E39 535i steering groan / rattle
Discussion
I've just noticed a *very* quiet rattle / groaning (more of a rattle / knocking) which is only apparent when turning left.
I've just replaced the plugs / filters and a few coil packs to get rid of a slight misfire under light load and was out checking that had gone, listening carefully with radio off, etc.
I've also noticed another very quiet general rattling from outside the car which I'm guessing is the wheel arch liners that I've seen mentioned. Not really bothered about this as you can't hear it with the radio on
The steering rack, if it's a sign of impending doom I'll be slightly worried, if it's normal I can relax and carry on bangernomicking.
I think the steering rack / box is different on the V8s? Is it known to be sensitive to fluid level? (I haven't checked the level yet, will do tomorrow lunchtime) Or other known problems?
I like the car, I'm tempted to throw a few quid at it and replace radiator / water pump / thermostat / rocker cover gaskets (weeping from nearside one), change auto box oil (yes I'm aware of the polarised opinions on doing this), but I only intended to keep it for 6 months as a stop gap until I can comfortably drive the Boxster again. OTOH it'd be nice to have something I'm not that worried about to use during winter until the useless council fix all the pot holes.
I've done a google search and I see that other series have known weak power steering pumps, but can't find anything specific to the E39 V8s.
I've just replaced the plugs / filters and a few coil packs to get rid of a slight misfire under light load and was out checking that had gone, listening carefully with radio off, etc.
I've also noticed another very quiet general rattling from outside the car which I'm guessing is the wheel arch liners that I've seen mentioned. Not really bothered about this as you can't hear it with the radio on
The steering rack, if it's a sign of impending doom I'll be slightly worried, if it's normal I can relax and carry on bangernomicking.I think the steering rack / box is different on the V8s? Is it known to be sensitive to fluid level? (I haven't checked the level yet, will do tomorrow lunchtime) Or other known problems?
I like the car, I'm tempted to throw a few quid at it and replace radiator / water pump / thermostat / rocker cover gaskets (weeping from nearside one), change auto box oil (yes I'm aware of the polarised opinions on doing this), but I only intended to keep it for 6 months as a stop gap until I can comfortably drive the Boxster again. OTOH it'd be nice to have something I'm not that worried about to use during winter until the useless council fix all the pot holes.
I've done a google search and I see that other series have known weak power steering pumps, but can't find anything specific to the E39 V8s.
fwaggie said:
I've just noticed a *very* quiet rattle / groaning (more of a rattle / knocking) which is only apparent when turning left.
Just might be a broken spring - they tend to fail in the first turn with both bits staying in contact with the platform.fwaggie said:
I've also noticed another very quiet general rattling from outside the car which I'm guessing is the wheel arch liners that I've seen mentioned.
Brake backing plates are another common culprit.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff