I recently purchased an 04 3s sedan wth 157k. It’s a 5 sos and looks and drives great with one exception. There is this random grinding/crunching noise that seems to be coming from the passenger wheel area. It doesn’t happen in neutral and is most prevalent at low speeds in 1st and 2nd gear. It can happen in any gear, though, and seems to be when accelerating. It does appear to be coming more frequent so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don’t want to continue driving it if it could be causing damage. Thanks

 

Hey! I have a 2008 3 2.3. I'm currently having something similar. If I take off normal no noise. If I take off a little aggressive I hear the noise in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Sounds like something is grinding but it also feels like its rotating. I checked the axle....its fine, no tears in the boots. Only thing I noticed was the at the lower ball joint needs to be replaced. I even thought maybe its the end links.