[hsk1610]

going down an incline in a high rise parking lot, I hear a busy thumping sound from what seems to come from the rear passenger side. Had it checked out before but the dealer seemed to think it is normal, but it is still bugging me every time I leave work. Not a tire slap noise, but like something is loose- half rattle/ thumping sound. Not sure what could be causing a noise like that, on a relatively smooth surface. Made another appointment to have it checked out. Any advise on what to look for? Will try to record the sound on my phone and see if it comes out clearly enough to let the dealer listen to.

[Chris@codemybimmer]

could be your end links.
i had a similar issue where going over bumps at low speeds, i would get a thumping sound.

Turned out to be one of my end links were busted. (also in the rear)

[hsk1610]

Thank you for the info. Is the damage readily visible with or without the wheel? After the links were replaced, was there an wheel alignment involved?

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by hsk1610

Thank you for the info. Is the damage readily visible with or without the wheel? After the links were replaced, was there an wheel alignment involved?

I believe the end links need to be loaded in order to properly test it.

best way to check with even load is with your car on flat ground. go under the car and try to wiggle the end links. it feels loose then its a bad end link.

best way to check with load is raise one side of the car or roll one wheel onto a ramp with the other on the ground and wiggle it again. with load, the end links should be completely tight and no movements at all.

you don't require alignment after end links are replaced.

[a803sgo]

Are there even end links on the rear?

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by a803sgo

Are there even end links on the rear?

yes there are end links in the rear.... although the stock sway bar in the rear is so thin to the point where i think it doesnt really serve a purpose.

[a803sgo]

5 on this?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=33_1612

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by a803sgo

5 on this?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=33_1612

yes

[a803sgo]

Mine knocks from the rear so will be swapping these out, how hard are they to do?

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by a803sgo

Mine knocks from the rear so will be swapping these out, how hard are they to do?

15mins tops per side if you have the correct tools (excluding raising the car).

[hsk1610]

So the first dealer, which is also my selling dealer, kept the car overnight, but could not duplicate the problem back in January. Test drove with the shop foreman but could not replicate the noise in the dealer lot and during the short test drive.

Today, went to another dealer and took a ride with foreman and he heard the noise. Initial simple diagnosis is "noisy shock absorber." The dealer ordered the parts and says will call me for an appointment and for a loaner. Will report back. The foreman thinks the end links are fine since quickly moving the steering wheel left and right to make the car swerve did not create any additional noises. He thought it might be a bad valve issue.