[Rich-]

I am new to the forum, and just purchased a 2010 335xi it has 50K miles, also has KW V1 coilovers with maybe 30k on them.
bots sides on the front are clunky, previous owner thinks the front shocks were on the way out, I have the stock suspension to put back on if I wish.
I haven't been under the car yet to have a look. but before I do I would like to get some tips on what to check. anything more common than another to have issues with?
it has sport pkg, did the AWD cars have the same sport suspension as the RWD cars?

I don't know much of anything about bmw's as I have crossed over from the VW world

any help is appreciated.

[Karman]

Bump I have the same issue from the passenger hopefully it's just sway bar end link

[SJ335i]

It's the end links. I had the same problem and I just kept adjusting them till it stopped

[EndOfAnEra]

Well to rule out ball joints or tie rods jack each side up on the front and shake the wheel. IF there is excessive play something is wrong.

[cdgatti]

High probability it is the end links especially since new front struts were added. I think it is common for the end link to strut connection to work itself loose especially on aftermarket installs. They are also hard to tighten without the whole unit spinning. I have found that if you snug them up with an impact gun, that will allow you get a wrench on one side and tighten without the whole thing spinning.

[Rich-]

Thanks guys. I'll have a look at them and hope for the best

[cdgatti]

Rich, you can't tell too much by just looking at them or even tugging on the end links. You will have to take the front wheels off and put a wrench on them. If the nut/bolt spins, then they may be loose enough to shift/slide under impacts causing the clunking. Use an impact gun to secure them and then tighten with a wrench after you get them to stop spinning.

[Rich-]

Thanks. Will do. Hopefully one of these first daysI'LL get a chance to get at it

[chris82]

Originally Posted by SJ335i

It's the end links. I had the same problem and I just kept adjusting them till it stopped

What do you mean, like you kept tightening them?

[MassBimmer]

I had the same issue and replaced the end links. Unfortunately it was a blown front strut

[Rich-]

well the drivers side front endlink is busted, the bolt that goes to the strut was sheared off and the endlink was flopping around, i will call the dealer tomorrow and see how ridiculous their prices are are there any pros or cons to aftermarket ones?
ECS sells a "Preformance heavy duty" one for half the price i don't know what would be performance or Heavy Duty about it. it looks like it might be steel, VS the OEM is aluminum that is twice as thick.

the pass side one was tight, but i could still hear clunking from what sounded like it was coming from both sides.. I don't know if having my endlink disconnected and flopping on the drivers side would cause a clunk on both sides of the car or not..

I could tell that it looks as if it has been broken for a good long while as the bolt had corroded and crusty where it was broken

[Rich-]

Originally Posted by SJ335i

It's the end links. I had the same problem and I just kept adjusting them till it stopped

what do you mean adjusting? they are either tight or loose.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by Rich-

what do you mean adjusting? they are either tight or loose.

Some have aftermarket adjustable end links.

[Karman]

I have changed almost everything , I have a question, when I was changing my top support guide today the strut wasn't coming out I got rough with it the middle arm (one coming straight horizontal from the car) popped out? Popped back in to original state...the thing is I'm still getting sound from that side. Changed support guides sway bar end links .. Rear control arm bushings could it be the strut is blown I'm on V1s. Please I need to settle this it's too annoying.

[E90joee]

wheel bearing?

[mlifxs]

Rich, one other suggestion: remove front sway bar and end links, completely. Car will be driveable, just not as fun. If sound is still there, it's not your end links.

Regarding new end links, I recently bought Meyle HD end links and they seem to work well.

[Rich-]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Rich, one other suggestion: remove front sway bar and end links, completely. Car will be driveable, just not as fun. If sound is still there, it's not your end links.

Regarding new end links, I recently bought Meyle HD end links and they seem to work well.

I have already removed the drivers side as the top bolt was broken and it was just flopping round. the noise is still there I will hopefully get the new endlinks early this week and see how much of the noise disappears.

I have a strong feeling that it will remain, then the search will continue, both sides of my V1's looked to be slightly leaking but it still seems to handle fairly nice ( not like a worn out shock) I do think the V1's will be replaced, but I just need to find out what with,????

[Karman]

No wheel bearing would be more vibration than clunk I'm going to try new lower control arms

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Rich, one other suggestion: remove front sway bar and end links, completely. Car will be driveable, just not as fun. If sound is still there, it's not your end links.

Regarding new end links, I recently bought Meyle HD end links and they seem to work well.

+1 get the meyle HD links about $26 each from fcp euro and install yourself.

[Denny347]

Originally Posted by Karman

No wheel bearing would be more vibration than clunk I'm going to try new lower control arms

Let us know if it works. I replaced my struts, upper control arms and end links and I'm still getting clunks like something is loose. I likely need to replace the lower control arm.

[Karman]

How many miles you have stock suspension? Ill be getting them installed tomorrow .

[vwetish]

Originally Posted by Denny347

Let us know if it works. I replaced my struts, upper control arms and end links and I'm still getting clunks like something is loose. I likely need to replace the lower control arm.

How about the strut mounts?