Strange rattle from (I think) rear right suspension.

M

mackie

Member
The car is a 2006 3.0si Coupe sport. I've only had it a few days but it's developed an annoying rattle. It sounds like metal on metal and it's audible from outside the car (I can hear in inside but if I drop the window it also quite clearly reverberates of surrounding walls). It only happens over short sharp bumps, there are no creaks or bangs going over stuff like speed bumps. It sounds like it's coming from behind my right shoulder. The fact it's so audible outside suggests it is some sort of suspension component, maybe the shock mounting or something. The car has style 108 split rim wheels, but I find it hard to believe the wheel could be that causing the noise.
To try and describe the noise better... the first time I heard it I thought it was because I rode over a metal man hole cover that was a bit loose, it's that sort of sound.
 
Broken spring ?? you wouldn't be the first
Worth getting it checked .Has it recently had an MOT ?
 
It's most likely a spring gone - very common problem unfortunately. Whip the wheel off and have a look, also search for 'springs' it he e85/e86 problems section... Think there is one for sale for an Si Sport in the for sale section - important you get the right one as the Sport set up rides 15mm lower. If it is the spring you might want to try and take it back to the dealer and see if they will replace it as you've only had it a couple of days...
 
Having done a bit of searching around it sure does sound like it could be a broken spring. It's got a dealer warranty so I'll give them a call tomorrow. I picked it up (with brand new MOT!) on Friday and only noticed this noise yesterday evening so I guess it must have gone in that time. I've done a decent amount of bumpy b-road driving over the weekend so I'd definitely have noticed it had it been a problem earlier. Rotten luck really but at least I know what the likely culprit is. Thanks guys :)
 
Surprised that the MOT din't at least pick up a crack... But with a warranty hopefully you'll be fine :thumbsup:
 
Just went out with a torch and had a look through the wheel. That sucker is very broken! I'll try and get a pic and post it up.
 
It can't quite get the angle with the camera but it's sheered at 45 degrees just above the bottom seat. I'm actually quite relieved as at least I know what it is and that it's a common problem. I'll make sure they get changed as a pair as 5 year old springs will have sagged a bit.
 
The supplying dealer is going to replace the springs for me. They are not a BMW dealer though (they mainly deal in used Porsches) so I just wanted to confirm that they have the right part number. It's a 2006 3.0si Coupe Sport. Is there a different spring for non-sport models or are they all the same? The part numbers I've found from a bit of searching are:

33536761925 or 33536761926

Any help appreciated.
 
Sport suspension springs are different - lower ride height, higher spring rate. Original OEM specs had different springs for anything that changed the weight of the car, such as engine, and even seats.
 
Got in touch with a BMW dealer and gave them my VIN and they gave me the PN 33536761925 so I guess that's the right one.
 
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