Front end wobble noise over small bumps at low speeds

whosagrubb · 02-02-2019, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truth649

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

My car is noticeably noisier with these very low temperatures. Kind of sounds like loose marbles. Considering your car is the same or worse (probably because of the temps), I would conclude that the problem is not the struts then.

More and more, I think this has to be just the nature of the car in combination with the cold. And I would be all F30's have the issue, but only a few people seem to notice.

The high today here was 15 F. By Monday, our high will be in the 60's. Will be interesting to see how the noise is then.

As for your car, I don't know if it is worth it to go back to the dealership then. Seems like BMW has no clue at all on this.

I dropped it off again this morning and this time I took the service adviser for a ride and he noticed the noise before we even left the parking lot. He said it is possible that BOTH struts are bad, they only replaced the drivers side one. In my case, the noise is worse when it is cold, but it is present even in warm temps, just not as bad. They gave me a 340 as a loaner which was good for comparison, and the noise is not there with the loaner. Same car, M Sport, adaptive suspension. It will be interesting to see what they say. my guess is they will say they need to replace the other strut but I dont have a lot of confidence that will fix it. I'll keep you updated.

My car, a F36 with adaptive suspension, went in for the same problem a few months ago. Front suspension "rattle" most notable at slow speeds, especially when cold. The shop foreman picked up the sound right away and they replaced the drivers side strut, since that's where it sounded like it was coming from. After replacement the noise remained and they replaced the passenger side.

They had the car for a while since BMW mistakenly sent the wrong strut at some point, but after replacing both struts the noise is gone in my case.

Spaceme1117 · 02-03-2019, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whosagrubb

My car, a F36 with adaptive suspension, went in for the same problem a few months ago. Front suspension "rattle" most notable at slow speeds, especially when cold. The shop foreman picked up the sound right away and they replaced the drivers side strut, since that's where it sounded like it was coming from. After replacement the noise remained and they replaced the passenger side.

They had the car for a while since BMW mistakenly sent the wrong strut at some point, but after replacing both struts the noise is gone in my case.

Thanks for the report.

I am going to replace my sway bar end links today and see it there is any improvement. I am not expecting any.

I am also going to try and see if I can find any slack or loose bolts anywhere.

I have a 4 piece control arm kit coming from FCP Euro and will try that next. Even if this is not the problem, the kit was relatively cheap and not a bad idea to replace on a nearly 70K mileage car.

If none of that works, I will probably order everything I need to replace the struts and mounts. (I won't be surprised if I have to do this.)

obert · 02-03-2019, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

Thanks for the report.

I am going to replace my sway bar end links today and see it there is any improvement. I am not expecting any.

I am also going to try and see if I can find any slack or loose bolts anywhere.

I have a 4 piece control arm kit coming from FCP Euro and will try that next. Even if this is not the problem, the kit was relatively cheap and not a bad idea to replace on a nearly 70K mileage car.

If none of that works, I will probably order everything I need to replace the struts and mounts. (I won't be surprised if I have to do this.)

I will be replacing my end links as well soon. I did have the steering rack issue and it was replaced and fixed. I put some used BC coils on and they do come with shorter end links that were used as well. After the install is when I noticed this rattle noise at low speeds that we all have. I called BC and they said to check the top strut nut to make sure it was tight and it was.

I am hoping it will be the end links and not have to mess with replacement struts next.

Spaceme1117 · 02-03-2019, 03:01 PM

So I just got done installing new sway bar end links. There was no play in the old ones so that is not the problem.

The suspension arms are also all tight. No bad bushings or anything else.

Also, no loose bolts anywhere.

What I did notice, was that the drivers' side strut has an oily residue on the outside and this looks like it is coming from up in the strut. So I am thinking that at least my drivers side strut is bad. The passenger side strut was dry.

I am going to order both struts however. I will change out the drivers side strut first and test drive and see if the noise is still there.

KRS_SN · 02-04-2019, 07:31 AM

ok guys
i put 2 layers of popamazing sound proofing sheets(search on amazon £17) underneath the floor mats and behind brake pedal and accelarator area and continued if forwards on the plastic area where the steering column disappears into and also some around the steering wheel (in a discrete manner). sound is 95%gone. If anyone wants to see pics let me know but it was just a peel stick and cut off the excess job approx 20 minutes.
ps 1.new tyres-2. control arm - 3.hydrobearing-4.steering rack thrust piece all were previously replaced with limited improvement to the knocking sound The soundproofing seems to have made the most effect.

truth649 · 02-04-2019, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

So I just got done installing new sway bar end links. There was no play in the old ones so that is not the problem.

The suspension arms are also all tight. No bad bushings or anything else.

Also, no loose bolts anywhere.

What I did notice, was that the drivers' side strut has an oily residue on the outside and this looks like it is coming from up in the strut. So I am thinking that at least my drivers side strut is bad. The passenger side strut was dry.

I am going to order both struts however. I will change out the drivers side strut first and test drive and see if the noise is still there.

