Clunky downshift auto..

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:02 pm

Got a bit of a "Clunk" every now and then when the auto box downshifts usually from 2nd to 1st on my 316i..

Sounds very expensive so i'm kinda worried.. However, I've been told it's normal by a "knowledgeable" friend. Any thoughts? Cheers guys

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:10 pm

Ever change the oil and filter in the gearbox?

Give it a try, may cure the issue

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:13 pm

Thanks mate.. i've booked it in for next week anyway, hoping that will cure the slight hissing/whining noise.. urgh

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:28 pm

When I had an auto it was really noisy and notchy on going down the gears. Checked the oil and there was none in there! Well worth a check mate

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:37 pm

thanks man, will soon find out! Just hope it hasn't knackered the box :/

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:02 pm

Are you sure its not your differential klunking? It could also be the rubber guibos on the drive shaft, these get pretty sloppy over the years and allow play in the drive train, which translates as a klunk when the gearbox takes up the slack.

Get under and give your drive shaft a twist back and forth, look for play and klunkage.!

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:05 pm

i did think about that. Either the guibos or diff.. Think ill try that in the morning cheers mate..

Are these an expensive fix? I hope it's not the diff! Sounds pricey :/

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:17 pm

A diff for your 316i can be had for cheap. A really good one would be under 100 quid. Theres one on ebay now for £75.

I'm unsure what ratios an auto 316i came with, I'm sure someone can chime in with an answer.?

Drive shaft guibo costs about £20 I think and is an easy job as is the differential.

Where abouts are you based Paul, I'm in central Liverpool myself.!

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:27 pm

Cool. Thats good to know thanks mate, i tell a lie actually i'm from the Wirral.. Its just easier to say liverpool to be honest lol.

There is a hissing/whining noise so could be the diff. Ah well, will soon find out!

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:51 pm

I think I saw you once coming out of the toll on the Wirral side, I was in a silver 325i cab. I let on... was that you? We both took the exit towards Wallasey. Must of been around June last year....

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:53 pm

nah mate, i've only had it a week! lol

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:59 pm

Ah sorry, it was a red 318is I saw, older fella with curly hair driving...

Post Wed Jan 23, 2013 6:48 am

Speak to Matt at ECP ( Meatballs82 ) for the guibo - get a lemforder one they are about £35

If it hasnt been replaced in the cars lifetime ( many havent ) it WILL need changing anyway.

A fluid change on the gearbox as a matter of course isnt a bad idea anyway.