All good thoughts. Brake pads have been in there a year so that's not it. CV's are fine. I'm betting thrust arms too. Left was replaced by dealer not because of noise but because they thought it was bent when I took delivery of it. Agree that the factory procedure for warranty is in pairs, but they covered on their own dime since it was sold to me that way. Maybe under warranty now they'll replace both.

Symptons are exactly like Weasel described, now frequently on the highway too. If I drive a few miles pulling the trailer up a long hill, then hit the brakes on the downhill side, can hear it, plus it tugs the steering wheel to the right at the same time. Car finally goes in on Monday. Can't believe I had to wait 2 weeks to get it in to repair a potential safety issue. good thing I had the 528 (with fresh thrust arm bushings) to drive since I parked the X5 two weeks ago.

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'04 E53, 4.4 Sport
'97 E39 528i
'86 911 Carrera, track car
'96 BMW R1100R