[dL.]

Hello,

I am not sure if this is normal but I would like to find out before I bring it to service.

When I parallel park and reverse, you turn the wheel and then as soon as you apply the brakes, I would hear this clunk noise, like something has shifted.

It only happens when I reverse. What is making this clunk noise? Is it normal or is there something wrong with my vehicle?

Thanks!

dL

[328AL]

Originally Posted by dL.

Hello,

I am not sure if this is normal but I would like to find out before I bring it to service.

When I parallel park and reverse, you turn the wheel and then as soon as you apply the brakes, I would hear this clunk noise, like something has shifted.

It only happens when I reverse. What is making this clunk noise? Is it normal or is there something wrong with my vehicle?

Thanks!

dL

Take it to a dealer. I had some what similar problem, but it did not involve breaks, it was a suspension problem. It took my dealer 2 tries to figure it out.

[dL.]

I will mention it to them. I am not really that annoyed since it only happens when I reverse and I rarely do that. I am more concerned about the long-term cause and effect of this though.

The funny thing is when I google "clunking when reverse", almost every car brand exhibits this problem. Even on the E90 as well. One person mentioned it's the nature of "floating calipers". No idea...

dL

[dL.]

Originally Posted by 328AL

Take it to a dealer. I had some what similar problem, but it did not involve breaks, it was a suspension problem. It took my dealer 2 tries to figure it out.

What did they replace or fix at the end?

[328AL]

Originally Posted by dL.

What did they replace or fix at the end?

I forgot, but it had to with something that connects a left front wheel to the suspension; sway bar or a control arm.

[Avian]

I know this may be slightly off topic but one of my family members have the 316i F30 and every time she pushed the front brake pedal and then releases it also makes a "clunk" noise. I'm not sure if this is possibly related to this thread? or should I start a thread on asking this?

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by Avian

I know this may be slightly off topic but one of my family members have the 316i F30 and every time she pushed the front brake pedal and then releases it also makes a "clunk" noise. I'm not sure if this is possibly related to this thread? or should I start a thread on asking this?

I have that too, my guess is that the brake pad is not aligned properly, but since the front brakes still work fine for me I am ignoring it until it is time for front brake replacement(for my F30 8AT it is only 16k miles!).

[OC40]

Mine always does it and I believe it is some sort of self check from what I have heard. There is a thread on this from a while back.

[ES_TRADER]

I have the same thing except mine sounds more like a "click". A single click sound when going from reverse to drive and braking. I thought it was power transfer from drivetrain noise

[Kowboi]

Originally Posted by ES_TRADER

I have the same thing except mine sounds more like a "click". A single click sound when going from reverse to drive and braking. I thought it was power transfer from drivetrain noise

+1. I have the same click sound. Sometimes it's more audible than other times. I'll mention to next time my car goes in for service.

[Lost Horizon]

Originally Posted by dL.

Hello,

I am not sure if this is normal but I would like to find out before I bring it to service.

When I parallel park and reverse, you turn the wheel and then as soon as you apply the brakes, I would hear this clunk noise, like something has shifted.

It only happens when I reverse. What is making this clunk noise? Is it normal or is there something wrong with my vehicle?

Thanks!

dL

Most likely needs the Control Arm Bushings replaced on the front end.. it's a common wear and tear issue. Typically, they will replace both sides when either side gets sloppy.

[estoril335]

So my car has 9000 miles, but it had the clunk always.
It clunks when you put it on Reverse, and then accelerate. Probably 1 out of 5 times.
Also, sometimes when you put it in drive after Reverse, it will "CLUNK", somewhere in the front. Noticeable, but doesn't happen 100% of the time.

Any ideas?

[Rose33]

I asked the dealer the same question.. something about the control arms or sway bar switching direction from forward to reverse that makes the clunk noise, but I would assume it happens right after putting it into reverse. I often back my car into the driveway and it happens about 50ft after moving backwards. I find it really odd

[gomichaelkgo]

It could also be the brake pads shifting in the caliper. There has to be a little slack in there. Changing direction will move the pads when the brake is depressed.

[dsc888]

Sorry to revive an old thread but has anyone else gotten to the bottom of this "clunk/clank/pop" noise in the front end?

My 2015 335ix with 13k miles has this noise when I reverse or approach my driveway with the wheel turn to or almost to full steering lock to the Left. Seems not to do it if I turn to the Right. It does it whether I touch the brakes or not so I'm guessing it may not be the brakes. But most of the time I have my brakes applied lightly since I'm entering my driveway. Noise occurs while I'm still traveling, very slowly, either forward or in reverse.

I've even reproduced it twice with the car in stopped and in neutral while turning the wheel first to the LEFT full lock and then straightening the wheel out.

It never happens while I drive normally or if I make a U-turn.

Is it brake pads shifting? Control arm bushing being worn? Strut Bearings? Thanks for any feedback/experience you can share.

[chenry]

My '17 340i with 2k miles does this

[RoundelM3]

My 2013 335i also does this, especially after changing my brake pads to Cool Carbon S/T. I think it's the pads moving slightly when changing directions and brake pedal is applied. I checked that the pins and spring clip on the front pads are all correctly installed and can't find any issues. Nature of the beast, I'd say. Doesn't affect braking capability at all.

[NYC_340i]

My '16 340i xDrive with around 6k miles does the same thing. Makes a loud clunk when going from drive to reverse and vice versa after a few feet of movement.

[KGB_123_99]

My '17 330ix does this as well.

[PuroMexicano]

anybody has a permanent fix on this?

my new car with less than 1,000 miles does it too

[veloarc75]

I also hear this sound when i shift from drive to reverse and hit the brake for the first time. I went to my dealer and they said it is normal just too loud on mine so they did something and now it is not as loud as before... i dont know what exactly they did but seems like that sound is normal

[rockymtnpilot]

I know what this is! I had the same thing on my E60 back in December. There are two bolts holding your caliper in place. Make sure they're both there ?. I had my brakes redone by a shop in Montana and they used third party parts to include putting the wrong bolt in to my front left caliper. One of them had sheared. I bought a new bolt from BMW for $4. If it's not that then your brake pads are moving within the caliper (which is also not ideal). I'm inclined to think your caliper is loose, though. Let me know!