45e Front suspension clunk

XGoober · 10-23-2022, 04:44 PM

Hey gang. I recently started noticing a slight clunking noise coming from what I'm guessing is the front suspension on my 45e. It is most noticeable at very slow speeds, such as crawling over a kerb or speed bump. It is not loud and for all I know could be perfectly normal so I wondered if others have noticed the same thing?

I suspect it also happens at speed when going over bumps but it's hard to tell due to road and wind noise. Overall the car feels very smooth, it's just the clunking sound that has got me wondering...

FastMarkA · 10-23-2022, 08:05 PM

Mine makes a clunk going over speed bumps; it depends on the size of the bump and the speed at which the car is traveling.

I haven't had it inspected, but I guess nice to know there are two of us so maybe it's a non-issue?

XGoober · 10-23-2022, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

Mine makes a clunk going over speed bumps; it depends on the size of the bump and the speed at which the car is traveling.

I haven't had it inspected, but I guess nice to know there are two of us so maybe it's a non-issue?

I'd like to think it's just normal behavior. Must try to learn to not hear it, lol.

juanoldinho · 10-24-2022, 02:28 PM

We don't have our 45e yet, but we have a 330e and there is a clunk or knocking sound when going over uneven surfaces and bumps. It's different than the normal sound going over speed bumps where you hear the front and rear suspension, it's only the front and mainly on the drivers side. It seemed to be a lot more noticeable if it was warm outside

and under 35mph.

We've taken our car in a couple times and techs have a hard time replicating, and even when they did they still couldn't find the source. They claimed to bring in a BMW specialist and were not able to provide any definitive answers.

P1 · 10-24-2022, 02:44 PM

Eeach time my F15 made that noise, it were the control arms. And mine went through them like my kids goes through bean and cheese tacos.

Really hoping this won't plague the G05 also.

chayden2005 · 10-24-2022, 06:14 PM

If it's a phantom clunky sound with no perceptible mechanical feel to it, try swapping the tires around and see if it follows. I had a run flat that made a lot of noise when going over bumps at any speed. It was perceptible mainly at lower speeds on rough roads and at higher speeds on crappy freeway surfaces. The dealer rotated the tires around and the noise followed. Since they were new tires the dealer just replaced the one and the overly annoying noise went away.
Run flats still suck and are noisy, but that could potentially be a problem if nothing else seems to be bad.

Bavar-ian · 10-24-2022, 06:50 PM

I think i can relate very well to this.
The clunk comes muted but you can feel it through the steering wheel.
At low speeds over road bumps and sharp humps it will make a clunk.
Almost only when the car is cold.

It got worst for mine (June x40i) and it was diagnosed and the tie-rods was replaced in October.

Now, the sound is crawling back to me again.

Bavar-ian · 10-24-2022, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1

Eeach time my F15 made that noise, it were the control arms. And mine went through them like my kids goes through bean and cheese tacos.

Really hoping this won't plague the G05 also.

Right on.
My G05 is due for the next set of tie-rods soon.
If you can see my post above, im suspected it might be the lock but securing the tierod to the steering column, or even worse, a thread manufacturing mis-fit at the steering column end.

Flying Ace · 10-24-2022, 08:16 PM

Same with E70. Tie rod

XGoober · 10-24-2022, 09:56 PM

Well dang it. Thanks for the input guys.

I guess I'll hope it gets worse or I can find an easy way to reproduce it for the dealer. I hate the typical "can't reproduce" dance when it comes to getting something rectified.

Bavar-ian · 10-24-2022, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XGoober

Well dang it. Thanks for the input guys.

I guess I'll hope it gets worse or I can find an easy way to reproduce it for the dealer. I hate the typical "can't reproduce" dance when it comes to getting something rectified.

Took me a few days to get the dealer to pickup the sound; obviously with loud stereo and aircon on almost full blast the sound cant be heard.

XGoober · 11-17-2022, 11:09 PM

Just popped back in to hopefully close off this story. Had my X5 in to BMW Bellevue today and they diagnosed and replaced a prematurely worn out sway bar end link. Hopefully it was just a poorly manufactured part and the new one will not fail again soon. If it does, I'll report back with any updates.

Thanks for all the replies.

bmer66 · 06-19-2023, 02:03 AM

I replaced the steering tie rod in May 2023 and it solved the problem. But a month or so later, the problem resurfaced again.
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tooloud10 · 06-19-2023, 09:59 AM

The X5 has had this issue at least since the E70. My 45e has about 4k miles on it and I can already hear the clunking, usually while hitting a small bump while turning. It's crazy (sad?) that they can't get rid of this problem after so many years.

yzhou2004 · 10-05-2023, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer66

I replaced the steering tie rod in May 2023 and it solved the problem. But a month or so later, the problem resurfaced again.
Attachment 3208568
Attachment 3208569

any update on your issues? did you get it resolved? if so, what's the root cause? Thanks !

eelnoraa · 10-05-2023, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer66

I replaced the steering tie rod in May 2023 and it solved the problem. But a month or so later, the problem resurfaced again.
Attachment 3208568
Attachment 3208569

Why you have to do it? 2023 isn't it under warranty?

