"Clunking" noise coming from front end...help!

[JBC247]

I had the same issue from when I picked up my '04 X5 in 2/04, it was in the shop at 600 miles, never could fix the problem.
Low speeds while turning, in reverse, and faster turning while going forward would make the pop or thud, whatever the sound, happen.
BMW flew a technician in to Dallas who was supposed to be the guy who knew everything, I drove him, the service manager, and my service representative around and demonstrated the noise, you could even feel it on the floorboard.
After 5 visits to the shop, they replaced the vehicle.
So I got an '05 in 11/04, and the damn thing has the same problem, I haven't even taken it in.

[94502]

Originally Posted by JBC247

I had the same issue from when I picked up my '04 X5 in 2/04, it was in the shop at 600 miles, never could fix the problem.
Low speeds while turning, in reverse, and faster turning while going forward would make the pop or thud, whatever the sound, happen.
BMW flew a technician in to Dallas who was supposed to be the guy who knew everything, I drove him, the service manager, and my service representative around and demonstrated the noise, you could even feel it on the floorboard.
After 5 visits to the shop, they replaced the vehicle.
So I got an '05 in 11/04, and the damn thing has the same problem, I haven't even taken it in.

that is some s***!!!!! Never got that problem fixed on my 05 4.4 also.. Dealer can't find out whats the problem. I am waiting for my brother to start working for BMW and hope he can fix everything..

[chusteveb]

I just got my 04 4.8 back from the dealership with the same clicking/ clunk issue from the front drivers side. My X had 19kmi at the time. The dealership replaced a strut and wheel bearing under warranty. I'll be honest the clunk has been significantly reduced but I still hear it every great once in a while although it may be in my head. The dealership originally was going to replace the whole steering column but ended up not thinking it was not the problem. I'm still listening for the noise.

[JV]

Originally Posted by chusteveb

I just got my 04 4.8 back from the dealership with the same clicking/ clunk issue from the front drivers side. My X had 19kmi at the time. The dealership replaced a strut and wheel bearing under warranty. I'll be honest the clunk has been significantly reduced but I still hear it every great once in a while although it may be in my head. The dealership originally was going to replace the whole steering column but ended up not thinking it was not the problem. I'm still listening for the noise.

Sway bar link- too cheap a part not to replace and see if your noise disappears.

[JPuma]

I have this problem too and I am about to investagate whats wrong. I am going to change part 7 Left/Right Swing support and see if that does it. While I am at it buying parts, anything else I should consider replacing. btw, last year I had both boots replaced due to the boot rubbers breaking but thats all fixed under warrenty and I still hear the noise. it normally happens when I go over subtle bumps or when is turning at low speeds like leaving a gas station as I ride off the curb in a turn.

[JV]

Originally Posted by JPuma

I have this problem too and I am about to investagate whats wrong. I am going to change part 7 Left/Right Swing support and see if that does it. While I am at it buying parts, anything else I should consider replacing. btw, last year I had both boots replaced due to the boot rubbers breaking but thats all fixed under warrenty and I still hear the noise. it normally happens when I go over subtle bumps or when is turning at low speeds like leaving a gas station as I ride off the curb in a turn.

Good to read you again, JP!

Sounds like the symptoms of a bad link. I had the boots replaced at around 75K.

for others to chime in on your questions about parts.

[fast4d]

I just ordered thrust rod bushing, lower control arm, ball joints and swaybar links. I'm at 99k miles now. everything except the thrust arm was replaced at 60k.

also doing waterpump, radiator, valley pan and all the crap that's attached to the rear water "log". I can't imagine the $$$$ I'll spend if I took it to the dealer.

[JPuma]

Originally Posted by fast4d

I just ordered thrust rod bushing, lower control arm, ball joints and swaybar links. I'm at 99k miles now. everything except the thrust arm was replaced at 60k.

also doing waterpump, radiator, valley pan and all the crap that's attached to the rear water "log". I can't imagine the $$$$ I'll spend if I took it to the dealer.

Hey fast4d, do you have part # for the parts that were replaced?

[fast4d]

Originally Posted by JPuma

Hey fast4d, do you have part # for the parts that were replaced?

you can get the BMW part numbers at www.realoem.com

I order aftermarket replacement parts unless they are not available. much cheaper, no tax and free shipping at bimmerzone.com

Qty Brand Sku Description Retail Price Core Total
2.00 AAA:FEB L2020-178398 Ball Joint 50.50 27.01 0.00 54.02
1.00 AAA:VCO L2000-178402 Control Arm 225.00 68.68 0.00 68.68
1.00 AAA:VCO L2000-178403 Control Arm 225.00 69.78 0.00 69.78
2.00 AAA:FEB L2074-175030 Track Rod Bushing 35.00 32.00 0.00 64.00
1.00 AAA:LEM L1030-119043 Sway Bar Link 33.25 30.21 0.00 30.21
1.00 AAA:LEM L1030-119044 Sway Bar Link 33.25 30.39 0.00 30.39

[gotabyte]

Thanks for the replies. Fortunately, it is still under warranty for 100 miles. I will make sure it is fixed this time and will mention the the parts.