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Just got an '02 M3. I'm getting a clunking noise from the trans when shifting into neutral from 1st at low speeds (e.g., when pulling into a driveway). This occurs when I depress the clutch. Anyone have similar experience with this? Thanks for any input.

Thats normal, supposed to be fixed in the 03+ M3s.

Brian

Thanks for the reply, Brian- do you know if there is an official statement from BMW on this issue?

I get this clunk in my 95 M3, is it common in e36s?

That clunk is normal, and yes you get that on the e36 m3s too, but it's louder and more so on the e46 m3s because of how bmw designed the drivetrain.

In addition to my '02 M3, I have a '99 M3 (for sale in sales forum!), but have not heard a similar noise for the 2 years I've owned it- go figure...

My '05 does it too, my friends '04 as well. Techs from two different dealers says it's normal. Must be normal.

My '05 does it too, my friends '04 as well. Techs from two different dealers says it's normal. Must be normal.

its not normal, but it doesnt need to be replaced

its not actually your trans, its the differential bushings. under torque they are fine but when going from a gear to neutral the torque in the diffential is released causing the bushings to flex a little and your diff moving generating the sound. i had the bushings replaced in mine with polyeurothane and the sound went away. but eventually (approx 100k miles) the sound might get worse and the bushings will need replacing.

Where did you get the polyurethane bushings??? Having this issue right now but do not want to go with solid bushing as my car does not see much track time at all