Front left suspension noise problem-active steering - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

Mav74 · 07-02-2012, 05:26 AM

Hello,

I am experiencing a noise (toc-toc) on the front left suspension while turning to the right on bumpy roads. BMW mechanic informed me that this is a “characteristic” of the variable sport steering mechanism due to the cogwheel clearances......

It happens only curving to the right on bumpy roads.....

Any impressions/solutions?

fotios335i · 07-02-2012, 07:59 AM

I've felt that before. I thought it was the front left shock. I remember thinking to myself all the adjustable electronic suspension stuff will have its issues.

Mav74 · 07-02-2012, 08:07 AM

Unfortunately it is the variable sport steering mechanism..nothing to do with shocks..

fotios335i · 07-02-2012, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mav74

Unfortunately it is the variable sport steering mechanism..nothing to do with shocks..

Annoying. Thanks for the info. I think mine has gotten a little worse with oem 20's.

Pip Lee · 08-11-2012, 11:35 AM

I have the same problem. Front right suspension as mine is a right hand drive version. BMW verified problem and appointment has been made to get it fixed. Apparently also happened with the Z4 driven by a friend which BMW managed to fix.

Pip Lee · 08-14-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pip Lee

I have the same problem. Front right suspension as mine is a right hand drive version. BMW verified problem and appointment has been made to get it fixed. Apparently also happened with the Z4 driven by a friend which BMW managed to fix.

I sent car in at BMW today. They said 2 other 335 have the same problem. They can't fix it. They said problem has been reported to Germany and they are waiting for advice on the issue. Just have to wait I guess.

tmehanna · 08-15-2012, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pip Lee

I sent car in at BMW today. They said 2 other 335 have the same problem. They can't fix it. They said problem has been reported to Germany and they are waiting for advice on the issue. Just have to wait I guess.

For what it's worth I believe I have the same issue too. Feb production 335i with variable sport steering. Not sure if the noise is coming from suspension or steering but it sounds like something is loose down there, front left side. I can only hear it over very sharp bumps, or railroad crossings.

rosscartlidge · 09-15-2012, 11:46 PM

I have a Right Hand Drive F30 328i March 1st, 2012 production with variable sport steering and I have this problem too. A knocking noise from the from right front suspension especially when turning left over rough roads (Sydney streets :-) )
I will report it to to the dealer and see what they say...

atomicS · 10-26-2012, 03:48 AM

I have a right hand drive 335 with VSS & active suspension. Lots of sounds over uneven roads. I also have the clunk in the steering. Problem reported to BMW and awaiting their response.

VictorGzz67 · 10-31-2012, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmehanna

For what it's worth I believe I have the same issue too. Feb production 335i with variable sport steering. Not sure if the noise is coming from suspension or steering but it sounds like something is loose down there, front left side. I can only hear it over very sharp bumps, or railroad crossings.

Also here on very sharp bumps ''a lot in my city

'' F30 335i 2013.

Will drive it soon with the BMW service manager.

Number · 10-31-2012, 11:35 PM

I have the same issue! Driver's side front makes a "tock tock" sound that you can feel. Sounds/feels like something is loose in the shock.

RPM90 · 11-01-2012, 04:11 PM

In my 335i Msport, my steering has developed a light "thunk" when turning left.
I feel it every time in parking lots as I turn the wheel left.
The thunk is in the same spot. Start with hands in normal 10 and 2 position, as I turn left when my right hand gets to around the 10 o'clock position, I feel the thunk.

There is also a thunk when doing the same to the right, but it's still very light and is not there most of the time.
This issue wasn't there when new, and has recently developed after 1800 miles on my 335i.

What I do have from day one, is the "thunk" sound made when my engine is off and I turn the steering wheel lightly left to right. As I do that there is a distinct "thunk/clunk" sound and feel. I reported it to service and they looked at it, and of course they said it was "normal" nothing to worry about.
Since it only happened when the engine is turned off I decided not to push the issue.
I knew something would progress though, and it has.
I'm setting up a service visit for next week.
A "thunk" felt in the steering wheel is NOT normal no matter how they want to say or present it. IT doesn't feel normal at all. It feels like something is broken and a BMW simply shouldn't have steering that feels like this.

