FYI, I've gotten various knocks and clicks in the front end before after taking off the stiffening plate and re-using the single use bolts.

Both times, it started several weeks after taking off the plate. I guess the plate or bolts 'settled in' or something. In both cases, just tightening up the stiffening plate bolts cured the problem.

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2005 X5 3.0i - 71k mi (9.2018) -> 81k (9.2019) -> 100k (9.2021) -> 123k (8.2025)
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SOLD : 2003 X5 3.0 - 177k mi (9.2018) -> 186k (9.2019) -> 205k (9.2021)
SOLD : 1997 328is Coupe - Hellrot Red
SOLD : 1988 528e w/ Bullseye s256 / MS2 Extra / GC Coilovers / Yukon Coils ~ 300+ HP