I also have a slight clunk/thud from the rear. (archive)

I have a 2000 328 manual, and also have a slight clunk/thud from the rear, but it is very subtle so it never really bothered me. It seems to happen when shifting. I have also seen plenty of other posts complaining about the clunk/thud. So perhaps it really is by design. Or maybe even the spare wheel is not solidly attached and moving.

I have no whining however.

I have 2000 323i with about 14,000 miles and I have two annoying problems that may be related. When I am cruising at 45 mph I hear a high pitched noise coming from the rear end (differential) that gets progressively louder with increased speed. At 75 mph the sound is loud enough that it sounds like it is coming from the rear and the front.

When I begin to slow down the rear end slightly vibrates and makes alot of noise (Whining) as it comes to a complete stop. During the process of stopping, there is a clunk/thud that comes from the rear as well. It almost sounds like it is coming from the trunk. I am sure it is coming from the differential region as well. Even when I acelerate at a normal pace from standstill, I hear the clunk/thud as well.

I took my car to the dealership and told them about the problem. They took the car for a whole day and supposedly test drove it thoroughly. Well, when I went to pick it up the service manager said there was nothing wrong. He then called in the mechanic that drove the car and he explained to me that BMW designed stop and go mechanism in the transmission and that is what is causing the clunk/thud noise. This still does not explain the whining noise I get at various speeds. I personally think the mechanic is full of crap! I own a 1993 525i and it is quieter than my new car. Every person I know that owns a BMW does not have this built in mechanism.

Anyway, if anybody has any detailed info or have had this problem wit their 323i, please let me know. I am taking it to the dealership at the end of the week and let them look at it again. Any info beforehand would be greatly appreciated.

I did tell the mechanic that I did not think BMW would design such a crappy stop/go mechanism in a $36,000 vehicle. I also said that Honda and Toyota, which are considerably less in price, don't even make these loud, irritating noises.

Thanks for any info in advance.

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