JVZ104 thanks for the link. Did this fix the shimmy steering wheel as well?

I did not experience a shimmy, that is likely rotors or a wheel bearing. Uneven torque on lug nuts can warp the rotors (BMW spec. torque is 103ft.lbs per lug). I use what's called a 'whip stick' to put my lugs back on with an air wrench, and so far, so good. Vonchor posted a test flight for the wheel bearing problem:

http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?p=22333#post22333

Try that out if you haven't already.

JV

It's apiece of cake. Aside from the lugnuts, 4 nuts. That's it. I must stress the need for the thin 8mm open end wrench to keep the link studs from rotating when tightening the nuts. Also. After removing the old links, I still found no indication of wear on them, but the thumping is gone.

I've got the same symptoms, how do you tell if you need to replace the sway bar links when it's on the lift?

is this problem cover by warranty?thanks (got the same thing too!)

You have to simulate a "load" on the suspension, which ain't easy. Otherwise, try to slide under while the vehicle is on level ground. I'd suggest if you're gonna DIY, and your X has over 40K miles on her, the parts are $60, so go for it, cause they'll need to be replaced eventually.

JV

It is very hard to tell if there is a problem with the sway bar links. One way that comes to mind is to take the sway bar links off, tie up the sway bar, and do a test drive. If the links are bad, the clunk should go away.

But if you are doing all of that work, just replace the damn things, since they are so cheap.

I think I've got the same problem, I'm gonna try to get the dealer to fix it under warrant my x5 only has 36k on it.

I know the link is #7 but what is the arm #?

#6 in the top picture.

tks!