E90 Front suspension noise

[Webmaster]

Hi.

I've had my 320i for about 2 months now and I'm starting to notice front suspension noise when going over speed bumps (slowly) and when the car is loaded. This is most noticeable in the dry. It sounds squishy and knocks a bit.

Under normal driving on 'B' roads there is no problem, but when the suspension is close to full travel, like going over a speed bump, I can hear it. My guess is the rubber bushes. When it rains there is no noise as I'm guessing the rubbers are lubricated by the rain.

So I have my CIA report in hand and I can't see any work done to the front end in its lifetime. She's currently on 89K and under MP.

Would bushes and rubbers be covered under MP or not?

Any help = much respect.

 

[moranor@axis]

take it in and tell them there is a noise...

 

[Webmaster]

take it in and tell them there is a noise...

I will this weekend.

When I got the car there was no noise, or maybe I wasn't that much in tune with her.
Is this normal for a car of this age and mileage? (2008)

 

[danieljames]

Avg about 20k a year. Nething under that isn't bad

M50B25-L6

 

[moesaley]

take it in and tell them there is a noise...

I will this weekend.

When I got the car there was no noise, or maybe I wasn't that much in tune with her.
Is this normal for a car of this age and mileage? (2008)

I just sold my E90 323i M Sport, used to get that noise as well, even thou i had Motorplan change all suspension parts up front, the noise was still there, i think it comes more from the shocks, as u kinda hear them compressing

 

[Webmaster]

take it in and tell them there is a noise...

I will this weekend.

When I got the car there was no noise, or maybe I wasn't that much in tune with her.
Is this normal for a car of this age and mileage? (2008)

I just sold my E90 323i M Sport, used to get that noise as well, even thou i had Motorplan change all suspension parts up front, the noise was still there, i think it comes more from the shocks, as u kinda hear them compressing

Thanks for that. I didn't think that shocks could be noisy.
I suppose a check-up at Auto Atlantic will do no harm.
Will let you guys know of the outcome.

 

[Falcon]

take it in and tell them there is a noise...

Yep let them rather figure it out and now while its under MP.

 

[Beamer]

A big shot in the dark but perhaps the control arm?

 

[moesaley]

A big shot in the dark but perhaps the control arm?

I replaced control arms n all bushes. Didn solve the problem

 

[Webmaster]

It was dry on the drive home this afternoon. The sound I'm hearing is most definitely squeaky rubber, dry rubber. Looking forward to the dealer's diagnosis tomorrow morn.

 

[AshG108]

It was dry on the drive home this afternoon. The sound I'm hearing is most definitely squeaky rubber, dry rubber. Looking forward to the dealer's diagnosis tomorrow morn.

10/1, that could be shock mountings...had that on mine and once changed, was perfectly fine thereafter

 

[tman]

It was dry on the drive home this afternoon. The sound I'm hearing is most definitely squeaky rubber, dry rubber. Looking forward to the dealer's diagnosis tomorrow morn.

10/1, that could be shock mountings...had that on mine and once changed, was perfectly fine thereafter

The sound you are describing sounds like the shock mounting. I had a similar problem with my e46. Turned out the top shock mounting on both sides were completely worn.

Do you hear any noise when you are parked and turn the steering?

 

[moranor@axis]

it does sound like shock mountings... but they would not get wet so should not make a difference when it is raining...

 

[GR1FF1N]

It was dry on the drive home this afternoon. The sound I'm hearing is most definitely squeaky rubber, dry rubber. Looking forward to the dealer's diagnosis tomorrow morn.

Hi 3rdgear,

Did you manage to get feedback from BMW on the noise?
I just started getting the noise as well. :argh:
When going over something like a speed bump it sound like a dry rubber creaking.
No knocking noises, only when the suspension compresses do you hear this noise.

Thanks

 

[Falcon]

does something perhaps needs lubricating?

Try recreating the sound while the vehicle is stationary by pressing on it and see if someone can pin point the sound.

 

[GR1FF1N]

does something perhaps needs lubricating?

Try recreating the sound while the vehicle is stationary by pressing on it and see if someone can pin point the sound.

It sure does sound like it cause mine started after the heavy rain in Cape Town and in know I dorve through quite a lot of standing water.

Will try it tonight when home.

---

After some research looks like I might have found my issue…

"COMPLAINT: Check and report on crunching noise from front when going over speed bumps
CAUSE: Noise from front anti roll bar bushings
Puma measure - 5318539-01
CORRECTION: Replaced both front stabilizer bar bushings
PARTS - QTY:2 FP-Number:31-30-6-778-066 Description: Stabilizer Rubber M"

According to BMW the front sway bar bussing are a known fault on the BMW E90’s. They can be cleaned and reinstalled, if the noise persists they will have to be replaced.

 

[Webmaster]

Hi all. My car is still with BMW. I will have feedback this evening and will post.

 

[Webmaster]

So I got the report from BMW.

@tman - I'm getting new shock mounts fitted and
@gr1ff1n - I'm getting new anti roll bar bushes

BMW could only point out the shock mounts as worn. However I did mention the problem with anti roll bar bushes and they said they would investigate and replace. I'm getting the car back this afternoon and will update.

Thanks for your insight guys.

 

[Webmaster]

So the shock mounts and sway bar bushes were replaced - the crunchy, squishy sound is gone! I've been going around the Waterfront speed bumps to test. Seems good now, BUT the muppets buggered the alignment so back she goes.

Thanks to all who offered advice.

 

[tman]

glad to hear everything is back to normal!