Seems the F30 has some little issues with the new steering and suspension setup/parts.
I'm fine with it, as long as BMW fixes it. I just don't want to be told, "It's NORMAL" and then nothing gets done.

Pip Lee · 11-12-2012, 12:06 PM

I had that "thunk" sound when I put car into reverse and brake. Turned out the "thunk" was probably due to suspension mounting not tightened to specified torque. Agent fixed it, no visible damage.

Number · 11-12-2012, 02:22 PM

Anyone find a resolution to the steering tock tock sound/feel?

VictorGzz67 · 11-13-2012, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tremolo

Anyone find a resolution to the steering tock tock sound/feel?

Not yet. Was waiting to test my wife's f30 328 and this one has not the problem.

Went to BMW's service manager and he told me that I have to leave the car with the, for 3 day in order to take pictures, video and fill some kind of paperwork with information on those 3 days (They said that BMW Germany request this) .

I will find the days of when I can survive without my car.

I will post as soon as I have mor info.

Victor
Monterrey, N.L., Mexico.

P.D. I apologize if I do not explain my self as I wish because of my bad english : )

Number · 11-14-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VictorGzz67

Not yet. Was waiting to test my wife's f30 328 and this one has not the problem.

Went to BMW's service manager and he told me that I have to leave the car with the, for 3 day in order to take pictures, video and fill some kind of paperwork with information on those 3 days (They said that BMW Germany request this) .

I will find the days of when I can survive without my car.

I will post as soon as I have mor info.

Victor
Monterrey, N.L., Mexico.

P.D. I apologize if I do not explain my self as I wish because of my bad english : )

Thanks Victor. Keep us posted.

digitallust · 11-25-2012, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosscartlidge

I have a Right Hand Drive F30 328i March 1st, 2012 production with variable sport steering and I have this problem too. A knocking noise from the from right front suspension especially when turning left over rough roads (Sydney streets :-) )
I will report it to to the dealer and see what they say...

Hi mate, how did you go with your issue? I have the same issue on my F30 320d Sport with no VSS.. mines due to go in to be looked at in a couple of weeks.
Cheers,

shahramghs · 11-27-2012, 02:48 AM

I had this issue on my E90 too. This has to do with BMW front suspension mechanism.

digitallust · 11-27-2012, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahramghs

I had this issue on my E90 too. This has to do with BMW front suspension mechanism.

Did they end up fixing it? obviously it is fixable if some F30's have the issues, but most dont?!

shahramghs · 11-27-2012, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitallust

Did they end up fixing it? obviously it is fixable if some F30's have the issues, but most dont?!

Nope I got an f30 :-) .... Its minimal on f30 but as car wears it can get worse...

digitallust · 11-27-2012, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahramghs

Nope I got an f30 :-) .... Its minimal on f30 but as car wears it can get worse...

Considering its an all new car from the ground up, i would of though the likely hood of it being a carry over rare and the fact that if it affects only some F30's then it would have to be fixable

shahramghs · 11-27-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitallust

Considering its an all new car from the ground up, i would of though the likely hood of it being a carry over rare and the fact that if it affects only some F30's then it would have to be fixable

I dont see it as fixable, bu I stay away from the dealer as much as possible. This kinda of issue is a bit subjective. Other tell me i'm very picky and I sense every little issues and noises

. It may be that the issue others are referring to are more noticeable than mine, or may be more serious.

