BMW E87 propshaft support bearing and rear-end vibration
What causes rear-end vibration or rumble on the E87 under acceleration?
A common cause is a worn or torn propshaft support rubber or bearing. The vibration is felt especially under hard acceleration and engine braking. Other causes can be a seized propshaft universal joint and worn rear subframe or gearbox rubber bushings.
Why does the propshaft still rumble after the support bearing was replaced?
The support bearing or rubber may have been installed the wrong way round. Then the propshaft sits at a slight angle and starts to vibrate. The mounts must be the right way round relative to the body. Installed correctly, the rumble stopped, and the wrong direction left a slight vibration.
What clunks in the E87 rear end when the throttle is floored?
The clunk and jerk can come from completely worn front rear-subframe bushings, in which case replacing them removes the clunk. The propshaft support bearing and the gearbox bushings are other possible causes, so they are worth checking.