In reply to my own question. Checked the ZF website and found this...
Q: The noise disappears when the engine RPM exceeds 1500 without depressing the clutch pedal. What does this condition suggest?
A: This condition is referred to as neutral rollover. This is caused by the engine firing pulses, which are transmitted through the gear set. Some neutral rollover is normal. The dual mass flywheel should eliminate this concern.
Looked some more for this condition and found this info at:
http://www.tccoa.com/articles/mn12ho...Diag-noise.pdfNeutral Rollover Rattle has the same characteristics as gear rattle except that rollover occurs with the engine
idling, transmission in NEUTRAL, and the clutch engaged (clutch pedal released). The rollover noise intensity
increases with transmission operating temperature and engine torque load resulting from air conditioning and
generator. Neutral rollover noise is not detrimental to the engine or transmission. In vehicles where the engine
idle speed is below specification or rough, a harsh clattering noise like loose marbles in the transmission may
be heard.
Rollover Noise caused by engine torsional vibrations and Clutch Release Bearing Noise are sometimes
mistaken for Transmission Bearing Noise. Neutral rollover noise will disappear when the transmission is
engaged in gear. Due to a constant running clutch release bearing (used for the hydraulic clutch release
mechanism), noise caused by a worn or damaged clutch release bearing will be noticeable with the clutch
engaged or disengaged (clutch pedal released or depressed). Transmission service will not eliminate gear
rollover noise or clutch release bearing noise.
[...]
Gear rollover noise, inherent in manual transmissions, is caused by the constant mesh gears turning at engine
idle speed, while the clutch is engaged and the transmission is in NEUTRAL; and release bearing rub are
sometimes mistaken for mainshaft bearing noise.