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Symptoms of Transmission Bearing Damage

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Checks and maintenance

Since the vehicle in question has rear-wheel drive, it is equipped with a driveshaft that transfers motion from the transmission to the rear differential: this driveshaft is supported in the center by a bearing support; over time, this bearing tends to deteriorate and the first symptom of this failure is a noise that can be heard even in the cabin, near the armrest of the center tunnel, especially under certain traction conditions, such as during acceleration in second gear as shown in the video.

Updated on 17 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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