rear end noise/idle problems
 

i have a 1985 318i 5 speed.
when i'm turning ethier left or right i hear a roaring sound comming from the rear end. it is not a grinding sound and it is only happening when im going slow {like when turning into driveway etc.}. i put the rear on jackstands and i hear it but only when the clutch is engauged when i push the clutch in it stops immedatly. i don't think it is the clutch. the car drives great. clutch holds good.

the other problem is the idle. once warmed up it idles smoothly but when the engine is warming up it idles up and then down the up then down with a rhythem. any ideas?

Is it limited slip or not?

I've heard that some rear end noise is normal. Have you tried changing the fluid in the rear end? This may help with some of the noise..

i think it is limited slip . when both wheels are off the ground and i turn 1 by hand the other turns the same direction. i havent tried changing the fluid yet - still waiting on my service manual to arrive.

It's very easy to do. You dont need the manual. Just drive the car around the blck a few times to get it warmed up, then remove the internalhex-head plug in the bottom and the one on top. Let the old stuff drain out, then put the bottom plug back in and fill the rear end with the specified amount through the top hole and then put the plug back in, not that hard..