Creaking Noise When Car is Warm going slow

J

JackS

New member
Hi, I have a Z4 M40i and recently I have started to notice a creaking /knocking noise from behind the dash or from front of car when going slow. It only happens when the car has been driven for a few hours on motorway or if maybe I have done 1 hour driving hard on in Sports+ (So looks like something expanding only when the car is warm). Any ideas what is could be? Thanks

Video: https://imgur.com/a/MzxTH00
 
It sounds like a heat-related expansion issue, likely from dashboard trim, suspension components, or the steering system. If the noise appears after long drives or hard driving, it could be interior trim shifting, worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, or even slight movement in the steering column or rack. Heat shields near the firewall or exhaust could also be expanding and causing the sound. Try gently pressing on different areas of the dash, switching to Comfort mode, or checking for play in suspension joints after a drive. If the noise worsens or becomes more consistent, it may be worth having a shop inspect it 😊
 
I had a clonking noise from the front at low speed which was eventually diagnosed as the steering rack. One way to check is following a drive turn the engine off, stand outside the car with the door open and wiggle the steering wheel. If it’s the rack you should be able to replicate the noise.
 
Had exact same symptoms in my M40i – creaking only after spirited driving or long highway runs. For me it was the upper steering column joint – it would start binding slightly when hot. Grease + a small alignment tweak fixed it.

Also check firewall heat shields or trim under cowl – when hot they can knock like it’s inside the cabin. 😊
 
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