89k kilometers, 2011 X5 35i

[ard]

Thrust arm bushings aka Tension Strut Bushings. Probably should be redone.

[eskirvin]

Originally Posted by ard

Thrust arm bushings aka Tension Strut Bushings. Probably should be redone.

The car aligned nicely on the Hunter alignment machine, but I'll look into that. Thank you.

[ard]

Originally Posted by eskirvin

The car aligned nicely on the Hunter alignment machine, but I'll look into that. Thank you.

what does that have to do with anything?!?


Did someone say 'as long as it aligns the suspension is perfect'?



(you could actually probably align the car on the rack with the entire tension strut removed!.... I wonder...)




Tension struts are silicone fluid filled. Fluid leaks out, long gone. They LOOK ok, but at 55-60mph, they can do this vibration-thing. Just at the right speed to create enough energy to cause oscillation. Look into it, see if the many reports over the years matches what you see. Same with many BMW chassis.


GL

[eskirvin]

Originally Posted by ard

what does that have to do with anything?!?


Did someone say 'as long as it aligns the suspension is perfect'?



(you could actually probably align the car on the rack with the entire tension strut removed!.... I wonder...)




Tension struts are silicone fluid filled. Fluid leaks out, long gone. They LOOK ok, but at 55-60mph, they can do this vibration-thing. Just at the right speed to create enough energy to cause oscillation. Look into it, see if the many reports over the years matches what you see. Same with many BMW chassis.


GL

I don't think this is the issue. Are you saying you've experienced this situation resulting in a rattle/vibration similar to what I'm describing? I'm currently leaning to the reinforcement plate. I've read that the bolts holding it on are supposed to be TTY and single use. I recently had the filter changed and am sure no new bolts were used. No one here owns a torque wrench, even. I'll be sure to get back here and post if it turns out to be the resolution.

[eskirvin]

Originally Posted by eskirvin

2) There's some rattle that develops only when running over poorly prepared road surfaces. A resonance builds up and then it sounds like a plate under the car or inside the dash is rattling. Anyone experienced something similar?

This was resolved by replacing a missing part that cushions two plates. 23141216042 is the BMW part number. At a guess, someone threw this away when doing the transmission filter change, rather than putting it back like they should have. The under car rattle is now completely gone.