For the problematic rods taken off the car, what is wrong them with? is the joint/bushing loose?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooloud10

The X5 has had this issue at least since the E70. My 45e has about 4k miles on it and I can already hear the clunking, usually while hitting a small bump while turning. It's crazy (sad?) that they can't get rid of this problem after so many years.

Mine has this as well. High bump or going over smaller bump too fast, I hear cluck in front. Not bother enough to take it in just for this. On my next surface, I will mention to SA

E91toG05 · 10-05-2023, 05:29 PM

Interesting. I just started noticing this (45e 10k miles). I started noticing it after the steering rack was replaced to fix a squeak noise….

yzhou2004 · 10-05-2023, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XGoober

Just popped back in to hopefully close off this story. Had my X5 in to BMW Bellevue today and they diagnosed and replaced a prematurely worn out sway bar end link. Hopefully it was just a poorly manufactured part and the new one will not fail again soon. If it does, I'll report back with any updates.

Thanks for all the replies.

was your problem solved permanently? I am researching front end faint creaky/clunky/squeaky noise. I don't know how to describe it actually. It also happens at low speed on city street, not even over bumps though.
Thanks.

Gmag08 · 10-23-2023, 05:08 PM

2024 X5 50e and I’m notice the same symptoms. Clumkking sound in the front suspension when turning and going over a some type of bumps or dips in the road. I’ll bring this up to my dealership. Thanks for the info guys.

MONAH551 · 03-22-2024, 11:39 PM

Mine started having this sound at even 4k miles. The SC changed both wishbones, still has not solved the issue. Now they are waiting for the technical team to advice but I am sharing from this thread for them to consider like the tie rod etc. Thanks

elJames · 03-23-2024, 10:45 AM

Guys, I think I've figured this mystery noise out.

Check your HOOD.

I've posted a few times here with this issue. Sharp turns at slow speeds usually replicated on uneven surfaces. I would get a click noise, or a knock, or creaking sound from what I thought was the front driver's side suspension, or steering column. Had my X5 in for service to the dealer 3 times in the last 6 weeks to look at this. The second time they replaced the tie rods per a service bulletin. The third time after a week with the car they did nothing and said the sound is normal as they have not ever been able to replicate it.

Well anyway, yesterday after parking in my garage after hearing the sound again, feeling gaslit by BMW and thinking I'm going crazy, I just started pushing up and down on the driver's side over the tire to try and replicate what I was hearing. I found the sound I had been hearing to be coming from the hood.

My guess is the weather seal that runs along that side which gets displaced on these X5's (sticking out, folded over making it a pain to close some of these hoods) is causing the hood to not tightly latch and making noise as the frame flexes.

I've recorded it here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/bFptN89x0UY?feature=share

I can't say how relieved I feel, and I hope it's as simple as this for all those who also have a "mystery noise".

