Strange tapping noise from the rear - what is it? SOUND CLIP INCLUDED!

[Jamie]

This is in my 318ci N42 with 140k on the clock 2001 model.

It just started to happen about a week ago and I have no idea what it is...

I am cruising around 20-30 Mph and I let go of the accelarator, the tapping, thumping noise (sounds like a chopper) starts when I begin to decelerate.

When I pull the clutch in it, the sound stops, while decelerating

I dont hear it when I am accelerating.

Have a listen to the attached clip and let me know what you think. The clip is NOT from my car but an E36 - but the sound is EXACTLY the same. It was posted on another site and the issue was to do with a "differential" - could it be the very same issue and is is a common thing? I couldnt find much here or on google!

Please let me know if you have any clues!

Cheers

Jamie

[felstmiester]

Trailing arm bushes.

[Jamie]

Trailing arm bushes.

Humm - I had these replaced only 6 months ago

[Individual One]

how about wheels bearing.

[Pontio]

sounds like possible wheel bearing noise. If you drive around in a circle does it get worst/better? put your car on lock and drive around, try both sides obviously an see which side makes if a difference... if it does..

[Jamie]

sounds like possible wheel bearing noise. If you drive around in a circle does it get worst/better? put your car on lock and drive around, try both sides obviously an see which side makes if a difference... if it does..

Humm - thing is, i hear it MOSTLY on decellaration (after driving a bit more over the weekend) - also, i have not noticed that the noise goes away when moving the gear stick from neutral to any gear - like that bit inbetween and the noise goes, stick it in gear and the noise is gone - slip it out of gear and let the car freewheel (clutch in or out - no difference) and the noise is there again.

Noise is not there when car is cold

It is going in for 2nd insp 2 on weds so will ask them to check it out - but keep the ideas comming please guys! :)

Cheers