Hi Peter,

I have not checked the gearbox level but I had the car serviced about 3 months before the noise started happening so I don't think it would be that? (I know zero about cars though so forgive me if this might not be the case!)

I do not notice the noise whatsoever when driving, the only time I seem to notice it really is if I stick it in Neutral and then release the clutch. The noise, as you say is not too easy to describe, but I'd say it is like a loud whirring noise which is much louder when the clutch is halfway and then dies down but there is still a noticeable whirring when the clutch is released in neutral.

There is no problems/noticable noises etc when I am driving at all?

Thanks,

This could be a worn clutch release bearing, or the gearbox input bearing. Regards Peter

Edited by Peter D on 29/04/2010 at 14:50

Hi

It is prob the input shaft bearings. Don't think you should worry, apparently all BMW gearboxes do this to some extent. I had an older 316i.Initially bought at 70,000 miles and taken up to 180,000 + miles.

I noticed this noise when I bought it, took it to an independant BMW garage who said to leave it since "they all do that" to a certain extent. I tried changing the gearbox oil but it made no real difference. Same car got to 180,000 + miles on the original gearbox and clutch.-Was still going strong when was sc***ped under the gov. scheme.

No, the bearing noise can go on for 10's of thousands of miles without getting worse. Regards Peter

Because I have never heard a DMF have a loud whining noise. I suggest going to a BMW garage and asking there workshop forman to have a listen to the noise. Regards Peter

Edited by Peter D on 30/04/2010 at 09:35