2012 Sudden Dash Creaking / Popping Noise

[kaleb]

Hey there, I have a 2012 X5d with leather dash and HUD and 156,000 miles. Suddenly in the last week or so, I'm getting a creaking and popping sound in the dashboard/cowl area any time the chassis does any sort of flexing. Could be turning into a driveway with a small curb, turning the wheel slightly, an uneven bump while driving straight, and I even heard it POP while sitting still with the engine off!

I am wondering what I should check. The first thing I checked is a visual inspection of my upper strut foam spacers, since that commonly causes noise, but I replaced those (no noise at the time) at 131k miles and they look fine from the top.

What should I check next? Sway bar bushings? So odd. This year I have done a bit of light off-roading (driving through a field) but nothing crazy like WhistlinDiesel. I just have some land and I drive through the field.