E9X Clunking Noise

[Jay_87]

Just wanting to pick some brains. I've owned my 2010 E91 320d for a few months now and I've recently noticed a noise coming from the front at low speed.

It tends to be when I reverse off the drive and stop, it sounds like a "click" or "clunk" coming from the front.

Car still handles nicely and feels tight across the front axle which makes me think its not a bush or ball joint as it sounds like metal on metal.

Is there any common issues that cause it? I know when I had my Golf GTI it used to have a "subframe click" which was caused by weak bolts and was cured by using ones from a diesel Passat.

Anyone else experienced the same/similar?

[willc68]

Sounds like it could be the issue described in a service bulletin: SI B33 04 08

The diff input flange needs to be greased. I think there’s a bit too much play in the driveline as it is loaded/unloaded which causes the clunk

[Jay_87]

That reads to me like it is for manual vehicles. I should have said mine is auto. Still could be the same issue though

[Phateuk]

I have a similar sound in my E92, spoke to the dealer not long after purchase and they said the brake pads are sometimes not seated correctly so when you brake in reverse after braking going forwards the pads slightly move forwards?

I had the front suspension top mounts replaced under warranty which i suspected was the cause of the sound but it persisted after these were changed.

They didn't seem to think it was an issue so I've left it... I'd be interested if you find the exact issue with yours

[Jay_87]

Could be pads. I have noticed that mine are producing a large amount of dust and are not far off needing replacement. I'l try to be a bit keener on noting exactly when the noise is made.

[Jay_87]

After a little bit of moving backwards and forwards on the drive/outside my house (my neighbors now think im a proper weirdo) I think it is the brake pads moving slightly in the calipers. Probably nothing I can really do to stop it but they will need replacing soon anyway.

[Mikeeb]

Mine does exactly the same. Aftermarket pads fitted prior to my purchase. Poor tolerance I the pad backing plate so it moves.

[Phateuk]

That certainly ties up with what I was told - I take it there's no safety concerns with this?

[Jay_87]

Nothing that would really concern me. The pads are still held the carrier correctly just perhaps a slight bit smaller than the OE ones. I'l be replacing with a full set of Tarox hardware very soon anyway.

[Kev_Mk3]

mine does it for same reason e91. no issues for mot or handling its strange.