2009 328i... front strut noise

Greyfox · 07-10-2016, 03:11 PM

Okay, is it common for LCI's to start emitting basically a sound when you hit a bump?

Car only has 82k and you can open the hood and push down on the front end and you will hear a "squirt" like sound from the drivers side strut tower. Dealership told my wife there wasn't anything wrong.

It still controls rebound like it should... just wondering if the valving is going bad in it.

Any ideas?

Hacksaw · 07-10-2016, 10:18 PM

Sounds like you either have a strut going bad and requires a replacement or the upper strut mount is shot. If they are the original struts... you are due for a refresh anyways more than likely.

Dealers try to get you to go away and past warranty. Your job is to make them deliver on what they claim they would. So start making noise nicely to your SA and if he won't do anything check to see if there is another dealer close by.

We do not have that luxury here in San Antonio.....

vandalbob · 07-10-2016, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Okay, is it common for LCI's to start emitting basically a sound when you hit a bump?

Car only has 82k and you can open the hood and push down on the front end and you will hear a "squirt" like sound from the drivers side strut tower. Dealership told my wife there wasn't anything wrong.

It still controls rebound like it should... just wondering if the valving is going bad in it.

Any ideas?

I'm assuming I have the same noise, sounds similar based on your description. I've had a noise from the struts since 55-60K (now have 101k); dealer also told me it was either normal or nothing wrong. My car's suspension still handles great although it is starting to show some age now. In my opinion, as long as it isn't visibly leaking you should be fine...however, as always, folk on this forum may have a different pov.

Greyfox · 07-11-2016, 08:56 AM

Well, the vehicle isn't under warranty so I would be footing the bill on replacing it.

And correct, it isn't leaking. Like I said, it sounds more like the valve is making the noise.

MightyMouseTech · 07-11-2016, 09:18 AM

Could just be the tension strut bushing squeeking.

X_Drive · 07-11-2016, 04:58 PM

If it is a fluid squishing sound, I wouldn't worry about it. It's just the shock fluid inside the shock. Also, If you brought it in to the dealer and they see no leaking then your shock is still intergrally sound. If it makes you feel better, my KW's make that noise and all the cars that I drive do as well.

As you mentioned, the vehicle still displays good solid suspension dynamics. So I wouldn't worry. If it was to jounce up and down like a boat in water, then I would say it is time for a replacement.

HTH's

07-10-2016, 03:11 PM	#1
Greyfox Colonel 1208 Rep 2,835 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E91 - 330k+ (miles) Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	2009 328i... front strut noise Okay, is it common for LCI's to start emitting basically a sound when you hit a bump? Car only has 82k and you can open the hood and push down on the front end and you will hear a "squirt" like sound from the drivers side strut tower. Dealership told my wife there wasn't anything wrong. It still controls rebound like it should... just wondering if the valving is going bad in it. Any ideas?
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07-10-2016, 10:18 PM	#2
Hacksaw Private First Class 25 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SA TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	Sounds like you either have a strut going bad and requires a replacement or the upper strut mount is shot. If they are the original struts... you are due for a refresh anyways more than likely. Dealers try to get you to go away and past warranty. Your job is to make them deliver on what they claim they would. So start making noise nicely to your SA and if he won't do anything check to see if there is another dealer close by. We do not have that luxury here in San Antonio..... __________________ '11 BMW///335i Sedan Black Sapphire Metallic\|Dakota Blk Lthr\|Sport Seats\|M Sport Sus PKG\|Nav\| '02 BMW ///M3Imola Red\|Blk Cloth\|6M\|TFS CSL TUNE - MSS54HP\|CSL Rep Airbox\|Euro Headers\|StopTech ST-40 BBKs\|Kirk 4pt Bar\|CF CSL Trunk\|GC Race F/R Sways\|
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07-11-2016, 08:56 AM	#4
Greyfox Colonel 1208 Rep 2,835 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E91 - 330k+ (miles) Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	Well, the vehicle isn't under warranty so I would be footing the bill on replacing it. And correct, it isn't leaking. Like I said, it sounds more like the valve is making the noise.
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07-11-2016, 09:18 AM	#5
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Could just be the tension strut bushing squeeking.
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07-11-2016, 04:58 PM	#6
X_Drive Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 263 Posts Drives: E46, E91, F21 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Northwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M140i LCI [0.00] 2005 E46 325xi [0.00] 2011 E91 328i xDriv ... [0.00]	If it is a fluid squishing sound, I wouldn't worry about it. It's just the shock fluid inside the shock. Also, If you brought it in to the dealer and they see no leaking then your shock is still intergrally sound. If it makes you feel better, my KW's make that noise and all the cars that I drive do as well. As you mentioned, the vehicle still displays good solid suspension dynamics. So I wouldn't worry. If it was to jounce up and down like a boat in water, then I would say it is time for a replacement. HTH's
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