Just picked up the car and it appears the noise is gone. They started with replacing the struts, they test drove after replacement and noise was still there. Then they replaced the tension strut ball joints, noise still there when they test drove it. Then replaced the sway bar links and that seems to have done it. Time will tell of course whether it comes back, but for now it seems to be resolved.

Spaceme1117 · 02-04-2019, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truth649

Just picked up the car and it appears the noise is gone. They started with replacing the struts, they test drove after replacement and noise was still there. Then they replaced the tension strut ball joints, noise still there when they test drove it. Then replaced the sway bar links and that seems to have done it. Time will tell of course whether it comes back, but for now it seems to be resolved.

Thanks for the update. I have the struts, mounts, and extra bits ordered. Hope to receive the parts by the weekend for install. We will see.

truth649 · 02-04-2019, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

Thanks for the update. I have the struts, mounts, and extra bits ordered. Hope to receive the parts by the weekend for install. We will see.

Good luck, hope it all works, let us know!

khj24 · 02-05-2019, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truth649

Just picked up the car and it appears the noise is gone. They started with replacing the struts, they test drove after replacement and noise was still there. Then they replaced the tension strut ball joints, noise still there when they test drove it. Then replaced the sway bar links and that seems to have done it. Time will tell of course whether it comes back, but for now it seems to be resolved.

Ordered some sway bar links, hope to have them on by this weekend. They're so cheap I wouldn't be too upset if they don't fix anything.

Jam101jam · 02-05-2019, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

Quote:

Originally Posted by truth649

Just picked up the car and it appears the noise is gone. They started with replacing the struts, they test drove after replacement and noise was still there. Then they replaced the tension strut ball joints, noise still there when they test drove it. Then replaced the sway bar links and that seems to have done it. Time will tell of course whether it comes back, but for now it seems to be resolved.

Thanks for the update. I have the struts, mounts, and extra bits ordered. Hope to receive the parts by the weekend for install. We will see.

Plz update after you done, much appreciated. Also do you mind if you share how much the struts and bits cost? And where you ordered them? Thx again!

obert · 02-06-2019, 06:55 AM

Received my new endlinks yesterday from BC. It will be a couple of weeks before I can install.

Spaceme1117 · 02-06-2019, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jam101jam

Plz update after you done, much appreciated. Also do you mind if you share how much the struts and bits cost? And where you ordered them? Thx again!

Ordered from www.getBMWparts.com. Seemed to be the best prices I could find. I found them through FuriousMethod. Parts list and prices below:

Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
37-11-6-793-872 Strut $346.78 1 $346.78
31-30-6-881-930 Strut Mount $121.15 2 $242.30
37-11-6-793-871 Strut $346.78 1 $346.78
31-30-6-869-931 Strut Mount Bolt $3.20 6 $19.20
31336791507 Strut Bumper $19.94 2 $39.88
31336787114 Lower Insulator $7.04 2 $14.08

So the cost is right at $1000. Not especially cheap but not too bad either. I want to take care of this issue. I should receive everything tomorrow. Install looks to be very straight forward and I have replaced struts on other vehicles many times in the past. This shouldn't be any different other than being careful of the electronics and electrical connectors.

If this takes care of the noise/problem, I plan on getting rid of the run-flats and put on a set of Michelin A/S 3+'s and will get an alignment then.

Jam101jam · 02-06-2019, 08:53 AM

That's great thx for all the details. With bumpy roads in Michigan, my rft are killing those struts and the ride. Once get those tires run out will do a complete change. Wheels, tires, struts

How many miles on your car?

Spaceme1117 · 02-06-2019, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jam101jam

That's great thx for all the details. With bumpy roads in Michigan, my rft are killing those struts and the ride. Once get those tires run out will do a complete change. Wheels, tires, struts

How many miles on your car?

Just shy of 70K.

khj24 · 02-08-2019, 06:52 AM

I installed the endlinks last night with some new front rotors. As far as I can tell the noise is GONE. The endlinks were definitely past it and could be moved easily with just one hand. It is in the upper 30s this morning and I tried to listen for the rumble and I didn't hear what I was hearing before which was audible over music played at a low-med volume. It might come back to an extent as everything gets settled, but for now its gone. Also I can definitely feel the difference in endlinks when turning, less body roll. For how cheap they are I would definitely suggest it, just be warned its kind of a PITA to do. (Not hard, just annoying)

KRS_SN · 02-08-2019, 07:51 AM

went to an independent today. he tells me yes there is a rattly sound but nothing wrong as all is great on the suspension/brakes.
(he didn't charge me a diagnostic fee).
his advice was either spend money and replace various parts hoping it would disappear or turn up the radio.

Korvo · 02-08-2019, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khj24

I installed the endlinks last night with some new front rotors. As far as I can tell the noise is GONE. The endlinks were definitely past it and could be moved easily with just one hand. It is in the upper 30s this morning and I tried to listen for the rumble and I didn't hear what I was hearing before which was audible over music played at a low-med volume. It might come back to an extent as everything gets settled, but for now its gone. Also I can definitely feel the difference in endlinks when turning, less body roll. For how cheap they are I would definitely suggest it, just be warned its kind of a PITA to do. (Not hard, just annoying)

Did you get stock replacements? I've seen other companies that make them with different plastic.

khj24 · 02-08-2019, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdegene

Did you get stock replacements? I've seen other companies that make them with different plastic.

