[ghstm2]

Was wondering if anyone with a 2020 or 2022 X3M comp hear a clicking noise from
The rear diff area at low speeds less than 10-5mph? I hear it while going this slow and letting off the throttle and lightly getting back on it to accelerate. Thanks!

[thestimp]

I recently started hearing a clicking when I start the car, from the rear, I swear it sounds like engine noise making its way through to the exhaust.

I know people have said their exhaust valves have clicked, but this seems different.... could be what youre hearing too, loud engine lifters

[richard in NC]

I hear the same thing, a click when driving slow off the throttle or braking. It sounds worse than an old U joint going bad.

[harperium]

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1837347

See this thead, and there are others.

It's a known issue on the M2, M5, and X3 M and probably every M.

[ghstm2]

Originally Posted by harperium

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1837347

See this thead, and there are others.

It's a known issue on the M2, M5, and X3 M and probably every M.

Thanks for the link! I read the bulletin and it's exactly what I'm experiencing. I'll bring it up to my dealer hopefully they are able to fix it. Thanks!

[richard in NC]

Good to know there's an easy fix.

[ghstm2]

So, I guess per BMW, rear diff needs to be replaced because of the clicking. Sounds like this SB wasn't even looked at or considered as potentially fixing the issue?

[harperium]

Originally Posted by ghstm2

So, I guess per BMW, rear diff needs to be replaced because of the clicking. Sounds like this SB wasn't even looked at or considered as potentially fixing the issue?

Interesting. For my fix, they used Loc-Tite as suggested in the SB. Took a day to fix, and 3 weeks to get the "parts".

[ghstm2]

Originally Posted by harperium

Interesting. For my fix, they used Loc-Tite as suggested in the SB. Took a day to fix, and 3 weeks to get the "parts".

Yes, I even brought that SB up as well and the service advisor indicated the shop forman spoke to BMW tech line and that's what they suggested. He said they must have looked into all options before giving the green light. Obviously it cost more to replace than just doing what the SB indicated. So I'm sure there's more to it than the SB?

[x3mmhh]

Originally Posted by ghstm2

Was wondering if anyone with a 2020 or 2022 X3M comp hear a clicking noise from
The rear diff area at low speeds less than 10-5mph? I hear it while going this slow and letting off the throttle and lightly getting back on it to accelerate. Thanks!

the fact that BMW hasn’t made this a recall yet is quite annoying… i’ve had this problem since about 5k miles… Have taken the car to dealership twice, both separate dealers and they “can’t recreate the noise/problem”

[harperium]

i can't believe what I'm reading. Or maybe I can. Depressing.

In my case, the issue was easily reproducible - I could play a tune just by tapping the throttle on and off. The dealer said they submitted the issue to BMW corporate to create a service advisory. I had printed out the service advisory for the same issue in the F90 M5 and handed it to them - they said that helped.

In my case, the click was really annoying and took away from the enjoyment of the delicious exhaust.

[ghstm2]

Originally Posted by x3mmhh

the fact that BMW hasn’t made this a recall yet is quite annoying… i’ve had this problem since about 5k miles… Have taken the car to dealership twice, both separate dealers and they “can’t recreate the noise/problem”

If you know exactly when and how it happens when your driving it, I would ask the shop Forman to take a drive with you and roll all your windows down turn off your hvac and radio. That way there is less noise interference and more chances of them hearing it. That’s what I did, I knew how to reproduce the sound as it was only on certain speeds and blipping on and off the throttle going less than 10mph.
It’s easier to show then to explain to them sometimes..

[YolkyPalky]

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...8&d=1654474068

Found this Service Bulletin for X5M/X6M, may apply here as well, check it out.

[cardtables]

Originally Posted by ghstm2

If you know exactly when and how it happens when your driving it, I would ask the shop Forman to take a drive with you and roll all your windows down turn off your hvac and radio. That way there is less noise interference and more chances of them hearing it. That’s what I did, I knew how to reproduce the sound as it was only on certain speeds and blipping on and off the throttle going less than 10mph.
It’s easier to show then to explain to them sometimes..

Doing exactly like you said, My Forman still wasn’t sure he could hear it…. Even though it was very obvious to me. I might have to try the other location in town.

[x3mmhh]

Originally Posted by ghstm2

If you know exactly when and how it happens when your driving it, I would ask the shop Forman to take a drive with you and roll all your windows down turn off your hvac and radio. That way there is less noise interference and more chances of them hearing it. That’s what I did, I knew how to reproduce the sound as it was only on certain speeds and blipping on and off the throttle going less than 10mph.
It’s easier to show then to explain to them sometimes..

100% i agree! like with everything though, ANY and EVERYTIME i try to forcefully recreate it for a mechanic the car decides it wants too run perfect and not make a a single squeak
i have service due in 1000 miles.. going to make it my absolute mission to work w my service advisor and get this problem resolved. it’s so frustrating

[Camco94]

I had a thread going for my car. I ended up having to go to a second dealership to get any resolution though. First dealer said it was normal for M cars and I disagreed.

Short version: Second dealer had foreman drive with me, was able to reproduce the sound he said they’d look at it and I mentioned the service bulletin everyone references on the m2,3,5. They opened a case with BMW, an engineer came in to inspect the car bc they thought it might be the transmission and they ordered a new diff and replaced under warranty. So far the sound has been resolved, but I’ve only had the time to drive the car like 10 collective miles since then so not enough to definitely say it’s solved. But in the stop and go traffic scenario no more clunking/clicking.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2007042

[Lenny_RDM]

I got clicking too 🤬 appointment on Saturday we will see what they say…

[Lenny_RDM]

Small update 22k miles and rear differential replacement ( clicking like everyone have)and front mounting struds loose( clicking on steering wheel when parked)so replace too ;/ that what I know x3mc got this issue, my service advisor told me my is second what he got with this issue

[Casual228i]

Originally Posted by Lenny_RDM

Small update 22k miles and rear differential replacement ( clicking like everyone have)and front mounting struds loose( clicking on steering wheel when parked)so replace too ;/ that what I know x3mc got this issue, my service advisor told me my is second what he got with this issue

Any updates on the noise following that work?

[rmnoonan]

I had the loctite work done, it’s less frequent but click still there off the line. What I can’t understand is whether there is long term risk here or is BMW doing the picture to just try and reduce the noise?

[Lenny_RDM]

Originally Posted by Casual228i

Any updates on the noise following that work?

Everything working fine, no clicking etc

[spucktacular]

Hello friends,

I've probably posted this exact message at least a dozen times, but I love the community to keep on sharing my advice. Ignore this, it goes away and doesnt' cause any problems... I had it on my 2020 x4m, brand new off the showroom floor, within the first 2000km of owning the car.. not sure exactly how early it started after having it delivered.. but it was within the first weeks.. at one point i got all worked up and stressed about it, but slowly forgot and now it has gone away on its own.

Just keep in mind, this is coming from the rear DIFF, which is a DIRECT part from the mighty BMW M5. It won't break on you, just drive it harder and ignore it.. or you can rip your drivetrain apart and create god knows what new problems. Up to you, you've been warned!