///M3 in the shop.....Again

[Crash]

Well this time it's in because I'm hearing quite a bit of noise coming from the rear diff. I'm hearing a very noticeable groan especially when taking sharp low speed turns. According to my SA, there's a bulletin from BMW about this. The bulletin said that the groan is "normal." I don't see how what I'm hearing could be normal. Do any other ///M owners have this problem?

[snowball]

Well this time it's in because I'm hearing quite a bit of noise coming from the rear diff. I'm hearing a very noticeable groan especially when taking sharp low speed turns. According to my SA, there's a bulletin from BMW about this. The bulletin said that the groan is "normal." I don't see how what I'm hearing could be normal. Do any other ///M owners have this problem?

We had a BMW bulletin released when it was happening on the M5/6's:

Measure Number: 5150634-02
Subject: Grating noises from the differential when cornering
Release date: September 12, 2006
Status: Approved
Organisation: GB, CAR

Vehicles affected: E60 E63 Body: Coupe Limo (i.e. M5 and M6)
Engine: S85

Complaint:

Grating noises from the differential when cornering at low speed.

Cause:

Slip-stick effect between the lined disc and steel disc of the rear-axle differential lock in the event of a difference in wheel rotation speeds on the rear axle.

Measure:

In the event of a complaint, fill the differential with special differential oil, part number 83 22 2 282 583. Differential filling volume 1.1 litres.

Caution: After the oil change, a distance of approximately 600 miles (1000km) must be covered before the noise will be completely eradicated.

Procedure in accordance with Service Information 33 01 02 (850)


Fault:

Fault location: Chassis, rear axle (drive)
Nature of fault: Distinct perception (noise)
Condition: Driving operation, while driving cornering/lateral inclination

Defect:

Main group
33 Rear axle

Subgroup
10 Rear final drive

Location
02 Grating noise from final drive unit (HAG) when cornering (limited-slip differential)

[Crash]

Interesting to know. I hope that's all that's wrong with mine and not bigger issues.

[snowball]

Interesting to know. I hope that's all that's wrong with mine and not bigger issues.

The BMW generic name for the oil is: FINAL-DR GEAR OIL 3. ;)

[Crash]

I hate nothing more than to have cars in the shop. Especially when I don't know exactly what's wrong.

[Titanium 325]

What else have you had to take it in for already?

[RaceMX-M3]

Great info snowball, thanks for sharing. :thumbsup2:

[Crash]

Well right after I got it, a guy that was inspecting it scrapped up the front bumper so they paid to get that fixed. Then it went in for the 1200 mile service. Then twice for loud squealing brakes. Now for a noisy rear end. I've had my GT500 since Nov. '07 and it's only been in the shop twice.

[Qship5]

+1 on the good info Snowball

[Crash]

Just got word my car's ready and they just changed the fluid and noise is gone. Hope this will be the case.

[Crash]

Good as new!

[Blake]

Hmmm...did they change the diff fluid at the 1200 mile service?

[Crash]

Not sure I need to check my ticket from that.

[RaceMX-M3]

GT,

good to see you at Classic today. :beer: Hope all is well. The low speed diff grind has been a common issue with newer gen M cars. Hopefully the fluid change gits-r-dun. :)

[Blake]

Not sure I need to check my ticket from that.

2 things that are advised not to be changed (per service bulletin) on our DCT M3's are diff fluid and tranny fluid. I'm sure Classic is accustomed to this by now, but you never know. I was implicit that neither be changed when I had my 1200 mile service done and I've been problem free. Glad it's running well again though...DCT FTW! :thumbsup2:

[Crash]

Yeah it's running perfect. DCT FTW for sure. Now they just need to fix the lag.

Scott it was good seeing you as well.