Woes of the 540i - United Bimmer Community

**dinan540** · 10-16-2006, 04:59 PM

So, my car was diagnosed with the need for new upper control arms. My car made a "clunking" noise when I turned the wheel. I bought new control arms and bushings and replaced them last week. Everything went as well as it could. My car is still making the clunking noise. I did not torque the bolts while weight was on the suspension. Do you think this could be the problem or am I staring at another suspension component?

Problemo #2: I just discovered an oil leak on my garage floor. Considering I have never chased a leak before, I could use some suggestions where to start. Thanks for any suggestions.

Paul

**c1apton** · 10-16-2006, 06:01 PM

"D", how many miles on her? Clunking could also be upper strut bearings or sway bar bushings & supports.
Re: oil leak - wipe down oil pan for starters and externals of engine then just keep an eye on it. Before you panic, one or two drops of oil can spread and look alot worse than it really is. Did you recently change your oil? Oil drain plug crush washers once in awhile get doubled up and you'll get a few drops off them.

**dinan540** · 10-17-2006, 12:02 AM

I replaced the sway bars with M5 sways. I bought new bushings and brackets but not end links. I just changed the oil 3 weeks ago. Somebody suggested the power steering fluid.

I will get under the car tomorrow night.

My car only has 62K miles on her, but the 540i and M5 go through suspension parts at about 50K. It is a bummer because the parts are expensive. I posted this problem on other forums and heard also that the struts could be the problem. Where are the strut bearings?

**c1apton** · 10-17-2006, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinan540

I replaced the sway bars with M5 sways. I bought new bushings and brackets but not end links. I just changed the oil 3 weeks ago. Somebody suggested the power steering fluid.

My car only has 62K miles on her, but the 540i and M5 go through suspension parts at about 50K. It is a bummer because the parts are expensive. I posted this problem on other forums and heard also that the struts could be the problem. Where are the strut bearings?

Yea I know how hard they are on bushings - the end links are my guess. The only real way of telling is by un-doing one end and see if they turn real easy. The only way you'll know if the strut bearings are bad is by pulling the struts. The strut bearings are at the very top of your struts. (If you open your hood, those rubber circular pieces that show in the upper wheel wells w/3 bolts showing - house the bearings)

**Mercenary(FH)** · 10-17-2006, 09:35 PM

OMG my 325is makes the same noise when I turn the wheel, so when u find out PLZ tell me!

**dinan540** · 10-17-2006, 10:45 PM

The fluid is power steering fluid. Before I started working on my car, the stealership replaced the power steering pump and hoses. I will bring it back to have them check out the leak.

I retorqued the control arms loaded. I checked the lower control arms, they are fine. I checked the end links and they are fine. It seems to be coming from the sway bar. I am a bit miffed.

**dinan540** · 10-17-2006, 10:55 PM

do you think low power steering would cause the clunking?

**BMWLotAttendant** · 10-18-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinan540

The fluid is power steering fluid. Before I started working on my car, the stealership replaced the power steering pump and hoses. I will bring it back to have them check out the leak.

Yeah, I'd do that too. You aren't the only one. If you paid whatever you paid....probably a considerable amout. It will have waranty of 2 year...I think.

Bring your customer copy of your paper work (just in case). Otherwise, they have it on file.

I've seen tranmisions go on a 540 at 48K, just hope it isn't that.

**beem** · 10-18-2006, 11:26 PM

Man that sucks! I hope you get it worked out soon. My guess is some kind of linkage is bad. I had similar noises on the 525, and mysteriously never got them fixed or knew what they were! I didnt take it in though either.. they charge way too much!

**dinan540** · 10-19-2006, 08:38 AM

I am taking it in for the power steering issue that the dealership fixed. I will have them check out the clunking too since it will be there.

On a good note, I just got my SS brakelines, new front and rear rotors and some M5 calipers and rotors.

**Mercenary(FH)** · 10-19-2006, 10:29 AM

when U figure out what causes the clunking noise let me know

**dinan540** · 10-25-2006, 11:28 AM

It is the lower control arms. Confirmed by the dealer. I am searching online for the parts and I will order them. I let everyone know if that solves the issue.

**Mercenary(FH)** · 10-25-2006, 01:12 PM

sweet, let me know since I have same issue

**dinan540** · 10-25-2006, 02:54 PM

I just ordered the lower control arms, $150 each side. Last week, it cost me $260 for the upper control arms and new bushings and this week it will cost me an additional $300 for the lower. The power steering leak is occuring at all three lines. The dealership is warrantying 1 of the 3 hoses. It sure is costing me a lot to maintain this car.

**Mercenary(FH)** · 10-27-2006, 11:38 AM

tell me if that fixes the problem