My car creates a rattling noise from below every time it is at normal operating temperature, with gears in neutral, and with the clutch up. If I depress the clutch, the noise is canceled. If I release the clutch, the rattle returns.

Is ths normal for all E46 M3s?

what yr is your car?

It's an 02. When I went in for my oil change, the BMW Service Rep said the noise occures on all M3's but I haven't heard anyone mention it here.

Can someone test this out after driving theirs for a while and reply back.

Again, gear in neutral and clutch up (make sure you are not on a slope :) )

Thanks

Normal for the tranny.

A different tranny oil will help mask the noise.

Wouldn't that be the throw-out bearing making the noise? I have a noise like that on my Jeep, I know different vehicle but same noise.

Throw out bearing tends to make noise with eh clutch IN, not OUT.

But it could be. But the tranny does make some noise when idling with the clutch engaged in neutral.