Oh oh - spring gone?

Z

Z4 Beemer

Senior member
 Glasgow
Driving into the train station carpark this morning, there was a huge metallic clatter sound. Wasn't sure what it was at first, but reversing back into a space, I could hear a sort of grinding noise (something rubbing). Didn't have time to properly investigate but will see what things are like tonight after work. I'm thinking that one of the springs has gone? :? :x Not sure whether to try and get the car home or phone BMW emergency services first.
 
Can't believe they haven't sorted this out on the new car! :x Ridiculous. If you're hearing rubbing when driving in a straight line then don't try to drive it home, you'll only make it worse.
 
:o

How many miles have you covered?

I think the onset of the cold weather wil mean a few more springs going over the upcoming months.

But i agree with Chris.... when did the E85 first come out- 2003? so 7 years later ths is still happening? :x
 
I wonder, has anyone swapped out the stock springs in the new zed's yet? I am weighing up whether to swap the car or the springs the next time mine goes.
 
Z4 Beemer, sorry to hear that, on my last Z when the spring went it just used to make a rattling noise!
 
That'll be Glasgow roads for ya... :(

Truely shocking condition and part of the reason I'm happy on my 16's with extra rubber this winter. I drove quite a few hundred miles with snapped springs (as I guess a lot of folk do if they're unaware they're broken) but if you've got something grinding/rubbing I'd be calling BMW assist for sure.
 
Doesn't sound like a spring to me unless it has broken off such a large chunk that it's free to move and interfere with a moving part.

Springs tend to break off the last pert coil and so oft go unnoticed for a long time.

Best call BMW assist if you're covered. You could try telling them where the car is and go look while you're at work or schedule for when you expect to be at the car
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. :thumbsup:

When a spring broke on my old E85, it seemed to snap right in the middle, and the top part was just resting, almost linked together with the bottom part. I'll maybe give emergency services a phone this afternoon. Definitely a grinding noise when reversing back though. :?
 
I've heard a clunk sound when slowly reversing on lock, although one wheel went over a low curb so may of just unsettled the springs.

Let us know how you get on! Might get mine checked. :?
 
Breaker said:
I've heard a clunk sound when slowly reversing on lock, although one wheel went over a low curb so may of just unsettled the springs.

Let us know how you get on! Might get mine checked. :?
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It's probably all that speeding :poke: :wink:
 
cj10jeeper said:
Best call BMW assist if you're covered. You could try telling them where the car is and go look while you're at work or schedule for when you expect to be at the car
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Good thinking, and just off the phone to them.

However... you can't book in advance and you need to be at the car when you are phoning. :( She suggested there could be a stone or pebble stuck between the brake pad and disc. :headbang:
 
Kryton said:
Breaker said:
I've heard a clunk sound when slowly reversing on lock, although one wheel went over a low curb so may of just unsettled the springs.

Let us know how you get on! Might get mine checked. :?
Click to expand...

It's probably all that speeding :poke: :wink:
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Enthusiastic driving please!! :P

I think it's been design to take a bit more than I give it! :wink:
 
Z4 Beemer said:
cj10jeeper said:
Best call BMW assist if you're covered. You could try telling them where the car is and go look while you're at work or schedule for when you expect to be at the car
Click to expand...

Good thinking, and just off the phone to them.

However... you can't book in advance and you need to be at the car when you are phoning. :( She suggested there could be a stone or pebble stuck between the brake pad and disc. :headbang:
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That was 2.30 you posted that. Perhaps you *may* be at your car when you call them at 4pm for your, e.g. 5pm finish... :D
 
a11y said:
That was 2.30 you posted that. Perhaps you *may* be at your car when you call them at 4pm for your, e.g. 5pm finish...
:D
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I like your thinking! :D

Ok, update.

Gave the car a good look over in the carpark and all springs were fine. Really difficult to properly see past the 19"rims but all looked ok with nothing obviously broken. Tried moving the car forwards and backwards and felt fine. The brakes felt fine also and no noises at all. Decided to drive home carefully and everything felt fine. Looked again around all 4 wheels and moved the car backwards and forwards on the driveway. I'm really puzzled what this might have been. :?

aquazi, it has done 5726 miles (18 months old). :oops:
 
I think it was small debris between disc and pad causing the noise. After the disc and pad cooled down, the gap between them expanded and debris then came out.
 
Check your splash guards front and back in the wheel arches.

My new iS had no nuts holding any off them on and one fell into the wheel arch after 50 miles :x
 
Glad it's not a spring and just as I suggested.

Could be a stone as suggested, or a twig flipped up, you heard it crack and then rub on something. Just feel around all the wheels and tyres for anything and you'll likley find nothing and never hear it again
 
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