Noise and vibration from the bottom of the body on a BMW – what is the cause and how to fix it?

BMW driver question

In my BMW, when accelerating hard, I hear a strong thudding sound from the bottom of the vehicle and vibration of the whole body. After exceeding 2,000 rpm, the vibrations and noises disappear. What could be the cause?

The problem affected a BMW 3 E36, but it may also occur in other models.

BMW 3 E36 | By OSX (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Response from BM Cars service

In BMW cars, the drive is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle via a driveshaft. Its condition and degree of wear including auxiliary components like

• shaft support with bearing,
• universal joints,
• joints at the input and output of the shaft,

have a significant effect on the vibrations and operating noises that occur during operation.

In the case described, it is most likely that the bearing on the center support of the shaft has been depleted. In addition, the clearances on the joints should be checked. If this does not bring improvement, it remains to check the shaft itself for its balance and condition.

A very common defect that occurs in BMW cars participating in extreme racing or shows is the twisting of the driveshaft and the knocking out of the universal joints. The effect of such wear and tear is vibration of the shaft with an amplitude of more than 1 mm, which can result in a deafening thump and vibration noise during acceleration.

A full service diagnosis will help us determine the source of the problem.

Driveshaft and crankshaft in BMW

Other BMW tips related to the topic at hand

• Body vibration and metallic sounds in BMW – how to fix them?
• Body vibration and noises in BMW – what causes such faults?
• Transmission and bridge problems in BMW – how to fix them?

BMW 3 E36 | By Paul Schliesser (Own work)[CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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