10-23-2022, 04:44 PM	#1
XGoober Lieutenant 295 Rep 424 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: May 2012 Location: Puget Sound, WA iTrader: (1)	45e Front suspension clunk - normal? Hey gang. I recently started noticing a slight clunking noise coming from what I'm guessing is the front suspension on my 45e. It is most noticeable at very slow speeds, such as crawling over a kerb or speed bump. It is not loud and for all I know could be perfectly normal so I wondered if others have noticed the same thing? I suspect it also happens at speed when going over bumps but it's hard to tell due to road and wind noise. Overall the car feels very smooth, it's just the clunking sound that has got me wondering...
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10-23-2022, 08:05 PM	#2
FastMarkA Lieutenant 561 Rep 545 Posts Drives: '24 X5 50e M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Mine makes a clunk going over speed bumps; it depends on the size of the bump and the speed at which the car is traveling. I haven't had it inspected, but I guess nice to know there are two of us so maybe it's a non-issue?
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10-24-2022, 02:28 PM	#4
juanoldinho Enlisted Member 14 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2021 330e Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: California iTrader: (0)	We don't have our 45e yet, but we have a 330e and there is a clunk or knocking sound when going over uneven surfaces and bumps. It's different than the normal sound going over speed bumps where you hear the front and rear suspension, it's only the front and mainly on the drivers side. It seemed to be a lot more noticeable if it was warm outside and under 35mph. We've taken our car in a couple times and techs have a hard time replicating, and even when they did they still couldn't find the source. They claimed to bring in a BMW specialist and were not able to provide any definitive answers.
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10-24-2022, 02:44 PM	#5
P1 Lieutenant General 11572 Rep 11,136 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Eeach time my F15 made that noise, it were the control arms. And mine went through them like my kids goes through bean and cheese tacos. Really hoping this won't plague the G05 also.
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10-24-2022, 06:14 PM	#6
chayden2005 Private 69 Rep 68 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X5 45e [0.00]	If it's a phantom clunky sound with no perceptible mechanical feel to it, try swapping the tires around and see if it follows. I had a run flat that made a lot of noise when going over bumps at any speed. It was perceptible mainly at lower speeds on rough roads and at higher speeds on crappy freeway surfaces. The dealer rotated the tires around and the noise followed. Since they were new tires the dealer just replaced the one and the overly annoying noise went away. Run flats still suck and are noisy, but that could potentially be a problem if nothing else seems to be bad.
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10-24-2022, 06:50 PM	#7
Bavar-ian Private First Class 178 Rep 158 Posts Drives: X5 G05 Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	I think i can relate very well to this. The clunk comes muted but you can feel it through the steering wheel. At low speeds over road bumps and sharp humps it will make a clunk. Almost only when the car is cold. It got worst for mine (June x40i) and it was diagnosed and the tie-rods was replaced in October. Now, the sound is crawling back to me again. Attached Images
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10-24-2022, 08:16 PM	#9
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4985 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	Same with E70. Tie rod
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10-24-2022, 09:56 PM	#10
XGoober Lieutenant 295 Rep 424 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: May 2012 Location: Puget Sound, WA iTrader: (1)	Well dang it. Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll hope it gets worse or I can find an easy way to reproduce it for the dealer. I hate the typical "can't reproduce" dance when it comes to getting something rectified.
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11-17-2022, 11:09 PM	#12
XGoober Lieutenant 295 Rep 424 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: May 2012 Location: Puget Sound, WA iTrader: (1)	Just popped back in to hopefully close off this story. Had my X5 in to BMW Bellevue today and they diagnosed and replaced a prematurely worn out sway bar end link. Hopefully it was just a poorly manufactured part and the new one will not fail again soon. If it does, I'll report back with any updates. Thanks for all the replies.
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06-19-2023, 02:03 AM	#13
bmer66 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: g05 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: china iTrader: (0)	I replaced the steering tie rod in May 2023 and it solved the problem. But a month or so later, the problem resurfaced again.
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06-19-2023, 09:59 AM	#14
tooloud10 Captain 767 Rep 849 Posts Drives: '08 M3 convertible Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	The X5 has had this issue at least since the E70. My 45e has about 4k miles on it and I can already hear the clunking, usually while hitting a small bump while turning. It's crazy (sad?) that they can't get rid of this problem after so many years. __________________ M3 - X5 - 911 - Miata - Raptor - Edge
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10-05-2023, 05:29 PM	#17
E91toG05 Captain 343 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 45e Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York, NY iTrader: (0)	Interesting. I just started noticing this (45e 10k miles). I started noticing it after the steering rack was replaced to fix a squeak noise….
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10-23-2023, 05:08 PM	#19
Gmag08 New Member 8 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e M Sport Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 [8.50] 2024 BMW X5 G05 xDr ... [10.00]	2024 X5 50e and I’m notice the same symptoms. Clumkking sound in the front suspension when turning and going over a some type of bumps or dips in the road. I’ll bring this up to my dealership. Thanks for the info guys.
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03-22-2024, 11:39 PM	#20
MONAH551 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: X5Xdrive45e Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	Front Suspension Knocking Mine started having this sound at even 4k miles. The SC changed both wishbones, still has not solved the issue. Now they are waiting for the technical team to advice but I am sharing from this thread for them to consider like the tie rod etc. Thanks
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03-23-2024, 10:45 AM	#21
elJames New Member 26 Rep 26 Posts Drives: '23 BMW X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Guys, I think I've figured this mystery noise out. Check your HOOD. I've posted a few times here with this issue. Sharp turns at slow speeds usually replicated on uneven surfaces. I would get a click noise, or a knock, or creaking sound from what I thought was the front driver's side suspension, or steering column. Had my X5 in for service to the dealer 3 times in the last 6 weeks to look at this. The second time they replaced the tie rods per a service bulletin. The third time after a week with the car they did nothing and said the sound is normal as they have not ever been able to replicate it. Well anyway, yesterday after parking in my garage after hearing the sound again, feeling gaslit by BMW and thinking I'm going crazy, I just started pushing up and down on the driver's side over the tire to try and replicate what I was hearing. I found the sound I had been hearing to be coming from the hood. My guess is the weather seal that runs along that side which gets displaced on these X5's (sticking out, folded over making it a pain to close some of these hoods) is causing the hood to not tightly latch and making noise as the frame flexes. I've recorded it here: https://youtube.com/shorts/bFptN89x0UY?feature=share I can't say how relieved I feel, and I hope it's as simple as this for all those who also have a "mystery noise".
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