e36 328i Convertible clonking noise

[andrewjgriff]

Hi,
I've got a 1999 e36 328i convertible with 82k on the clock. Last week when I was driving in slow-moving traffic there was a loud clonk from the back of the car. The road surface was normal with no pot holes and I hadn't driven over anything.
Since then, every time I go over a bump there's quite a loud a noise from the back of the car that sounds a bit like metal clonking on metal. Other than that it drives normally. I've checked that there's nothing rattling around in the boot or anywhere else in the car, but so far have been unable to find anything that could be causing the noise. I've tried to replicate it on the driveway by bouncing each corner of the car, but without success. The exhaust is secure and there's nothing obviously loose underneath the car.
Does anyone have any idea what this might be? I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks

[anonymous-user]

I have one of these cars and I understand it is possible for the rear springs to break ?

[andrewjgriff]

Thanks Cliffords. Any idea how I'd check if the spring has snapped? As I said, the car seems to be driving OK.
Cheers

[2thumbs]

Mine is doing the same. I believe it is the rear damper top mounts. They are an easy fix & can be bought for around £15 each from a motor factors. I am going to change the dampers too on mine as they have more than likely had it.

[anonymous-user]

If it is broken I believe you can feel it by running your hand up the spring.

[andrewjgriff]

Thanks chaps. I'll have to have a look and see if this is the problem.
Andy

[magicrichard]

Once you've checked the springs and confirmed the top mounts are ok, your next port of call should be the rear trailing arm bushes.

These went on mine with similar symptoms to you. Not too tough as a DIY job, but I got a local indy to do mine for about £120.

Edited by magicrichard on Thursday 13th January 10:44

[andrewjgriff]

Took the wheels off today. One of the rear springs has snapped so it'll be off to my local specialist for repair.