Fly wheel or gearbox/clutch ??????

[CHARLIENASH]

Hi all just had a phone call from a friend in a 2008 120d m sport he claims he tried doing a pull and as he dropped the clutch he heard a loud bang and the car won’t move, it goes into first and when he realised the clutch the car didn’t move or stall and when the clutch is down he can hear a clanking noise coming from the rear, if anyone knows what the problem or problems could be please let me know greatly appreciated.

[Greydog]

Morning Charlie

Welcome to the Forum

Sounds as though your friend has blown the Diff or a Drive shaft possibly the Prop shaft 

Not sure what your referring to with "a Pull" if he was trying to tow another car dropping the clutch is the last thing to do as the snatch it caused he could cause serious damage to both cars.

But he knows that now!!  if it is his Diff it will be expensive as BMW only supply them exchange so even the second  hand market charges a premium

Dave

[X5smw]

Yep! I concur. 
sounds like the diff. 
The clutch etc is at the front of the car… 

quick way(but not recommended) is to get under the car… from the rear…. And get your friend to put it in 1st gear and slowly let the clutch out. … see if the transmission /prop shaft rotates freely. That would tell you straight away where the issue lies. … or you get run over…