07-02-2012, 05:26 AM	#1
Mav74 Registered Drives: 328i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rome Posts: 4 iTrader: (0)	Front left suspension noise problem-active steering Hello, I am experiencing a noise (toc-toc) on the front left suspension while turning to the right on bumpy roads. BMW mechanic informed me that this is a “characteristic” of the variable sport steering mechanism due to the cogwheel clearances...... It happens only curving to the right on bumpy roads..... Any impressions/solutions?
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07-02-2012, 07:59 AM	#2
fotios335i Major General Drives: 12 BSM F30 sportline 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: cape cod MA Posts: 6,370 iTrader: (61)	I've felt that before. I thought it was the front left shock. I remember thinking to myself all the adjustable electronic suspension stuff will have its issues. __________________ 2012 335i sportline/Msport, M adaptive and vss, sport 8 AT, fully loaded, Black saphire, black dakota leather, M performance front grills, M performance shifter, M performance rear spoiler, M performance power kit, M performance exhaust, 19" 401's, morr vs8.2's coming someday..., front aero lip & more coming....

11-27-2012, 02:48 AM	#18
shahramghs The Mechanic Drives: 2013 F30, 335 MSport, EB Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 97 iTrader: (0)	I had this issue on my E90 too. This has to do with BMW front suspension mechanism. __________________ Drive Fast Not Furious

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07-02-2012, 08:07 AM	#3
Mav74 Registered Drives: 328i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rome Posts: 4 iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately it is the variable sport steering mechanism..nothing to do with shocks..

08-11-2012, 11:35 AM	#5
Pip Lee New Member Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Asia Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem. Front right suspension as mine is a right hand drive version. BMW verified problem and appointment has been made to get it fixed. Apparently also happened with the Z4 driven by a friend which BMW managed to fix.

09-15-2012, 11:46 PM	#8
rosscartlidge Registered Drives: F30 328i manual Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 3 iTrader: (0)	I have a Right Hand Drive F30 328i March 1st, 2012 production with variable sport steering and I have this problem too. A knocking noise from the from right front suspension especially when turning left over rough roads (Sydney streets :-) ) I will report it to to the dealer and see what they say...

10-26-2012, 03:48 AM	#9
atomicS New Member Drives: 2012 335i F30 Sport SMB Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Singapore Posts: 18 iTrader: (0)	I have a right hand drive 335 with VSS & active suspension. Lots of sounds over uneven roads. I also have the clunk in the steering. Problem reported to BMW and awaiting their response.

10-31-2012, 11:35 PM	#11
Number ✚ Drives: ✚ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: ✚ ✚ Posts: 982 iTrader: (1)	I have the same issue! Driver's side front makes a "tock tock" sound that you can feel. Sounds/feels like something is loose in the shock.

11-01-2012, 04:11 PM	#12
RPM90 Major General Drives: 335i Msport w/sport AT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,666 iTrader: (1)	In my 335i Msport, my steering has developed a light "thunk" when turning left. I feel it every time in parking lots as I turn the wheel left. The thunk is in the same spot. Start with hands in normal 10 and 2 position, as I turn left when my right hand gets to around the 10 o'clock position, I feel the thunk. There is also a thunk when doing the same to the right, but it's still very light and is not there most of the time. This issue wasn't there when new, and has recently developed after 1800 miles on my 335i. What I do have from day one, is the "thunk" sound made when my engine is off and I turn the steering wheel lightly left to right. As I do that there is a distinct "thunk/clunk" sound and feel. I reported it to service and they looked at it, and of course they said it was "normal" nothing to worry about. Since it only happened when the engine is turned off I decided not to push the issue. I knew something would progress though, and it has. I'm setting up a service visit for next week. A "thunk" felt in the steering wheel is NOT normal no matter how they want to say or present it. IT doesn't feel normal at all. It feels like something is broken and a BMW simply shouldn't have steering that feels like this. Seems the F30 has some little issues with the new steering and suspension setup/parts. I'm fine with it, as long as BMW fixes it. I just don't want to be told, "It's NORMAL" and then nothing gets done.

11-12-2012, 12:06 PM	#13
Pip Lee New Member Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Asia Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	I had that "thunk" sound when I put car into reverse and brake. Turned out the "thunk" was probably due to suspension mounting not tightened to specified torque. Agent fixed it, no visible damage.

11-12-2012, 02:22 PM	#14
Number ✚ Drives: ✚ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: ✚ ✚ Posts: 982 iTrader: (1)	Anyone find a resolution to the steering tock tock sound/feel?