E46 Rear end rattle

[Simon T]

Help, I have a 330ci Sport that has an alarming metalic rattle that is very loud with the window open. With the window closed I can hear a clocking from the rear right, it stops if you apply the foot brake gently. I have checked for loose wheels etc Anyone any ideas?

Simon

[F355GTS]

Could be a stone between the brake disc and guard, try reversing at a reasonable pace and slamming the brakes on, normally clears them

[Simon T]

Hi, thanks for the reply

I've had the disk of trying to find the problem so any stomes would have fallen out, I've looked for play in the bushes but either there is none or I can't find it. anyone know if dampers fail after 70k miles on these cars?

Simon

[F355GTS]

Simon

My E46 tourings upper damper bushes failed quite early on (around 40k miles), sounded metallic to metallic but it was more a continuous light rattle and wasn't cured by braking, might be worth a look though

[8Tech]

I hate to say this but it sounds like your rear subframe has ripped itself out of the floor of the car. Very common on the E46.
Look up where the subframe bolts through the floor of the car and I suspect you will see either severe cracking of the floor or the entire mount adrift.
I hope I am wrong but I suspect not.
Requires a major welding repair but I think BMW do a repair panel just for this occurrence.

8Tech. (With my 3Tech overalls on!)

[Top pup]

It could be the rear trailing arm bushes, if these go they can let the arm hit its carrier making a loud clunking noise. They're at the front of the trailing arm where it goes up into the sill.

[Simon T]

I put new rear disks and pads on - sound has gone although nothing was loose - weird... but thanks for the replies

Simon