fix it... that way there is no chance.... Good luck either way..

Les

[Autotechnica]

Depending on how badly it's cracked. Generally speaking, it's not safe at all. If the carrier mounts on the rear sub-frame completely seperate, the only thing holding the diff in place are the bolts! Once that comes off (and it will), your diff will fly off and the rear wheels along with it. Picture that happening while your going 100km/h. n

Bry

[theogill]

I have noticed a similar problem in my 98 328i, when shifting into 1st mainly (from a standstill). Is this an indication of a rear subframe issue? Other members have stated that the newer e36's have extra support plates welded in. What do you all think about my issue? used
Thanks,
Ted

[Brian325i]

Originally posted by theogill@Sep 21 2004, 09:34 PM
I have noticed a similar problem in my 98 328i, when shifting into 1st mainly (from a standstill). Is this an indication of a rear subframe issue? Other members have stated that the newer e36's have extra support plates welded in. What do you all think about my issue? used
Thanks,
Ted

[snapback]196540[/snapback]

Yeah same here, I also hear a subtle thud shifting into 1st from stand still but only sometimes. It's not a real big thud but it's there. I'm thinking it has to do with my clutch though.

[theogill]

Yeah, I think it might hav eto do with my clutch too, especially since my car is a 98. But I'd like to hear from the ones in the know, so I don't take it to the dealer and get my whole rear end replaced (that how they operate here).

ANy ideas guys?girls?

[Autotechnica]

You guys with '98s, doubtful it's the sub-frame. I abuse my '94 pretty bad and I track and auto-x it. It has 250,000km's and the sub-frame is still perfect. I think maybe you have some worn out bushings, possibly too much play in the tranny. Check the tranny mounts. Wouldn't hurt to check the sub-frame out while you have the car jacked up.

Bry

[uiuc240]

OK...I have a similar question.

I just bought a 94 coupe 5MT, and it makes a low, subtle thump when putting the car into 1st when stopped. The rest of the time, the shifting is smooth, and there are no clunks or thunks. Is this something that is common? I know the previous owner, and he drove it this way for quite some time. Is this just the way the car is? It only happens when I shift into gear when stopped...

Thanks!

Eric

[93 325i]

Reguearding my problem that is eriely similar to yours-I called a local BMW dealer and asked if they had seen or heard any problems reguarding sub-frame failures in early year E36's and he said none..So im being optimistic..

[uiuc240]

I just read on Bimmerforums.com that this "thump" is a common BMW noise. Unless mine starts happening more often, I'm just going to leave it alone.

Eric

[93 325i]

i have tried to ignore it but I want my car perfect and it bugs the hell outta me..I read that it was a "normal" noise too but I have driven other E36's that dont *THUD* so naturally I dont wnat mine to thud..when i get a diagnosis i'll inform all