1991 318is E30 (M42) making noise

[alemano]

Before I commence with any tuning, I am determined to get this one-year wonder roadworthy. I bought it last month and have since noticed an intermittent "ticking" noise, like when kids put playing cards in their bike spokes and ride off. It is most noticeable when the car is in gear and I press on the accelerator. When I put the lever in neutral and coast, the noise subsided, leading me to believe a faulty pilot bearing or driveshaft was to blame. However, it made the same noise when I applied the brakes in an abrupt stop. The only maintenance I performed aside from a synthetic oil change was change the final drive oil. I wasn't sure if I have a LSD or not, so I used Lucas synthetic gear oil rated safe for LSDs. I took the car to a trusted mechanic who put it on the lift. He said the pilot bearing is to blame for the noise and recommends replacing the clutch, which makes sense. Four hours of labor and $260.00 for the clutch is not an issue for me, but could there be another cause for this noise? So far, I have purchased the following....tranny mount, clutch kit with pilot bearing, control arm bushings, synthetic MTL and Conti belt kit. Should I also purchase a guibo? My mechanic said the final drive sounded excellent in his stethoscope while I accelerated it, thus he doubts a worn ring and pinion. My E36 Bentley manual is of some help, but I am having difficulty finding any other technical specifications for this model...HELP!!!!!!!!

[Jeron]

How sure is he it is the pilot bearing? I assume you have ruled out engine noise. Was he able to listen to the tranny and rule that out as well?

I doubt you have a LSD. To test lift the rear end and turn one rear wheel. If the other side turns the same direction it is LSD if they turn opposite direction non-LSD.

Inspect the Guibo and the exhaust hangers.

[sakukurata]

The noise came from the exhaust hanger near the transmission. The rubber worn out.
Mine has LSD 1991 DMW 318is. If it is the real "is" should be has LSD. I don't know if BMW produced different model for different country. But I think as what Jeron said you check the direction the sheel when you turn it.

[alpine325]

Originally Posted by Jeron

How sure is he it is the pilot bearing? I assume you have ruled out engine noise. Was he able to listen to the tranny and rule that out as well?

I doubt you have a LSD. To test lift the rear end and turn one rear wheel. If the other side turns the same direction it is LSD if they turn opposite direction non-LSD.

Inspect the Guibo and the exhaust hangers.

Yes they do come with a lsd.