Problem with E36 BMW 3 series

Troglodyte

I've owned a 1995 BMW 320i SE for about three months, but in the last couple of weeks I've noticed a strange problem. After 15 minutes of use, the car makes a kind of creaking / knocking noise. This noise is only really noticable in urban driving, I can't seem to hear it above speeds of 35 mph or so. It seems to happen whenever the car is jolted around, even very slightly, such as when turning a corner, accelerating, braking, or even going over a slightly bumpy road. However, if I were to drive at a constant 20 mph in a straight line on a perfectly surfaced road, this noise does not occur.

This is really puzzling me, I have no idea what might be causing it. Any ideas, guys? I'd appreciate some.

Seth Brundle

Any idea whereabouts on the car the noise seems to come from? A particular corner or what?
It could be a dodgy spring or something but I would need more info on it.

Troglodyte

kbannon wrote:

Any idea whereabouts on the car the noise seems to come from? A particular corner or what?
It could be a dodgy spring or something but I would need more info on it.

It's quite hard to tell, but it sounds like its coming from the back more than anything. It's kind of hard to place.

Seth Brundle

After re-reading your first post, I would imagine that it is likely to be a bush, a strut top mount that has gone but it still could be a spring or other suspension component.
Where are you based?
have a look at www.bmwcarclubireland.com/contacts.php for a list of some BMW specialists

Troglodyte

kbannon wrote:

After re-reading your first post, I would imagine that it is likely to be a bush, a strut top mount that has gone but it still could be a spring or other suspension component.
Where are you based?
have a look at www.bmwcarclubireland.com/contacts.php for a list of some BMW specialists

Thanks for the help, thats a pretty useful list.

I'm based in Waterford, but will probably be living in Dublin in a couple of weeks time.

BTW, how much do you think this might cost to fix? This might be a problem as my pockets are a little empty right now.

Seth Brundle

It could even be a DIY fix.
I have no idea on cost as Im not sure of the exact problem.

Darragh29

Troglodyte wrote:

I've owned a 1995 BMW 320i SE for about three months, but in the last couple of weeks I've noticed a strange problem. After 15 minutes of use, the car makes a kind of creaking / knocking noise. This noise is only really noticable in urban driving, I can't seem to hear it above speeds of 35 mph or so. It seems to happen whenever the car is jolted around, even very slightly, such as when turning a corner, accelerating, braking, or even going over a slightly bumpy road. However, if I were to drive at a constant 20 mph in a straight line on a perfectly surfaced road, this noise does not occur.

This is really puzzling me, I have no idea what might be causing it. Any ideas, guys? I'd appreciate some.

If it was the front I'd say it could be CV joints but you say its more the rear of the car. I'd say check the rear suspension for any worn/damaged components, especially the springs & suspension bushings.

Seth Brundle

Darragh29 wrote:

If it was the front I'd say it could be CV joints but you say its more the rear of the car. I'd say check the rear suspension for any worn/damaged components, especially the springs & suspension bushings.

Its a BMW and therefore RWD so no front CV joints.

opo

AFAIK, Beamers are notorious for loosening rear axle bolts. Bit off a job to do them if they are rusted and will not tighten. This would be noticeable taking off, downshifting etc.

Seth Brundle

opo wrote:

AFAIK, Beamers are notorious for loosening rear axle bolts. Bit off a job to do them if they are rusted and will not tighten. This would be noticeable taking off, downshifting etc.

Ive never heard of that!

DublinDilbert

Could well be rear shock mounts or rear trailing arm bushings, do you know if either were ever changed??

Do you notice the back end of the car being a bit loose when going over speed bumps / pot holes? If just one of the rear trailing arm bushes is gone, the car might appear to handle ok, but when the other one goes you'd definilty be able to feel it.

I replaced both the rear shock mounts or rear trailing arm bushings on my E36, as the back was jumping when i was hitting bumps. The rear shock mounts are fairly easy, if you have an idea what your doing... the rear trailing arm bushes are some what more involved, and you'd have to be farily confident to take it on.

About a year ago i brought my car in for an alignment, and they guy actually check the rear trailing arm bushes before proceeding with the alignment, i guess they must see a fair few E36 rear trailing arm bushes gone.

I can post details on how to check them if you like...

Lex Luthor

Ball joints in the steering rods, perhaps???

Take it to a mechanic and get him to put it on a ramp and have a poke around is the best way....

Troglodyte

Thanks for all the posts guys, its well appreciated.

Do you notice the back end of the car being a bit loose when going over speed bumps / pot holes? If just one of the rear trailing arm bushes is gone, the car might appear to handle ok, but when the other one goes you'd definilty be able to feel it.

Nope, the handling seems to be fine.

It could even be a DIY fix.

I shudder at the thought of the consequences of me doing DIY work on my own car. I'm worse than useless at that knid of thing.

Ah well, I hope the problem isin't too threatening or great, since I'll have to do a lot of driving in the next few days, with no chance of getting to see a mechanic in the meantime.

opo

kbannon wrote:

Ive never heard of that!

Mate of mine, mechanic, years of experience, only does BMW, warned me of same.

AMurphy

kbannon wrote:

Its a BMW and therefore RWD so no front CV joints.

yes, but they usually have a foating Diff and hence have rear axles like a VW Beatle, each with 2 CV joints.

However, for the rattle in question. I read several times of NCT rejects due to rear Control arm suspension busing failure. So check the bushings of the lower control arms, Trailing arms, or whatever you may call them.

And if not those, check the damper bushes as also suggested.

Seth Brundle

AMurphy wrote:

yes, but they usually have a foating Diff and hence have rear axles like a VW Beatle, each with 2 CV joints.

I was responding to Darraghs point that it could be front CV joints. I never referred to rear CV joints which I am aware of.

nutterireland

hi all

i bet its the exhaust mounting on body work ,its best to put on a lift and go around and cheque the bushings too .also look in boot for loose spare .

also cheque hardispicer on driveshaft
does the car handle any different on a bad road ?