2011 e70 front end clunks going over bumps
 

Hello new issue on my 2011 BMW X5 E70. I have 65k easy miles on her. Front end seems to wander and makes a loud "clunking sound", going bumps. This is new. Had the right front lower control arm bushing replaced over the summer. It was shimmering when brakes were applied and front was also wandering but not making any noises.
This just started. CPO warranty running out in June. Anyone experience this?
I have H&R lowering springs and spacers on all 4 wheels. Tire have less than 5000 miles and alignment is good. Appreciate any help. Wanted to thank the people who had the same transmission malfunction for their input. Yes it was the mechatronics box.

Sway bar end links and Lower Control Arm Bushings are pretty normal failure items on these vehicles.

Most of the LCAB get sloppy by as little as 40k miles depending on the roads the vehicle is driven on.

The fact the one bushing as been replaced tells me the other should have been replaced, but if you are dealing with BMW and CPO Warranty they will only repair/replace things that are CLEARLY failed.

If your vehicle has active suspension the sway bar itself can be a big problem as they age.

Check your strut top bearings and supports. Mine failed at 65k. Look for plastic looking grud on the top of the strut. Can be seen in the engine bay.

Strut bushing on top
 

Hello thanks for the reply. I did find brown crud on the top of the outside of the strut tower as you indicated to look. Funny thing, I took my X5 to dealership today and was denied any warranty work what so ever on the suspension, as it had after market (H&R springs), on it?? Whatever....... Looking to have the bushings replaced on both front struts as the sound is terrible going over bumps. I do want it make sure that is the only problem I am having. Thanks again for the information.

You only replaced ONE side?!?!?!?

By alignment "OK" this means what? BMW says "alignment OK"? Not that I think it is the alignment but just getting a "BMW Alignment" will usually mean your tire life will be suboptimal. They are required to check the alignment when the LCA or bush is replaced, BTW....

Once you modify the suspension you are on your own. I am 100% behind this- perfectly reasonable for BMW to do this.

Replace the other side lower control arm bushing AND look at the sway part end links.

And while I know you dont like people commenting on aspects of your post that might not be of concern to YOU, these 'conversations' can help others.

;)

My indi quoted me $600 to replace the guides and mounting bushings before I found out that it was covered under the used car warranty where I purchased th X5.

I had to have the Lower Control Arm Bushings replaced under the New Car Bumper to Bumper Warranty on my E46. BMW will not align the vehicle under Warranty if suspension parts are replaced. But funny how if the job is customer pay the dealer is more than happy to perform an alignment after suspension components are replaced every time.

Similar thing happened when the rear brakes were covered under BMW Maintenance and apparently brake rotors are not covered under the Maintenance coverage unless they are below spec. Dealer will not turn the rotors, but again for customer pay, guess what rotors are ALWAYS replaced.

Funny but sad how BWM deals with Warranty or Maintenance coverage.