Transmission noise, doesn't change with clutch engagement

[crm103]

Hi all,

I'm having a noticeable noise coming from the what sounds like the trans. Sounds similar to rocks tumbling in the bell housing. All the searching I've done, leads me to the "getrag rattle". However, most people who experience this explain that the noise goes away when the clutch is depressed. The noise mine makes does not change if the clutch is depressed or not. It's fairly noticeable at idle and I can faintly hear it while cruising. Also, the noise is effect by rpm. It's also too inconsistent to be a rod knock. Btw, the car is A 88 325i

Thanks in advance!

[RighteousDevil]

When I first purchased my '87 325is it had a similar "rattle", terrible when sitting in neutral. I went through a couple conclusions from throwout bearing to main rod bearings. After some research I came to the same getrag rattle conclusion. Did a fluid swap with Royal Purple's Max Gear 75W-90, magnetic plug at the same time, and it is now gone except for a very minor rattle when shutting the car off. Haven't had any issues since.