Strange noise coming from my E46!

kash786

kash786

kash786

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Joined
9 Nov 2010
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249
Location
Leicestershire
I have a Automatic '04 E46 320cd.

It's recently has randomly started producing a noise which I can only describe as a 'rumble', it come from the back of the car from what I can make out, it's not loud and does not last long, few seconds, tops. It also happens completely randomly and doesn't happen that often.

Having read around, I've discovered my car is running a GM made gearbox! and the torque converter is apparently the most likely culprit, I'm not convinced.

I'm trying to think of what else it could possibly be:

> Tyre tracking/balance?
> Engine Mounts?
> Differential?

The car pulls very well and smoothly in all gears, there is no loss in power or drop in revs etc.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
 
Description is far too vague to give any kind of diagnosis tbh.

Under what circumstances does it make the noise, it can't just be totally random.
 
Clarkey said:
Description is far too vague to give any kind of diagnosis tbh.

Under what circumstances does it make the noise, it can't just be totally random.
Click to expand...

There aren't too many variables to be honest, I could be driving along a complete straight and level A-Road or wet side road.

It usually happens when it's in gear not when it's going through a gear change etc.
 
Wheel bearings would make a noise either all the time or all the time when turning in one direction, typically getting louder and higher pitch with more road speed. Not random.

Tyre tracking and/or balance won't make a noise, and if it did, it would be constant.

Engine mounts would never really make a rumbling noise.

Diff could make a whining noise, but that would be constant too, and get louder with more road speed. Possible to knock when coming on and off throttle but that's mountings rather than internals, and it isn't random.
 
paddy said:
Wheel bearings?
Click to expand...

hmm, recently had a full service, where a diagnostics of the car was done. The only thing I can think of which they flagged up was that the passenger side shock-absorber at the back was slightly leaking, I can't see that causing the issue though.
 
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