Honestly bought the cheapest ones on rockauto, if they turn out to be crap I dont mind buying a nicer set.

Korvo · 02-08-2019, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khj24

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdegene

Did you get stock replacements? I've seen other companies that make them with different plastic.

Honestly bought the cheapest ones on rockauto, if they turn out to be crap I dont mind buying a nicer set.

Do you mind sharing the link or part number?

awilki0101 · 02-08-2019, 09:15 AM

Looking to purchase these

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-catuned-...hoCETAQAvD_BwE

For me the noise came after putting on the Dinan springs. Service tech told me as well that all is good and just annoying, but if replacing with these that can be adjusted gets rid of the noise I am all for it. Question is, how do I determine the proper setting with these based off ride height?

khj24 · 02-08-2019, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdegene

Do you mind sharing the link or part number?

Here ya go

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...309712&jsn=433

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...309712&jsn=434

They seem to be of decent quality

Spaceme1117 · 02-08-2019, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khj24

Here ya go

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...309712&jsn=433

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...309712&jsn=434

They seem to be of decent quality

I changed out my sway bar links last weekend with a Rein brand. Didn't make any difference but there wasn't any play in my factory links.

I have received in the M Sport struts and mounts I ordered and will install this weekend. Will report back once I get it done.

02-03-2019, 03:01 PM	#114
Spaceme1117 Private First Class 89 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	So I just got done installing new sway bar end links. There was no play in the old ones so that is not the problem. The suspension arms are also all tight. No bad bushings or anything else. Also, no loose bolts anywhere. What I did notice, was that the drivers' side strut has an oily residue on the outside and this looks like it is coming from up in the strut. So I am thinking that at least my drivers side strut is bad. The passenger side strut was dry. I am going to order both struts however. I will change out the drivers side strut first and test drive and see if the noise is still there.
	Appreciate 1 Korvo368.00 Quote

02-04-2019, 07:31 AM	#115
KRS_SN Major General 13729 Rep 5,267 Posts Drives: IX,G07 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X7 [10.00] X5 [8.50] IX [8.00]	ok guys i put 2 layers of popamazing sound proofing sheets(search on amazon £17) underneath the floor mats and behind brake pedal and accelarator area and continued if forwards on the plastic area where the steering column disappears into and also some around the steering wheel (in a discrete manner). sound is 95%gone. If anyone wants to see pics let me know but it was just a peel stick and cut off the excess job approx 20 minutes. ps 1.new tyres-2. control arm - 3.hydrobearing-4.steering rack thrust piece all were previously replaced with limited improvement to the knocking sound The soundproofing seems to have made the most effect.
	Appreciate 1 Korvo368.00 Quote

02-06-2019, 06:55 AM	#121
obert Brigadier General 1783 Rep 4,456 Posts Drives: 2013 328i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Seattle Wa iTrader: (49)	Received my new endlinks yesterday from BC. It will be a couple of weeks before I can install.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2019, 08:53 AM	#123
Jam101jam Private First Class 20 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 435i Gran Coup xDrive Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Michigan iTrader: (1)	That's great thx for all the details. With bumpy roads in Michigan, my rft are killing those struts and the ride. Once get those tires run out will do a complete change. Wheels, tires, struts How many miles on your car?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2019, 06:52 AM	#125
khj24 Lieutenant 221 Rep 445 Posts Drives: 2015 m235i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: 713 iTrader: (3)	I installed the endlinks last night with some new front rotors. As far as I can tell the noise is GONE. The endlinks were definitely past it and could be moved easily with just one hand. It is in the upper 30s this morning and I tried to listen for the rumble and I didn't hear what I was hearing before which was audible over music played at a low-med volume. It might come back to an extent as everything gets settled, but for now its gone. Also I can definitely feel the difference in endlinks when turning, less body roll. For how cheap they are I would definitely suggest it, just be warned its kind of a PITA to do. (Not hard, just annoying)
	Appreciate 1 obert1783.00 Quote

02-08-2019, 07:51 AM	#126
KRS_SN Major General 13729 Rep 5,267 Posts Drives: IX,G07 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X7 [10.00] X5 [8.50] IX [8.00]	went to an independent today. he tells me yes there is a rattly sound but nothing wrong as all is great on the suspension/brakes. (he didn't charge me a diagnostic fee). his advice was either spend money and replace various parts hoping it would disappear or turn up the radio.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2019, 09:15 AM	#130
awilki0101 First Lieutenant 519 Rep 271 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Woodlands Tx iTrader: (1)	Looking to purchase these https://www.ecstuning.com/b-catuned-...hoCETAQAvD_BwE For me the noise came after putting on the Dinan springs. Service tech told me as well that all is good and just annoying, but if replacing with these that can be adjusted gets rid of the noise I am all for it. Question is, how do I determine the proper setting with these based off ride height?
	Appreciate 0 Quote