BMW E46 318ci - E46 clunk - Lawrence Conway

My 2006 318ci convertible has 40,000 miles on the clock. When I engage and come off the throttle there's an audible, put not loud, clunk from the rear. It's noticeable at low speeds, probably due to lack of other noises, and I'm not sure if it happens at higher speeds. Everything else about the car is perfectly fine and it has recently been serviced. The people at the garage said it was probably the prop shaft or diff - but didnt seem at all keen to look into it.

Am wondering what people's views are, and how important it might to follow-up on.

BMW E46 318ci - E46 clunk - RobJP

They aren't keen to look at it because it's a major job.

And they're probably right.

BMW E46 318ci - E46 clunk - Lawrence Conway

Oh right, sounds expensive. Do you think its essential to get it sorted?

BMW E46 318ci - E46 clunk - meldrew

If you can live with it probably best to do nothing. I am surprised that there is aproblem with such a low mileage though.

You probably need to find a "specialist" who is used to doing these sort of jobs regularly rather than a garage who generalyy only does basic maintenance. Maybe BMW specific forums could help.

BMW E46 318ci - E46 clunk - Lawrence Conway

Thanks Meldrew - appreciated. It is quite faint, but now I've noticed it, it is getting on my nerves! I've had a look on the forums, but it's hard to tell. Online there is talk of a generic E46 clunk which over the years dealers seem to have told people not to worry about, saying 'it's a BMW thing'. I'll find someone to have a look though as I'm curious.