e46 "jumping" when changing to reverse and back

[Richard7666 0]

Weird issue. My car has begun to tilt forward when going from Reverse to Drive, and tilt back when going from D to R (when stationary, obviously). It's quite a visible jolt accompanied by a "thud" from the rear. The rear of the vehicle actually raises and lowers depending if its in R or D. It also does it when changing from Park.

Any ideas? I have had the car for a bit over 2 months and never really noticed it initially but it seems to be worse now.
It also occasionally "shudders" for about 2 seconds when moving off right after being turned on, particularly in reverse.

Cheers

Edited November 3, 2013 by Richard7666

[EuroSurgeon 2]

Sounds like diff mount has failled

[Richard7666 0]

Hmm. If it does turn out to be that, is it likely to be much of a biggie to have fixed? Already needing a sump gasket replaced : /

[elmarco 56]

Think i remember Glenn saying it was a diff out job - but cant be sure.

[FIAT 131R 223]

It depends on quite a few things like do you have a hoist or access to one, what tools and skills do you have. I have just had the whole rear end out of my race car including the diff cradle and with the right tools and a bit of experience it is not that difficult.

[*Glenn* 854]

Think i remember Glenn saying it was a diff out job - but cant be sure.

Correct... and you need special tools or you will damage the oil filled genuine bush. It also needs to be correctly aligned

[Richard7666 0]

Update: just had it at my local garage and they reckon there's nothing wrong with it?

Is feeling the car go up and down when changing between P, R and D "normal"? It hasn't been in any other car I've ever driven.

[Phil-540i 166]

How did ya go with that oil leak?? "Local garage" - we're not meaning Tokanui or Ryal Bush Garage or some place down there that usually works on tractors or 1980's Hilux's ae...........??

[Richard7666 0]

I won't name them but they're just a suburban garage who do all sorts.

RE oil leak, it's stopped on its own, so I'm just keeping an eye on oil level.

My main concern is now this "jumping" behaviour.

[euroriffic 609]

Have you Checked the drive shaft centre baring? My e30 used to do that aswell and that was the issue. Thats a not too bad of Job to check. Just have to drop the rear section of the exhaust and the heat shield so you can see. Or might even be able to loosen the shield off and slip it to the side.

[Phil-540i 166]

I won't name them but they're just a suburban garage who do all sorts.

RE oil leak, it's stopped on its own, so I'm just keeping an eye on oil level.

My main concern is now this "jumping" behaviour.

Its good when they fix themselves like that...................3 series BMW's seldom do that really.

Random question - whats your car idle at when its warm, & in 'N' or 'Park'?? Justin's probably on the right track above, if all the diff mount bushes etc are fine......

[Richard7666 0]

^not sure exactly (but nothing audibly high/low), will check when I take it out later today and report back, cheers.

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

manual conversion time

lol

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Where in Southland are you? IIRC the Invercargill (GWDs??) Toyota dealership also has the BMW service franchise. Could be worth a ring

[hybrid 1043]

Take it to a BMW specialist .. its the diff ... many have asked the same question .. the answer is always the same.

[EuroSurgeon 2]

In invercargill you could drive ti russell keller in gore, very good workshop

[Richard7666 0]

Its good when they fix themselves like that...................3 series BMW's seldom do that really.

Random question - whats your car idle at when its warm, & in 'N' or 'Park'?? Justin's probably on the right track above, if all the diff mount bushes etc are fine......

Okay had a look, it idles at about 900, maybe 950rpm...is that a bit high?

[Phil-540i 166]

Dunno - your local garage reckons its fine & no-one here knows anything (as its obviously nothing like a diff-mount or anything that it would normally be), so I'd just be putting it down as a special sorta 318 thing really & just drive it......

It'll fix itself & get better, just like the oil-leak that we've already been down the same sorta road with ya a while back....... All 318's do what yours does....they're 'special'........

[Richard7666 0]

Eh? Obviously I now know it does have something wrong with it, (presumably the diff, as has been said). Will take it to one of the BMW specialists mentioned in the thread.

Just didn't wanna waste time ringing places and taking it all over the show if it *was* actually normal.

[Phil-540i 166]

Eh? Obviously I now know it does have something wrong with it, (presumably the diff, as has been said). Will take it to one of the BMW specialists mentioned in the thread.

Just didn't wanna waste time ringing places and taking it all over the show if it *was* actually normal.

Sounds good - don't forget to let us know how ya get on too ae. And I dunno, ya could always start a shrowroom thread, chuck up some pics of the beast & tell us a bit more bout it, & yourself......

[elmarco 56]

Okay had a look, it idles at about 900, maybe 950rpm...is that a bit high?

In gear or neutral? Think they should really idle around 650 - 750 rpm when hot. Obviously they idle higher when cold though.