Serious Clunkage in the Steering(Sports Package)

[DawgBone]

I was messing around just yesterday, doing about 20MPH, and shook my wheel back and forth. And was pretty shocked by the clunking that was going on. I can't feel it in the wheel, nor can I really feel it in the truck itself. Mainly just alot of racket... I figure it's probably normal, and probably coming from the active steering. Just curious if anyone else has this and wether or not , I should make a stink of it at the Stealership. I honestly don't want them trying to hunt down the problem, replacing parts, if it's just the nature of the beast. In which I don't mind, as normal driving does not call for shaking the wheel back and forth.

I plan to bring it in soon, to see about getting the front windows tinted, as well as let them check out the driver's seat....It makes horrible noises during memory adjustments....

Any feedback is appreciated...

[Fastbuck]

I doubt if BMW do cluking by design. Take it in to the dealer and "demonstrate" it to them. I don't think it requires you make a stink about it though.

[DawgBone]

Originally Posted by Fastbuck

I doubt if BMW do cluking by design. Take it in to the dealer and "demonstrate" it to them. I don't think it requires you make a stink about it though.

Very true....I was kind of hoping that others would try it out and give me feedback...

I was a MB mech for 8 years...It's been awhile...and I'm figuring the auto-leveling and adaptive steering to be beyond my scope. In other words..nothing seems loose from under a lift...
I've been anal about my M3, and I've seen what mechs and service reps will do to a car....BEFORE they figure out that it is "by design" and then later to find out that it was actually a SA from BMW.....

If you think BMW doesn't design clunk....try out a e46 M3 6spd....It takes some time to learn to clutch it, and NOT make it clunk(dual mass flywheel)...After that, you can then concentrate on the diff(side to side axle) clunk...

[x2x5]

Ive mentioned earlier on here, I had a similar noise and the air conditioning pump had sheared it bolts, I drove it for 1000 miles without realising - it was cold outside). The pump was lying on the under tray.

[DawgBone]

Originally Posted by x2x5

Ive mentioned earlier on here, I had a similar noise and the air conditioning pump had sheared it bolts, I drove it for 1000 miles without realising - it was cold outside). The pump was lying on the under tray.

Cool...I'll check the compressor....Although it's averaging about 92F here, and the A/C is ran constantly.

Definitely check it out though...

[DawgBone]

Dang...Nobody?
I guess I'll mention it to the service tech then...
Could be the issue from the 08 sport package recall I suppose.

[atl_lex77]

I had an '07 3.0si Sport with serious clunkage.. both when steering sharply like you and also when going over uneven terrain.. CLUNK! They replaced my end links, added some accumulator (I think), but it never really got better. I'm very sensitive (OCD anyone?) to things like this.

I now have an '08 4.8i Sport with the same clunkage. Oh, the joy of paying more for the same headache.

What's this about a recall?!?!?!? I haven't seen anything yet. Mine was built in March of this year I think.

Also, does anyone have a list of TSB (technical service bulletins) from October of last year til now?

Originally Posted by DawgBone

Dang...Nobody?
I guess I'll mention it to the service tech then...
Could be the issue from the 08 sport package recall I suppose.

[edlee]

I have the same problem with my X5 which is a 4.8 built Oct 2007. Swinging steering left and right and left and the horrible sound can be heard. Sometimes even on straight roads, the tyres emit very strange noises as if they are out of alignment. Noise also very obvious when I drive upslope and do sudden left or right turns.

Sent car to the dealer and initially they thought the ball joints were the cause but even after tightening, it did not help. They have narrowed it down to the steering gear, whatever that may be. Parts just arrived and they are arranging a loaner for me before recalling my X5. Will keep you posted if and when they finally cure the car.

[DawgBone]

Thanks for the feedback.

It sounds about right. Although I haven't noticed it on uneven surfaces....yet. I've had the truck on my buddy's lift, and there is no visible slack anywhere. So the steering gear would probably be a likely culprit. I would almost assume that it may just be the nature of the beast, but if it's clunking under normal driving (i.e.not throwing the wheel side to side) then there has to be something wrong. Please keep us posted.

The recall I was referring to is here...although I doubt it has anything to do with the clunk.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...t=sport+recall

[mrbmwx5]

double joint in the steering