Noises problem
2004 BMW 325 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 46000 miles
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I went two days without driving my car. Before I got to driving it yesterday, everything was fine, but yesterday I began to notice a loud series of metallic sounding noises coming from the rear.

They happen when I drive over a minor dent in the road and they sound like someone dropped a dozen wrenches on the concrete. I checked under the car and there is nothing loose that may be hitting the pavement.

Car runs fine, steering is fine, braking is linear and the suspension seems ok.

What could be the problem?

There is a bulletin about the rear shock absorber.


Suspension - Rear Shock Absorber Rattling Noise

This Service Information bulletin supersedes Service Measure B33 200 04 dated June 2004.

Rear Shock Absorber Mount Rattling Noise



Rattling noise is heard coming from the rear of the vehicle when driving over rough roads or bumps.

Slight and limited motions between the rear shock absorber mount (support bearing/guide support) and the body.

Repair as follows

Add new washer gasket. An additional washer gasket has been installed since December 2003.

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the shock absorber mount self-locking nuts (M8, quantity 2).

2. Remove the washer gasket (paper) and install two new washer gaskets (part number 33 52 1 128 734).

3. Install (hand tight) new M8 self-locking nuts (part number 31 33 1 092 887).

4. Align the shock absorber with the hole in the body and ensure uniform gap.

5. Torque the M8 self-locking nuts to either 28 Nm (E46) or 24 Nm (E85).

6. Install new sealing plate (part number 33 52 6 751 403).

7. Refer to EPC Group 33 Rear Spring Strut Mounting Parts and Repair Instructions 33 52 000 for additional information.

It does seem like a shock mount issue, isn't this vehicle still under warranty?

Dr. Hagerty wrote:

It does seem like a shock mount issue, isn't this vehicle still under warranty?

Yes, it is still under warranty but I do like getting some information before I head down to my nearest BMW dealership for a rip off. They tend to spin tales sometimes and I like to be educated.

Any reason why it suddenly appeared?I tend to drive late at night so it's not like I wouldn't have heard it. All of a sudden it starts happening.

Thanks

All the more reason to let the warranty do it's thing.