[kamek]

After driving through heavy snow a few weeks back, my front suspension developed a bad creaking noise whenever I hit bumps in the ground or go over speed bumps. The noise only comes upon impact on the suspension, and it sounds as if the front or middle of the car is scraping against the floor.

This initially happened last year after driving through a day of heavy snow. I took it to the dealer and they couldn't recreate the problem, so they didn't investigate further or work on it. The sound eventually went away months after, but is now back after driving through another few days of snow. The creaking/scratching is now much worse than when it first happened last year. I almost feel like as if an impact is causing the suspension to stick, which is causing my car to scrape against the floor.

Can anyone help? Any similar problems? Thanks in advance.

[alextremo]

I had what sounds like the same thing happen last year, and just again recently. Explanation I got was that there was ice in the suspension.

[mithiral67]

I started having a similar problem a couple weeks ago after the temp dropped regulary below freezing.

It only occurs in the front going slow 10-15mph over a speed bump. Just sounds like crunching. (no, i am not bottoming out)

I was actually doing a search on this when I came across your post.

I have found a couple post that make it sound like ice, salt and dirt may be up on the brushing cause the noise that will go away with warmer weather.

Anyone else out there have experience with this that can help?

[deletedelete]

My xi made sounds with the stock suspension and coilovers. Its just due to the weather. If it still makes sounds when it warms up then go to the dealer. These cars make tons of noise in the cold.

[danniexi]

thanks for the comments guys. i've been having the same problem going over dips in the road. havent really noticed it recently but i'll update the status when i hear it again. im due for service soon so i might bring this up at the dealer.

[kamek]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I'm not sure it could be ice because I garage my car at night and everything melts, but it's probable that ice could be one reason. I'll assume it's everything else listed above for my case -- the dirt, salt, and cold.

My service is due within the next 3000 miles, which should hit in about 3 months time, so I'll just bring it up then if the sound is still around.

[D.B.S]

LOL, I thought I was the only one... But coming across this post, makes me feel less like just 1... Guess it's just something we have to get used to during the winter months...

[JaysBlueE92]

hmm this may be responsible for some of my noise?? thanks for posting

[BKV122]

i have the same problem when pulling into work with the speed bump I hear the creak every time, sounds like it comes from the left front. Possibile it might be a bushing hardened due to the weather, idk thats just my assumption

[Nikolas]

I drive in the snow all the time and no creaking here.

[assclown]

I had this happen yesterday on a speed bump in my work parking lot. Going about 10-20 km/h and the scariest creak I've ever heard from my 2010 MY.

Didn't happen again... yet.

[RBBMWE46M3]

as soon as it gets cold around here i expect to hear all kinds of creaking and crunching sounds. normal....for a BMW

[Kylekuu]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

I drive in the snow all the time and no creaking here.

+1, no creaking at all, lowest temp i've been in this winter is like 3 degrees.

[kamek]

Originally Posted by BKV122

hear the creak every time, sounds like it comes from the left front.

+1

I hear it from my left front, but I think it's starting to happen with the right front now

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by Kylekuu

+1, no creaking at all, lowest temp i've been in this winter is like 3 degrees.

We have had about 10 feet of snow so far and one week it was -17 F every morning. Still no creaking for the 3rd winter. It must be something else.

[danchee]

This happened to me 3 days after getting the car in September. Still warm out. Usually happens when going over speed bumps. Drive slowly over the top of the bump and roll over like every other car. When the front suspension dips a little to take up the dip is when I hear the creak. It sounds like the plastic fenders moving around. Of course the dealer couldn't figure out what the sound was and it's "normal".

[BigPum]

Had the same thing with both my 335xi and 328xi. Both times it was debris that found it's way into the bushing area at the top of the suspension. The dealership cleaned it out and both cars have been quiet since. I usually try to hit a car wash or blast some water up in the wheel wells when it's warmer out to free up the crap that gets in there, especially after a good snowfall. Hope this helps you out.

[crimsonlizard]

+1

Just got my 06 330xi. Exactly the same problem here. Colder than Hades in South Dakota. Hoping it will go away in July, when it finally warms up.