Z4MR OSR "Clonking"

[Stealthyman]

I have a late 2006 Z4M Roadster. This weekend it has started to make an enormous "Clonking" noise directly behind my right ear on bumpy roads. My initial view is that it is the shock absorber top mount, the anti-roll bar bushes/mounting or a broken coil spring. Any ideas/suggestions? This morning I took the battery cover off to make sure that the battery was secured - & it was.

The car is booked into BMW next week anyway for a horrendously rattling dashboard (which you don't expect on a £45K car!) & I've just notified them of the suspension problem, so hopefully they will sort it out. But on past experience with 4 previous Z3/Z4's I don't have any confidence. Any ideas? I've been under the rear & cannot see any play (using a strong 3ft long jemmy).

The reason for the question is that the car will shortly be out of AUC warranty...

 

[mmm-five]

Rear springs are seemingly a common problem - although a relatively cheap fix.

 

[Stealthyman]

Rear springs are seemingly a common problem - although a relatively cheap fix.

B****Y Hell, That was quick! Thanks, but with what experience do you say that? I also had the car up on a jack at 0600 this morning & looked at the OSR spring, sprayed it with WD40 then put a blow-torch on it to see if there was a crack. I couldn't see any evidence. But that means nothing.

I know the car is under the BMW AUC warranty until 2010 but I don't trust the dealers so I would rather sort it to MY satisfaction (& safety). I have a horrible feeling that this is possibly an OSR driveshaft problem. I'll report back on 8 April (Car goes in on 6th).

On a general note, I am extremely happy with this Z4MR but not with the rattles & squeaks from a car of this value. My 2003 3.0SE Z4 served me faultlessly & quietly for 14 months. Luck of the draw?

 

[mmm-five]

Thanks, but with what experience do you say that? I also had the car up on a jack at 0600 this morning & looked at the OSR spring, sprayed it with WD40 then put a blow-torch on it to see if there was a crack. I couldn't see any evidence. But that means nothing.

I've not got experience of it myself, yet, but it seems plenty have - http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9219

 

[Stealthyman]

Thanks, but with what experience do you say that? I also had the car up on a jack at 0600 this morning & looked at the OSR spring, sprayed it with WD40 then put a blow-torch on it to see if there was a crack. I couldn't see any evidence. But that means nothing.

I've not got experience of it myself, yet, but it seems plenty have - http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9219

I'm certain it isn't the coil spring so I'll report back after the dealer dismantles it on 6th April. I think, in my experience with previous Z3/Z4's, that it will be the OSR top strut mount. Let's see.