Odd Clutch Sound

[///austin]

A few days ago, I noticed a strange sound and it seems to be coming from the clutch or clutch area. When I release the clutch (sometimes) it makes a slight clangy sound, almost like the sound a loose spring might make. Sounds almost like an old trampoline or something. The problem is it doesn't happen all the time, and when it does happen, it might be very noticeable, then not so noticeable and it completely goes away. I had it scheduled to drop it off at the dealership, but then the day I planned to do that it wasn't doing it.

Only 2,300+ miles...

Any ideas? Thanks for the input!

[lucid]

Originally Posted by ///austin

A few days ago, I noticed a strange sound and it seems to be coming from the clutch or clutch area. When I release the clutch (sometimes) it makes a slight clangy sound, almost like the sound a loose spring might make. Sounds almost like an old trampoline or something. The problem is it doesn't happen all the time, and when it does happen, it might be very noticeable, then not so noticeable and it completely goes away. I had it scheduled to drop it off at the dealership, but then the day I planned to do that it wasn't doing it.

Only 2,300+ miles...

Any ideas? Thanks for the input!

It's normal although there are various theories about it. Look here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142666

This is the first hit that comes up when you type "clutch sound" into the search box, the title of your thread.

[farbarg]

Yup, . But FYI, I've had this sound since day one.

[Ken.T]

I know all the new M3 6mt should has that sound...

[kevinD]

read that other thread, but a loose spring sound is likely clutch chatter from a multi plate clutch. the plates use springs to keep them apart when the clutch is depressed. with aftermarket clutches the noise is very loud as often times they get rid of the springs (unpsrung twin/triple plate). since the stock twin plate clutch obviously is going to try and keep the sound to a minimum they use the springs, but it will still be louder then a single plate clutch as the twin has a floater plate between the sprung clutch disks (where the noise is going to come from).

[///austin]

Okay, thanks everyone. I had read that other thread but based on the sound, I thought it might have been a different issue, so that is why I wanted to run it by everyone. I appreciate the help and at least now I know I don't need to take my car in for service. I had the smg version of the e46, so before this car, my last manual transmission ///M car was a first generation ///M Roadster.

[3toM]

Austin,

Did everything turn out to be ok with your car? My car now has about 2200 miles and I have noticed a similar squeeking noise when I press in the clutch pedal, like a mattress spring on a bed that squeeks. It doesn't seem like the clutch clunking noise described in other threads, but maybe is the same thing. Any updates?

Thanks

[Eurotrash8]

Thats not normal and not the same sound as described.

Take it in.

[revmmm]

I have an odd clutch sound that just developed a few weeks ago. It only happens in first (very occassionally in 2nd) and it is only when I take my foot off (release) the clutch, I have never had it when I depress on the clutch in. It is a definite clunk, a little deeper noise then a click, but very distinctive. I can also feel it on my left foot. I do not have hear or feel it in the higher gears.

Thanks for the link - I did not read this earlier. After reading it I am not 100% convinced this is the same issue? Any thoughts? Do I need to get this checked out or do others have this? I am + 10,000 kms when I first felt it.