Clutch Question - 1984 318i

[rkenney]

Hello,

I just bought a 1984 318i with 300K miles on it. The car is in great shape and I know that the older BMW's are bullet proof.
When I bought it, I noticed a whinning noise from the rear of the car when the car is in 1,2,3 and 5th gears. 4th is as quiet as can be. I didn't pay much for the car and figured it was probably the clutch. I took it to a garage and they confirmed that it was the clutch, but that was after a quick look.

I figured before I start on this repair, I'd check with people who might have already had this issue to make sure that it is really the clutch and not something else, hate to waste the time and money to repair something that isn't broken.

Thanks,
Russ

[luckysnafu]

Are you sure the sound is coming from the rear of the car? If it is coming from the rear of the car I highly doubt it is the clutch. The clutch is at the front of the car and connects to the transmission, which is located between the front seats and forward. It sounds like the noise might be coming from the rear differential (located between the rear wheels in the middle). I would get that checked out or see if the fluid needs changed. If the clutch or transmission is the problem you would hear the sound from the middle to front of the car, not the rear. My 84 318i lasted me for over 4 years and had well over 250k miles on it. My parents have it at their house now since it needs some engine repairs. It was a great first car and it never let me down :)

[Bimrpwr]

i would say it is something with the diff. i would change the fluid and see what happens first. you are looking at a 30min job tops to do that.

[RG325XI]

When the transmission is whining in 1st ,2nd,3rd, and 5th gear , but not 4th its usually a bad input or output shaft bearing in the transmission. A good mechanic should have picked this up easily. Also check the fluid level to make sure its not low.

[rkenney]

Thanks everyone. I ended up replacing the clutch as it was needed badly. I also checked all the levels in the tranny and diff, still have the noise so now it's on to replace the bearings.

Thanks again for the advice,
Russ

[Pinecone]

I agree, tranny bearings. Easiest is to get a replacemnt tranny.

Actually layshaft bearings, as 4th is 1 to 1 whichh doesn't run the layshaft under load.