1993 BMW 740 93 BWM 740 iL - Clunking sound from rear suspe

Tiny
ERIC_J_OLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BMW 740
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 198,000 MILES
My 93 740iL has developed a hard ride and a "clunking" sound in the rear suspension. The noise only occurs when going over larger bumps. (Potholes, manhole covers etc.) Are there shocks that could need replacement. It seems to drive just fine and the tires are wearing normally. I had it aligned about 18 months ago. I also had it in the shop having the upper control arms up front rebuilt and the mechanic did not seem to find anything wrong in the rear. Thanks for the advice.
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 10:13 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
Is it the self leveling type of rear suspension? It could be the shocks are the culprit here. Could you please respond with the VIN, thanks.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
ERIC_J_OLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I think it has self leveling as I was told all iL's from this era had them. The VIN is WBAGD8322PDE86666. Thanks for the help.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
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Thanks for the repost! There are two nitrogen charged spheres that act as dampening devices and it is likely they have failed and will require replacement. My computer is being repaired as we speak and I will repost the part # for you as soon as possible. Realoem. Com is a good place to look for them, they will be with the rear suspension in the 34 section.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
ERIC_J_OLSON
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  • 6 POSTS
Thanks so much. I have heard them called "bombs" before. Can't wait to pick them up and get this car riding back to normal.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
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That is correct and I would have called them "bombs" in my response but I didn't want to use a non-technical term without having some relatedness to or with you! I hope you can understand.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
ERIC_J_OLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Of course I understand your not using the non technical terms. I wanted to be sure I understood what your were talking about as I am a big time novice. Looking forward to your reply.

Love your cat picture - looks just like a cat my wife and I adopted when we were first married.
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
We love our little gray cat! I had said the 34 and the part # is 37-21-1-132-043, sorry about the mistake! The retail price shows $186.48 each and John @ Autobahn dismantling, phone (619)444-2290 can ship them to you, I called him and he is ready to ship them to you at your leisure my friend.
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 AT 11:46 AM

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